MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Sep 17
- 9 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2025
Much More than a Box of Tricks: The Conjuring Last Rights
Review by Matthew Haigh
The Conjuring returns for its last rites. This finale to the series sees Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) travel to Pennsylvania to confront the return of their first case; three demons encased in a black mirror. They respond to this threat due to the paranormal activity reported by a spooked family of 8. Directed by Michael Chaves, this was a great instalment the franchise to bow out on.
This film was much more than a box of tricks. What do I mean by this? Most horror films, that I have experienced, exist to serve the purpose of creating an element of suspense that generates a sense of thrill and fear in the viewer. Films that achieve this are good horror films; they did their jobs to a satisfying degree. However, these films tend to have poor narratives masquerading behind a box of tricks. The Conjuring: Last Rites goes beyond such folly, providing a sense of thrill while having a great narrative arc to reinforce its cinematic quality. …
A large amount of this text’s horror originates in its gore and graphic images. I wasn’t even a quarter of the way into my popcorn before I was greeted with a brutal scene depicting childbirth that was thrust upon me. Axe murderers, pools of blood, a bit more blood with blood on the side; this film is not for the faint-hearted. Stay clear those with hemophobia, this is your worst nightmare. However, due to the genre, one could argue that this was the intention.
This film leaned more towards the thriller sub-genre of horror rather than proactively pursuing the goal of providing quick shocks to the audience. Despite this, in my opinion, the film didn’t hold such a fear factor that the genre it has branded itself typically has. Again, this is perhaps because Chaves had opted to try to convey the thoughts and emotions of the family that this is based on instead of being ‘a box of tricks’.
The narrative of this supposed ‘paranormal assault’ on the family was indeed a true story. The aspect of this that can be called into question here. however, is whether ghouls of the underworld really did attack the home of the Smurl family. The most notable term when considering these stories is the word ‘alleged’. Were these reports truthful or were these reports an apparition of religious fantastical proportions?
This was a film that I really did enjoy. It reminded me heavily of William Friedkin’s 1973 film The Exorcist as the strong ties to religion and the sub-text of God against the Devil made the film look like a carbon copy of the beloved, once-banned film; it would be quite simple to convince someone that these two films are of the same ilk. However, I have adopted the view of if you enjoyed The Exorcist then this film will also satisfy your need for a gore packed, emotional horror.
Reviewed at REEL Rochdale Cinema.
Opera Boys – A Night at the Musicals
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Opera Boys return to the Middleton Arena with their sell-out show A Night at the Musicals, a fabulous evening of powerhouse vocals, immaculate four-part harmonies, breath-taking musical medleys, and stunning solo performances…all delivered with the charm, style and sense of humour that the boys have become known for.
Whether you’re a fan of modern day smash hit musicals like Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Wicked and Frozen, prefer the classics from Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Rodgers & Hammerstein, or adore the definitive masterpieces like Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, this show has something for everyone and is perfect for musical theatre lovers both young and old and those wanting to dip their toes.
The boys trained at some of the UK’s finest schools including The Royal Academy of Music, and have each become highly successful performers in their own right. Between them they have performed lead roles on London’s West End and on Broadway in New York.
They have performed as backing vocalists to some of the world’s biggest superstars including Russell Watson, Robbie Williams, Tom Jones and Elton John, and in 2015 one of the boys appeared as part of the Belgian entry for The Eurovision Song Contest, performing to a global audience of 200 million, and placing a very respectable 4th in the competition!
Together the boys have performed in theatres and concert halls throughout the UK and have travelled all over the world performing their show. In 2018 they performed as soloists with The National Symphony Orchestra.
They have been invited to perform at a number of prestigious events including the 10th anniversary of the world’s most famous cruise ship, Cunard’s superliner Queen Mary 2, and the inaugural voyage of P&O’s largest cruise ship Britannia, launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK6pWsEbI4M
Tickets from £24.00
General Enquiries & Bookings: 0161 662 4000
Ticket Sales & Event Enquiries (open Mon-Fri 10am – 2.30pm: 0300 303 8633
Box Office: arts.events@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk Duration: 2h 40m
Saturday 20 September 2025
7.30pm
LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG
Vision – Manchester - The imagined testimony of Hildegard von Bingen alongside her haunting chant
Preview by Steve Cooke
The music of the extraordinary medieval Abbess, Hildegard of Bingen echoes down a thousand years. Hear her testimony in this "mesmerising" [ concert/play (where music and theatre collide] by award-winning writer Clare Norburn and directed by BAFTA-nominated director, Nicholas Renton.
Amid the darkness of the Middle Ages, Abbess Hildegard of Bingen saw the universe in a dazzling light and spoke with an insight and a genius that makes her music and poetry resound down the centuries. Vision explores Hildegard’s extraordinary life as she relives her painful and visceral visionary experiences alongside her extraordinary music, haunting and distinctive chant, performed live by singers Clemmie Franks and Gwendolen Martin, and harpist Jean Kelly.
We are promised the overlap of, interaction between, and communication of the music of Hildegard — two voices and medieval harp — and her spoken word.
This will provide both a moment for reflection and the opportunity to understand more of Hildegard.
Doors open at 7pm. The performance lasts one hour with no interval.
