MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 2 minutes ago
- 8 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2026
Previews: An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at Hope Mill Theatre
Reviews: Private Lives at the Royal Exchange Theatre is a theatrical masterclass! Plus Double Win for Skylight Circus Arts
Private Lives at the Royal Exchange Theatre is a theatrical masterclass!
Review by Steve Cooke
Noel coward’s Private Lives premiered in 1930 with a plot that revolves around Elyot Chase and Amanda Prynne, a divorced couple who find themselves staying adjacently in France while on their respective honeymoons with new partners. Despite their tumultuous past filled with passionate arguments, they quickly realize that their volatile feelings for each other have not faded.
Coward's work is characterized by sharp edged wit and sophisticated dialogue, making Private Lives a timeless examination of the pretensions of upper-class society while highlighting the chaotic and often contradictory nature of what we would now call toxic relationships with characters' interactions marked by a blend of caustic humour and not very passive, aggression.
Private Lives highlights that we never know what goes on behind closed doors and that there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ relationship. In modern parlance - they can’t live with each other but can’t live without each other.
At the Royal Exchange, directed by Blanche McIntyre, the laughter far outweighs the sharp intakes of breath as Amanda [Jill Halfpenny] and Elyot [Steve John Shepherd] expertly deliver Coward’s lines with superb timing underlined and complemented by facial expressions that not only enhance the script but bring laughs on their own.
The supporting performances are just as strong with Daniel Millar’s Victor an effective mix of confidence and comic pomposity and Shazia Nicholls as Sibyl journeying from a witty and resilient partner to her collapse into hysteria. Both are sharply observed and very funny as evidenced by the almost continuous outbursts of laughter during press night.
Sara Lessore, as the exasperated French maid Louise, makes a strong impression in a brief role, stealing the scenes she appears in, highlighted by some expertly performed slapstick.
Dick Bird’s set design makes excellent use of the space, in the first half creating an impression of a sleek, art deco deck of a cruise liner encircled by chrome railings [hints of a fight cage?]. The stage revolves slowly with increasing speed mirroring the growing toxicit of the central relationship.
The minimal set in the first half is transposed to a detailed set for the second half in a Paris apartment offering up ample opportunity for destruction and chaos amidst Amanda and Elyot’s explosive relationship.
During the second half, the movement of the stage becomes more urgent, reinforcing the sense of emotional and psychological spiralling.
The brilliantly staged collapsing piano is especially effective, reflecting the shocking instability of Amanda and Elyot’s relationship.
The introduction of a thunderstorm, initially subtle and almost imperceptible, gradually builds into something more menacing, underscoring the violence beneath the surface. The audience at the Royal Exchange were previously relaxed and amused but now become less certain how to respond - tension that is crucial to making this play work so well
This production, part of the Royal Exchange Theatre’s 50th Anniversary season, is a theatrical masterclass that celebrates the razor sharp wit and observation of human relationships of one of Britain’s most successful theatrical geniuses ever.
if you fancy an evening of art deco glamour that collapses underneath ugly insults, explosive love attempting to live in harmony with deceit, raw emotion, and out of place pleasantries of English pomp and circumstance then this is certainly for you!
On until Tuesday 5 May 2026 at Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH
Standard tickets from £12
Double Win for Skylight Circus Arts
By Steve Cooke
It was a double win at Rochdale Culture Award 26 for the wonderful Skylight Circus Arts who collected the health and wellbeing award and the community award.
They provide circus workshops for all across the region, regardless of age, background or ability as well as live shows at events and festivals.
Through classes, school sessions and community work they create inclusive spaces where people can build confidence, connect with others and improve their wellbeing.
I am delighted that they been awarded an Arts Council Project Funding to bring their next circus show 'Flight' to life!
Flight is Skylight Circus Arts new circus and aerial performance that weaves together physical circus artistry with powerful storytelling, co-created with Spotlight, their young, passionate and creative performers.
“We started conversations around the show idea with Spotlight. last year. They shared their feelings about the world, how people matter, animals matter, our environment matters and how we find our belonging matters. We we’re particularly inspired by the movement of birds, migrating and overcoming barriers, the ever changing environment and the enormous journeys they face, we wanted to use this as inspiration to share stories with circus arts.”
“Birds travel huge distances, move together in flocks and follow invisible paths across the world. We are using this idea to explore human journeys, how people grow, change and search for where they belong.”
“The show will be created by all of us together. Through circus and aerial, movement, music and sound, we will explore different moments in that journey.”
