MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2026

STEVE COOKE AATA
2 minutes ago
7 min read

previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke

MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2026

Previews: Poetry Exhibitions across the borough, Jill Halfpenny to return to the Royal Exchange Theatre in Noel Cowar’s Private Lives, Manchester Open 2026 – Be Part of It!

Review: More Than Melody welcomed in 2026 with Optimism at TLC

Poetry Exhibitions across the borough

Preview by Steve Cooke

Four libraries across our borough will host exhibitions featuring poetry from Rochdale first Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver, our two young poets in residence Alende and Sasha and local community members.

These exhibitions will also spotlight work from individuals who attended the excellent and very popular creative writing workshops hosted by Sammy Weaver. As well as the workshop attendees, the exhibitions will showcase local poets work inspired by Rochdale.

An exciting opportunity to celebrate and enjoy some great creative writing with a local theme.

Tuesday 27 January 2026 form 12:00

Free / Pay What You Want

Heywood Library , Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw M C Way, Heywood , OL10 1LL

Middleton Library , Long St, Manchester, M24 6DU

Spotland Library, Ings Ln, Rochdale, OL12 7AL

Wardle Library, 448 Birch Rd, Rochdale , OL12 9LH

Jill Halfpenny to return to the Royal Exchange Theatre in Noel Cowar’s Private Lives

Preview by Steve Cooke

Olivier-winning stage and screen actor Jill Halfpenny will return to the Royal Exchange Theatre in Noël Coward’s PRIVATE LIVE Splaying the role of Amanda Prynne. This is Halfpenny’s second time performing at the Manchester venue, following her critically acclaimed performance in A TASTE OF HONEY in 2024.

PRIVATE LIVES, Coward’s 14th production at the Royal Exchange, runs from 27 March to 2 May 2026 as part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary programme ‘A Homecoming’, which invites artistic alumni to return ‘home’ to share stories that resonate and celebrate the unique connection between artists and audiences.

This new production of Coward’s vitriol-laced classic is directed by award-winning director Blanche McIntyre, who also makes a welcome return to the Royal Exchange following her production of THE BIRTHDAY PARTY in 2013.

Halfpenny’s extensive stage credits include Paulette Bonafonté in LEGALLY BLONDE, for which she won an Olivier award, CHICAGO (West End), ABIGAIL’S PARTY (West End), WAY UPSTREAM (Chichester Theatre), IN A WORD (Young Vic) and A TASTE OF HONEY (Royal Exchange). She is also a renowned TV actress and known for her most recent roles in THE FEUD (Channel 5), DADDY ISSUES S2 (BBC), AFTER THE FLOOD S2 (Quay Street Productions / ITV), THE LONG SHADOW (New Pictures / ITV) and EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT LOVE (BBC 1). Most recently Halfpenny starred in the new Paramount+ psychological thriller GIRL TAKEN, released in January 2026.

Jill Halfpenny said: ‘The Royal Exchange has always had a special place in my heart, so I am delighted to be returning to the theatre to celebrate its 50th anniversary season. Private Lives perfectly showcases Noël Coward's genius, and I can’t wait to step into Amanda’s feisty shoes to bring this classic comedy caper to life.’

The creative team includes Designer, Dick Bird; Lighting Designer, Johanna Town; Sound Designer, Gregory Clarke; Fight Director, Philip d’Orleans and Casting Director, Annelie Powell CDG, who will bring this Coward classic to life on the Royal Exchange’s iconic stage.

In Noël Coward’s savage comedy, there’s nothing a cocktail can’t cure as lovers battle to get the upper hand. Wit has never been so razor sharp and passion has never looked so brutal.

In PRIVATE LIVES, sparks fly on a honeymoon from hell and sexual chemistry is always only a heartbeat away from an explosion. Loved for their sparkling dialogue and art deco glamour, Noël Coward’s plays remain as funny and insightful as when they were written.

