MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 3 minutes ago
- 6 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025
Manford’s Comedy Club returns to Middleton Arena!
Preview by Steve Cooke
Middleton Arena, this impressive venue, is the perfect space to play host to the award-winning Manford’s Comedy Club.
Each show has a different line-up of four top comedians, who are all personally chosen by Jason Manford.
The first acts have been announced:
MC – Colin Manford
Colin is a North West based comedian who also happens to be Jason’s little brother! An accomplished writer, actor and presenter who just loves to tell stories from his own unique perspective, with all areas covered from his failed relationships to his weird and wonderful family life and more.
Danny McLoughlin
Since his appearance in the 2008 Chortle Student Comedy Awards Final, Chester comedian Danny’s quick wit and sharp material has made him a sought after stand-up. He’s supported acts including Micky Flanagan, Sarah Millican and Doc Brown, and has appeared on Al Murray’s One Night Stand (Dave), The Premier League Show (BBC Two) and on Jason Manford’s Absolute Radio show.
Adam Anwar
Labelled “a rebel with a cause and definitely one to watch” by the British Comedy Guide in 2024 after a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Adam Anwar is a true original. Bolton born to a Pakistani father and Polish mother, Adam sees the world from a unique angle, and this comes across in his stand-up.
Chris Washington
We’re delighted to welcome Chris back after his appearance at Middleton Arena’s debut Manford’s Comedy Club. With bags of Northern charm, Chris has been called ‘Peter Kay for the smartphone generation’ and has supported Jason Manford and Tom Stade on tour.
Tickets from £14.00
Visit: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/manfords-comedy-club-2/book/?instance=488002
Thu 19 June 8:00pm
Doors open: 7pm
Arena Theatre, Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton. M24 1AG
Eccles Community Choir Make Welcome TLC Return
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
The Toad Lane Concerts provide platform opportunities for musicians of all kinds. Instrumental and vocal soloists, ensembles and choral groups form part of a schedule for everyone. Today’s visiting choir made a welcome return.
‘Singing for pleasure and friendship’ is the proud motto of Eccles Community Choir; mixed voices and mixed ability, they were established in 2009 as an independent, true community choir. Open to all adults (without auditions) and striving to keep subscriptions as low as possible enables anyone to join. They also keep in close contact, via a website, a Facebook page & group email and WhatsApp; plus, a ring-round system for those not online. Every effort is made to build a cohesive musical community.
Musical director, soprano and adjudicator Angela Rowley ARCM does not tolerate ‘dumbing down’ however. As one member put it, ‘Every practice session is also a two-hour singing lesson.’ She does not shy away from sophistication or working towards perfection and her charges seem to thrive on it. She leads by example and gave a poignant, musical solo performance of June by Quilter.
Accompanist John Stott, also arranges music for them, as does choir member Alex Gilchrist. These two exchanged roles today amid the programme, with John singing Handel and Alex at the piano.
The opening Baroque grandeur of Gloria by Vivaldi led to the delicate On Wings of Song by Mendelssohn and the romantic show song, I’ve never been in Love before, from Guys and Dolls. This contrast of styles was typical of the eclectic mix of the programme.
The Lord of the Rings medley by Howard Shore was particularly effective, making use of the choir’s variety of tone and exploiting the superb acoustic at St Mary in the Baum. Angela was able to shape some of the phrasing as she would with a more experienced group.
More variety with Raindrops keep fallin’ on my Head by Burt Bacharach, side by side with two numbers from Strauss’s Vienna (attractively arranged by Alex Gilchrist) and Lullaby of Birdland by Shearing led to the final medley, The Beatles in Revue. The audience left happily humming the timeless tunes of the Fab Four.
But most of all, the choir clearly shared their pleasure and friendship with the audience who eagerly await their next visit.
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.
SAUNIGA AT HOME
Preview by Steve Cooke
Samoan Proverb: ‘E sui faiga ae tumaufa’avae.’ - The form changes, but the underlying principles remain.
SAUNIGA (Ceremony) explores the majestic world of our earliest ancestors: the animals from the land, sky and ocean–recalling the sacred connections between Aitu (Spirits) of the old world and the lives of their Samoan descendants. This live activation brings together dance, chanting and ceremony.
Seeking out playful discoveries and posing curious reflections on our relationship with animals and the environment, SAUNIGA is told through a Samoan world view.
Created by FAFSWAG director Pati Tyrell, this cultural activation features Pati Tyrell, Jaycee Tanuvasa and Peni Fakaua.
SAUNIGA was developed with support from Asia TOPA and Creative New Zealand.
This event is part of FALE SĀ / SACRED HOUSE. Explore the full programme here https://homemcr.org/whats-on/themas/14/fafswag-takeover-fale-sa-sacred-house
Thu 10 Jul, 19:30
Fri 11 Jul, 19:30
Sat 12 Jul, 14:30
Age guidance: Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+
Warnings: Some haze and flashing lights
Tickets: £28
Limited availability of £14 ticket – First come first serve basis.
Box Office 0161 200 1500
HOME 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 18 June – Sunday 22 June 2025
Crafting Heritage Exhibition
As part of Refugee Week and Rochdale Town of Culture, you are invited to an exhibition showcasing the incredible work of our Crafting Heritage Trainees alongside pieces from talented students at Ashfield Valley Primary School, Harwood Park Primary School, St. Thomas’ CE Primary School and St. Mary’s RC Primary School.
Free / Pay What You Want
9:00-16:00
The Exchange, Rochdale Town Hall The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Now until 20 June 2025
Student End of Year Show
Throughout the academic year learners of all ages are encouraged to unleash their imaginations and tap into their creativity. This event showcases the outcome of this – and it’s not to be missed!
It’s a brilliant opportunity to see so many eye-catching pieces from the minds of people at different levels of their studies. This includes budding 16-18 year olds, as well as university-level students completing the coveted HND in Art & Design.
You can expect to see many varied forms of art, including new media, graphic design, fashion, traditional art and much more.
Free / Pay What You Want
Suitable For All Audiences
Hopwood Hall College & Reel Cinema
Your Trust open: 6:45pmTickets from
Wednesday 18 June 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Ying Cheng piano (Tunghai University Taiwan, 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 19 June 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, 19 June 2025
Lego Club - Spotland Library
3rd Thursday of every month. Come and join our Lego Club and build your own Lego creations in our themed sessions.
For families with teenagers and children aged 5 and above.
You can just turn up.
Free
3.30pm - 5pm
Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL
Thursday, 19 June 2025
Bilingual story time - Rochdale Central Library
Alternate Thursdays. Come and listen to stories read in English and other languages such as Urdu, Arabic, French and Slovakian. Join in with crafts related to the story afterwards.
For families with children aged 5 and under.
Free
12pm - 1.30pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday 21st June 2025
Land and Brass Opening
Land and Brass is an exhibition and body of work commissioned by the Culture Coop working with sound artist Sophie Cooper and Milnrow brass band to combine contemporary experimental sound and composition with the local Rochdale/Pennines tradition of brass music. The project idea originated with a community steering group who suggested introducing the two local music genres together for interest of the public in an immersive installation and exhibition.
15:00 - 17:00
Free / Pay What You Want
17 Market Place, The Rochdale Exchange, Newgate, Rochdale, OL16 1BA
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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