MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- May 13
- 10 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2026
Previews: Rapunzel and Factory International's Artist Drop-in Rochdale
Reviews: Following her exciting debut last year, Sinead D’Abreu-Hayling was back for TLC and Daniel Shao and Mark Rogers Concert at St. Michael’s Church
Rapunzel at Heywood Civic
Preview by Steve Cooke
Golden-haired Rapunzel is trapped in her lofty tower by a wicked witch, who lops off the locks of her beautiful hair and sells them for a tidy profit. It’s time for Rapunzel to take charge of her own destiny and figure out a way to escape.
This bold and funny adaptation of the much-loved storybook by Bethan Woollvin, the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Little Red and I Can Catch a Monster, Bethan Woollvin is brought to the stage by award-winning family theatre company Wrongsemble (Three Little Vikings, The Not So Big Bad Wolf) in a brand-new theatrical adventure brimming full of music, magic and madcap schemes – and not a prince in sight!
Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFOOLE18FSc
For this show at Heywood Civic, they have three prices to choose from for the same seat:
£8.50: A standard price – fair pricing for the show you’re going to see
£7.50: A slightly lower price – for people who need it
£10: A slightly higher price – for those who want to help support their programme
You can select the right price for you at checkout: https://heywoodcivic.co.uk/event/rapunzel/
Saturday 16 May 2026
12:00pm and 3.00pm at LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
Accessible viewing platform, wheel chair and pram accessible.
Following her exciting debut last year, Sinead D’Abreu-Hayling was back for TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Following her exciting debut last year, Sinead D’Abreu-Hayling was invited back. The Manchester-based lyric soprano is completing her master’s at the RNCM and has recently performed with the Croatian Opera Academy and originated a role in the contemporary opera, Prayer of a Peacock.
A versatile performer, with a bubbling personality that owns the stage, Sinead appears regularly in concerts, including as soprano soloist in Gloria and appearances at Factory International and Whitworth Art Gallery. She is also preparing for a new community opera premier in 2026, as well as performing with Flat Pack Opera Company.
Accompanying her at just a few days’ notice due to illness was Cheltenham born Aaron Le Maistre who recently graduated first-class from the RNCM, studying piano under the renowned international pianist Kathryn Stott. He has performed numerous recitals and concertos and recently premiered his own composition, ‘The Manchester Concerto’, with RNCM colleagues.
As with Sinead’s broad tastes in song, Aaron has many strings to his bow… literally. He has been a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, principal viola of the CBSO Youth Orchestra, led both the Gloucestershire Youth and Gloucestershire Youth Chamber Orchestras, and now plays violin with the Jersey Symphony Orchestra. He is also currently MD of ‘Kevin! The Musical’, which heads to the Edinburgh Fringe in August. Fortunately, he found time to step in today and collaborate in a sensational impromptu duo with Sinead.
On a theme of love and romance, they began with three sophisticated German lieder by Richard Strauss. Then three song settings by black composers, Beside The Sea by Florence Price; a setting of Desdemona’s The Willow Song by Samuel Coleridge Taylor and Tis Sunset In The Garden William Grant Still. They met the great technical and emotional challenges of these works with aplomb and intelligence. Then came operatic excerpts from Mozart and the heart-rending O Mio Babbino Caro by Puccini. Three relaxed jazz standards Autumn Leaves, Moon River and Fly Me To The Moon allowed the audience to come down to earth gently.
There is a lot of controversy about ‘cross-over’ where performers mix styles – but here was simply great music of vastly different flavours, all well played and sung, bursting with promise for the musical future.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Daniel Shao and Mark Rogers Concert at St. Michael’s Church
Review by Shirley Mitchell
The positive reviews available for these musicians cannot describe the wonder of their musicality. The Rochdale Music Society’s audience on a Sunday afternoon were treated to a musical happening so rare, I can’t do them justice in this review.
From the opening of Debussy’s Syrink (1913) for solo flute, where the breathless magical melody finds its way out of the darkness through to a magical journey describing the Greek legend of Pan and the nymph where sadness, anxiety, and restlessness, combine with sensuality, hope and delicacy. This amazing beginning to the concert with the trills, grace notes, sudden changes in tempo, and the unbelievably fast scale passages held us in suspense. Daniel caught the feeling of spontaneity combined with strict tempo with enormous skill. The last dying note embodied the frozen stillness of a farewell.