Tickets from £12

27 March – 2 May 2026

ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE

St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH

Box Office: 0161 833 9833 / royalexchange.co.uk

Manchester Open 2026 – Be Part of It!

Preview by Steve Cooke

HOME has announced that Manchester Open, the biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent returns in 2026.

Taking place every two years, Manchester Open exhibition is the biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent.

Between Sat 20 Jun and Sun 6 Sep 2026, the HOME Main gallery will be filled with hundreds of artworks, selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.

Manchester Open exhibition is open to all and welcomes entries from people of any level of experience, including established professionals, students, graduates, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs and first-time artists. Artists are invited to submit work in the categories; ceramics; digital/moving image; drawing; print; painting; photography; sculpture/installation; textiles; creating an exhibition rich in variety for visitors to explore.

Manchester Open artwork submission portal is open until 19 Feb 2026: https://www.manchesteropen.org/

Saturday 20 June - Sunday 6 September

From 10:00

No booking required

MORE THAN MELODY welcomed in 2026 with Optimism at TLC

Review by Dr Joe Dawson

This joyful Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum was the 1,168th since taking over from the council in 2001. It featured popular visitors, the talented ladies’ choir ‘More than Melody’, which was formed in 2008 by Alyson Brailsford ‘to have fun and fellowship and provide a programme of musical entertainment’. (Contact: 07773710325 or alyson.brailsford@gmail.com).

They welcomed in 2026 with optimism, starting as we should all mean to go on – with more than melody!

Avuncular conductor, Jonathan Gibson graduated from the RNCM as a horn player and now freelances. He has brought the ensemble to a high level of choral part singing.

Their seasonal mix of vocal styles began with reminders of Christmas, including The little road to Bethlehem by Michael Head, charmingly sung by Pat Stephenson; a spirited All in the morning with its rhythmic arrangement by Coombes; and the popular standard It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Alyson Brailsford introduced Gracie Fields’ music hall style with I took my harp to a party that contrasted with a sweet choral arrangement of Reger’s Virgin's Slumber song. We even had a taste of New Year in Vienna with Carnival Nights, by Johann Strauss.

Mary did you know by Buddy Greene was movingly sung in Jennifer Walkman’s rich contralto, followed by In the bleak midwinter led by soaring soprano soloist Lynn Lee. Then, following a lively rendition of Jingle Bells, giving the ladies a well-deserved breather, piano accompanist Brian Milligan turned solo singer for an engaging Caro mio ben. Back to the Viennese theme, we had an entrancing Waldteufel’s Skaters' Waltz and a sprightly Polka by Strauss.

A reflective solo opening by Lynn Lee with choral response of Let there be peace on earth, brought things to a calm conclusion … until a spontaneous encore with Happy Birthday. This was for the youngest member of the audience, a choir member’s one year old granddaughter, and it struck just the right note! A future performer or audient? Certainly, a Happy New Year where the glass looks half full.

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.

RECOMMENDED

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime

This week we have - Jonathan Ellis (Manchester University and 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, 22 January 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

Saturday, 24 January 2026

Reading Group - Middleton Library

Last Saturday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers in this friendly and relaxed reading group.

For Adults, no booking required? you can just turn up.

Contact: middleton.library@rochdale.gov.uk

Free

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU

Saturday, 24 January 2026

Monthly Lego Club - Langley Library

Last Saturday of every month. A monthly Lego Club with a different theme each session. All creations will be displayed in the library until the following month. There's Duplo for younger children.

For families with children aged 4 and over.

Booking required: Please book by 4pm the day before a session. You can book by: Emailing langley.library@rochdale.gov.uk - Phoning 0161 654 8911 - Calling into the library

Free

10.30am - 12pm

Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA

Saturday, 24 January 2026

Kids' Club - Wardle Library

Come along and get creative at our craft table.

Last Saturday of every month. These themed Kids' Club activity sessions will include crafts, activities and challenges.

For families with children aged 4 and over.

No need to book, you can just come along.

Email: wardle.library@rochdale.gov.uk

Free

10am - 12.30pm