This performance is supported by The Marchus Trust, The Foyle Foundation, Souter Charitable Trust and The Golsoncott Foundation.
£5-£20
21 Sept 2025, 19:30 – 20:30
Hallé St Peter's, 40 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF, UK
A Wealth of Music Created by Apparently Minimal Instruments at TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
This was concert number 1,152 since taking over the council’s Music at Lunchtime in 2001. Justifying continuity in Rochdale’s year as the Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
In the hands of accomplished guitarist Sam Rodwell, the cathedral-like acoustics at St Mary in the Baum worked with the intimate instrument rather than against it. Emily Howards sensitive and expressive violin playing blended beautifully and added expansive melodic qualities. It is amazing how these apparently minimal instruments can create such a wealth of music. No need for amplification for these players. Ideally matched in musicianship and interpretation.
Sam won awards and graduated first class and completed a master’s with distinction at the RNCM and was made an ‘Associate Guitar Teacher’. He performs across the UK as a soloist, forming duos with other guitars, harp, violin or saxophone, and with ensembles including the Manchester Camerata. He is also Artistic Director of Tameside Concert Society and founder of the Royal Northern Youth Guitar Orchestra.
Emily Howard enjoys a varied career as a freelance chamber musician, orchestral player and teacher. Inspired to play the violin from the age of five she became a postgraduate and Honours graduate of the RNCM. Then in 2014, Emily won a scholarship to study with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with Birmingham Conservatoire from which she graduated with honours. Her playing seems effortless and always expressive and musical.
The South American flavours of Piazzolla and his Compatriot, Pujol, whetted the appetite for this duo’s sound in a varied cosmopolitan programme.
Paganini was a master of both instruments as his charming Cantabile showed. As did the melodic playing in Elgar’s salon pieces Chanson de Matin and Chanson de Nuit.
Manuel de Falla’s colourful Suite of Spanish Folksongs and Ravel’s Habanera gave us a delightful musical tour of Spain in music. The American composers, Robert Beaser’s delightful Mountain Songs, particularly Cindy, where American folk fiddle and guitar with a touch of ‘blue grass’ made a lively and joyous way to end an exquisite recital.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6 cash. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 17 September 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Johanna Leung clarinets, Alvin Wong saxophones and Anna Chiu piano (all 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\
Wednesday 17 September
Crown Ballet® presents Swan Lake – the greatest of all romantic ballets.
After last year’s successful tour, Crown Ballet® returns to the UK this year to enchant you with this delightful production of Swan Lake. Experience the magic of classical ballet, performed live on stage.
Swan Lake is one of Tchaikovsky’s best works, featuring some of ballet’s most memorable music and breath-taking dance.
A wonderful evening out and memories which you will cherish long after the final curtain falls!
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EuZxEbeo98
Visit: crown-ballet.co.uk
Tickets from £23.00
General Enquiries & Bookings: 0161 662 4000
Ticket Sales & Event Enquiries (open Mon-Fri 10am – 2.30pm:0300 303 8633
Box Office:arts.events@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk
2h
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG
Thursday 18 September 2025
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
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Thursday, 18 September 2025
Littleborough U3A Play Reading Group - Littleborough Library
3rd Thursday of every month. If you enjoy performing, having fun with accents, short dramas and want to give vent to your inner thespian, this is the group for you.
No equity cards required, just a decent voice and a desire to amuse one another in a group.
Anyone from Noel Coward to Phoebe Waller-Bridge welcome. Sense of humour essential.
You must be a U3A member to take part in U3A activities. Join Littleborough U3A at https://littleborough.u3asite.uk/welcome/
2pm - 4pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Cost: You need to have a paid annual Littleborough U3A subscription
Friday, 19 September 2025
Eliza Says Rhyme and Sign - Littleborough Library
6 sessions across 19 September 2025–24 October 2025. Join Lorenza from Eliza Says for stories, rhymes and learn new signs using British Sign Language.
For families with children under 5.
Booking required: Please book by 12noon on the day of each session you want to come to.
Please email details of your name, a contact number and your child’s name and age to book.
Please also confirm if you're booking for all 6 sessions or just one or more desired dates.
Free
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Friday, 19 September – Sunday 21 September2025
Heritage Open Day - Historic Court Chamber Tours at Rochdale Town Hall
Take a peek at the ‘other side’ of Rochdale Town Hall. Lavishly decorated and now beautifully restored, the Historic Court Chamber has more than a few stories to tell.
Away from the high status Mayoral rooms and Great Hall, the Court Chamber was where 2 very different worlds collided. Here the wealthy Magistrates of Rochdale sat in judgement over opportunistic petty criminals and hardened habitual offenders.
Hear the stories of the accused and the accusers, discover what drove ordinary Rochdalians into a life of crime and find out what lay in store for them beyond the courtroom.
For adults and teenagers
Booking required: book tickets online through Your Trust: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/heritage-open-days
Email: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
Free
2pm - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Saturday, 20 September 2025
Lego Club - Rochdale Central Library
Get creative with Lego and join our free club.
Every other Saturday. Get creative with Lego and join our free club, suitable for all the family. There's Duplo available for younger siblings.
For families with children aged 2 and over, and teenagers.
Free
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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