Show Dates: Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April 2026
Venue: Skylight Circus Arts, St Chad’s Fold, Sparrow Hill Rochdale, Lancashire OL16 1QT
Visit: skylightcircusarts.com
An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret
Preview by Steve Cooke
Roll up, roll up to Middleton Arena as the UK’s longest-running burlesque show is back touring the nation with a thrilling new twist! Presenting An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret – “a dazzling celebration of cabaret, burlesque, and world-class entertainment”.
This ultimate variety show blends stylish cabaret, comedy, music, and burlesque into a spectacular extravaganza of glitz and glamour. Featuring dazzling showgirls, specialty cabaret artists, and stars of the stage and screen, this is a night of sophistication and stunning performances.
Expect fun, feathers, and fabulous costumes as we showcase the finest selection of specialty artistes, comedians, and champagne showgirls. With its blend of cabaret charm and burlesque allure, this sensational show promises a uniquely seductive experience that redefines variety for the 21st century.
Burlesque has enraptured audiences for centuries, and An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret delivers the very best in contemporary burlesque and cabaret artistry. Expect the unexpected with plenty of glitter, glamour, and unforgettable moments. It’s cocktails and cabaret o’clock – a night to remember awaits!
Suitable For Adults (18+)
From £30.98
19:30 on Friday 17th April 2026
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester, M24 1AG
[Accessible viewing platform / area - Wheel chair / pram accessible]
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at Hope Mill Theatre
Preview by Steve Cooke
Hope Mill Theatre’s Amateur Dramatic Company are back with their first ever play Pride and Prejudice, a delightful stage adaptation by Andrew Davies, best known for the iconic 1995 BBC television version of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Set in Georgian England, where only male heirs could inherit an estate, Mr and Mrs Bennet live in relative comfort—but with five daughters and no son, their future security depends on advantageous marriages.
Excitement sweeps the neighbourhood when the wealthy and eligible Mr Bingley takes up residence at nearby Netherfield. Accompanied by his sister and his close friend, the seemingly aloof Mr Darcy, he attends a local ball where he is instantly drawn to Jane Bennet, the eldest daughter. Their affection quickly blossoms.
However, first impressions are not always reliable. When Mr Darcy refuses to dance with Elizabeth Bennet—spirited, sharp-witted, and entirely unimpressed—she forms an immediate dislike of him. Yet, as his admiration for her intelligence quietly grows, Elizabeth remains blind to his changing feelings.
Meanwhile, the obsequious Mr Collins, heir to the Bennet estate, arrives with intentions of securing a bride. His proposal to Elizabeth is firmly rejected, while Jane and Bingley’s romance deepens. As misunderstandings unfold and social prejudices are challenged, Elizabeth and Darcy must navigate pride, perception, and their own hearts.
Full of humour, romance, and sparkling dialogue, this vibrant adaptation promises to bring Austen’s beloved story to life!
£22 – £28 visit: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/pride-and-prejudice/
Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 June at Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard St, Manchester, M4 7JA
Box Office: boxoffice@hopemilltheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 0161 275 9141
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Easter Holiday Hive - Middleton Library
Drop in for our ‘Sweet Stories Egg-stravaganza’ activities. Will they be Alice or Wonka-themed, or maybe something else?
Free
For families with pre- and primary school-aged children.
No need to book, you can just turn up. Activities first come, first served.
10am - 11.30am
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Lucy Farrimond soprano and piano (RNCM)
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
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, 16 April 2026
Make a Rainbow Elephant Inspired by Elmer
There is no need to book. You can come at any time between 12-3pm.
Please note that all children must be accompanied by adults.
Free / Pay What You Want
Rochdale Pioneers Museum, 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL12 0NU
Thursday, 16 April 2026
Reading Group - Smithy Bridge Library
Read, share and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction in our reading group.
3rd Thursday of every month. A monthly group that meets to discuss a chosen title and have a general chat about their shared love of reading.
Free
For adults, no need to book, you can just turn up.
1.30pm - 3pm
Smithy Bridge Library, 121–123 Smithy Bridge Road, Littleborough OL15 0BQ
Friday, 17 April 2026
James Phelan - The Man Who Was Magic
Dare to believe in magic as the UK’s number one magic show returns with a completely new and uplifting production.
You’re invited to a night of wonder, as secrets unravel and the impossible becomes possible.
Following an unprecedented five years of sold-out shows around the world – this five-star magic show guarantees to leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief.
Presented by world-renowned award winning magician James Phelan, the first magician in history to sell out a solo-run at The Magic Circle, and most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after he correctly predicted the lottery.
From £24.00
19:30
Heywood civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
[Accessible viewing platform / area - Wheel chair / pram accessible]
Saturday, 18 April 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, 18 April 2026
Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is
This stunning 100% live show combines first class music with the slickest choreography and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have!
This show will have you Dancing On The Ceiling, with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many, many more.
From £31.50
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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