By contrast, the Concertino; by Chaminade (1902) is a highly romantic, technical and melodic showpiece with a slow opening and a fast paced virtuosic section. It is a grand “show off” piece. Daniel and Mark managed its difficulties with little difficulty, and with great versatility. The Chopin Nocturne in C sharp minor for flute and piano, an unusual treatment but no less beautiful, was arranged by Manfred Stahnke (sometimes played by violin and accompanied by orchestra or piano) . Daniel caught the melancholic beauty of the melody and did great justice to the piece.
This was followed by a number of piano pieces from the Scenes from Childhood by Schumann. Mark Rogers showed his great sense of artistry and delicate nuances in these pieces. I have never heard them played more beautifully. Mark Rogers showed us the greatness of these miniatures, bringing out exquisite shades of expression and lifting these pieces to their rightful greatness. The end of the first half of the programme gave us the treat of hearing the well-known tunes from La Traviata by Verdi and arranged by Taballione. This was a joyful playing of these tunes with a warm Italian attitude.
The second half began with the Prelude à l’Après-midi d’un Faune by Debussy. Mark played the orchestral part with great skill allowing the flute to rise above the accompaniment. The opening flute solo described by players as extremely challenging, requiring immense musicality and control, other than just technical skill. Piano accompaniment as opposed to orchestral offers a veiled and distant colour that is uniquely intimate. Daniel and Mark master the very slow tempo and the breath control of the piece especially the opening phrase. Daniel managed to emulate the muted dreamy atmosphere of the original orchestral score. This is a masterpiece like no other.
The three movement Sonata by Poulenc (1956-57), regarded as a cornerstone of 20th century flute repertoire, a quintessential example of Poulenc’s mature style, is deeply expressive and melodic. The piano part is an active virtuosic partner to the flute and often provides the rhythmic energy. Here is a master class in mood swings. It demands high level technique and a refined musicality which, of course we had in Daniel and Mark. The Dance of the Blessed Spirits, Gluck’s opera Orfeo ed Euridice, depicts the peaceful atmosphere of Elysian Fields, a plaintive melody, well-loved by all.
The programme ended with the Grand Polonaise by Boshm. Boehm is the composer who developed the flute and clarinet into the instruments they are today. This is a virtuoso showcase for the flute; composed in response to the 19th century “Polonaise Craze” and these musicians were certainly equal to it. These are definitely musicians we will want to hear again and soon.
Factory International's Artist Drop-in Rochdale
Preview by Steve Cooke
Want to meet fellow artists in a relaxed, informal setting? Factory International are bringing their popular Artist Drop-in to Rochdale!
Come together with artists from across the city and share ideas over a cuppa. Get to know the Factory International Artist Development Team and the Breaking Barriers Team – including Parvez Qadir (Artistic Director), Jodie Ratcliffe (Executive Producer) and Ella Marshall (Creative Producer). They're here to answer your questions!
Plus, explore Richard Street Studios – an artist studio in the heart of Rochdale – and its new exhibition Desi United by Iqra Saied.
A Free / Pay What You Want event 18:00-20:00 on Thursday 21 May at Richard Street Studios, 44-46 Richard Street, Rochdale, OL11 1DU
Richard Street Studios is situated in the centre of Rochdale and offers a range of creative workspaces tailored to the needs of Rochdale’s growing art and creative business community.
The venue has step-free and wheelchair access throughout. Please contact the studio manager via email at studio@breakingbarriersrochdale.com for more information.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 13 May 2026
Icons on Ammo Boxes Reception Evening: Transforming War Materials into Sacred Art
You are warmly invited to an evening of reflection, beauty, and profound storytelling.
Icons on Ammo Boxes presents a remarkable collection of sacred artworks created on reclaimed ammunition boxes from the Ukrainian front line—each piece a striking fusion of devotion and defiance.
Set within the historic surroundings of St. Edmund’s Church, Falinge, this reception evening offers an intimate opportunity to experience these extraordinary works, accompanied by the voices of the acclaimed Svitoch Ukrainian Chamber Choir.
An unforgettable evening where art, history, and humanity meet.
Free / Pay What You Want
19:00
St. Edmund’s church , Clement Royds Street Falinge, Rochdale , Lancashire , OL150AP
Icons on Ammo Boxes Reception Evening: Transforming War Materials into Sacred Art
You are warmly invited to an evening of reflection, beauty, and profound storytelling.
Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Students from Chetham’s School of Music
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Thursday, 14 May 2026
Bookstart Baby and Bear Club - Balderstone Library
Every other Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session.
For babies and toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.
\ When you and your child come along to their first session of Bookstart Baby and Bear Club, they will receive their very own Bookstart passport for you to get stamped each time they come along to a session or visit the library. For every 6 stamps they get in their passport, they'll receive a certificate. Don't worry, if you or your child are not library members already, you can join when you come along to Bookstart Bear Club.
Booking required: please book a ticket for every baby and/or child who is to attend. Accompanying adults will not need a ticket. See available sessions and book tickets through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rochdale-borough-libraries-10695506106
Free
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Balderstone Library, Balderstone Park, Platting Lane, Rochdale OL11 2HD
Thursday, 14 May 2026
Visit Fireground Museum
Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester's firefighting story.
Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the new Fireground Café, and souvenirs from our fantastic new gift shop! We have a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.
Under 4s Free, Children (aged 4-15) £6, Seniors £6, Students £6, Adults £8, Family (4 people) £24.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Visit: https://www.fireground.org.uk/ Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Thursday, 14 May 2026
Reading group - Castleton Library and Community Centre
2nd Thursday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss different genres of books with other keen readers at our free, friendly and informal monthly meetings.
For adults.
Free no booking required you can just turn up
11am - 12pm
Castleton Library, 604 Manchester Road, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Saturday, 16 May 2026
Lego Club - Rochdale Central Library
Every other Saturday. Get creative with Lego and join our free club, suitable for all the family. There's Duplo available for younger siblings.
Free
For families with children aged 2 and over, and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday, 16 May 2026
Code Club - Rochdale Central Library
Every other Saturday. Come along and learn how to code at our Code Club.
The sessions will be fun and informal.
Free
No need to book you can just come along.
11am - 12pm
Location: Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday, 16 May 2026
Rapunzel
Golden-haired Rapunzel is trapped in her lofty tower by a wicked witch, who lops off the locks of her beautiful hair and sells them for a tidy profit. It’s time for Rapunzel to take charge of her own destiny and figure out a way to escape.
This bold and funny adaptation of the much-loved storybook by Bethan Woollvin, the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Little Red and I Can Catch a Monster, Bethan Woollvin is brought to the stage by award-winning family theatre company Wrongsemble (Three Little Vikings, The Not So Big Bad Wolf) in a brand-new theatrical adventure brimming full of music, magic and madcap schemes – and not a prince in sight!
For this show at Heywood Civic, we have three prices to choose from for the same seat:
£8.50: A standard price – fair pricing for the show you’re going to see
£7.50: A slightly lower price – for people who need it
£10: A slightly higher price – for those who want to help support our programme
You can select the right price for you at checkout: https://heywoodcivic.co.uk/event/rapunzel/
12pm & 3pm
Heywood civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
Accessible viewing platform / area
Wheel chair / pram accessible
Saturday, 16 May 2026
The West End Tenors
Leading men from London’s West End combine in a powerhouse of vocal talent. After selling out arenas across Europe, The West End Tenors embark on their first UK Tour, bringing their smash hit show directly to you!
The cast of The West End Tenors have starred in musicals such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia and Miss Saigon, as well as performing at Windsor Castle for the Royal Family, the BBC Proms and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Celebrating the greatest triumphs of musical theatre and film, their spine-tingling vocals are not to be missed, leaving audiences breathless from start to finish.
Price from £25.20: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/the-west-end-tenors/
19:30
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester, M24 1AG
Accessible viewing platform / area
Wheel chair / pram accessible
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