MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2025

STEVE COOKE AATA
13 hours ago
8 min read

previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke

MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2025

Half Term Fun with Shlomo's B

eatbox Adventure for Kids

Preview by Steve Cooke

Looking for something unforgettable this half term? How about beats, laughs and jaw dropping sounds that will get the family buzzing?

Shlomo's Beatbox Adventure for Kids is back

He's been on Blue Peter, and performed with Ed Sheeran, Bjork and Rudimental.

An opportunity during the coming half term holiday to join world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo who makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic and has performed around the world with legends like Bjork, Ed Sheeran and Rudimental.

Watch trailer: https://www.coliseum.org.uk/spektrix/spektrix-events/shlomo-s-beatbox-adventure-for-kids/

Anybody can become one of this sonic superhero’s sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises, and cool music, whether they’re aged 1 or 101!

Schlomo says “Accessibility is absolutely key. In the show, I talk about my own story as someone with neurodivergent disabilities.”

Creating an accessible space and an inclusive environment for people to show up, whoever they are, and however they are, is central to the ethos of this show.

Here is a Visual Guide in downloadable PDF and animated video format to help explain what to expect for children and/or neurodivergent people: https://www.coliseum.org.uk/media/31nh2h4v/2025-bb4k-spring-tour-visual-guide.pdf

Billingtons has lift access up to the venue and step-free access to the performance space. There is a small step into the bar area.

From £12

Visit: https://www.coliseum.org.uk/spektrix/spektrix-events/shlomo-s-beatbox-adventure-for-kids/

Thursday 30th October | 2:00pm

Billingtons Oldham OL1 1HY

Experience the Magic of The Phantom of the Opera with Live Organ at Rochdale Town Hall

Preview by Steve Cooke

Rochdale Town Hall is set to transform into a stunning gothic masterpiece this October for a spine-tingling screening of The Phantom of the Opera, brought to life by the haunting sound of the building’s magnificent pipe organ.

On Friday, 31st October 2025, audiences are invited to step inside the Town Hall’s historic Great Hall for an unforgettable evening of cinema, music, and atmosphere.

The 1925 silent classic will be accompanied by a live organ performance, echoing through the hall and capturing the emotion, tension, and romance of this timeless tale.

This special event celebrates the Town Hall’s extraordinary musical heritage and its newly restored organ, offering a rare chance to experience a film the way audiences would have done a century ago, with the drama unfolding in perfect harmony with live music.

The Phantom of the Opera (1925) with Live Organ

Tickets: Available now via https://www.rochdaletownhall.co.uk/events/event/81/the-phantom-of-the-opera-1925-with-live-organ

Friday 31st October 2025

Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ

House Band at TLC

Review by Dr Joe Dawson

The Telemann Baroque Ensemble is virtually the ‘house band’ of the concert series as they play four times per year. As someone said, ‘I could listen to this all day.’ Unfortunately, they had to make do with only an hour.

The ensemble varies in its line ups and today sported Alastair Roberts flute, Elaine da Costa & Sarah Snape violins, John Goodstadt viola, Roger Bisby cello, & Peter Collier harpsichord.

All are highly qualified and experienced freelance soloists and orchestral players, and they relish the opportunity to play this music together in the beautiful acoustic of St Mary in the Baum.

The flute and string quartet is enriched by the harpsichord. This latter instrument has the distinctive Baroque sound, where the strings are plucked instead of struck by hammers; it was superseded by the piano later in the eighteenth century. Peter Collier built his harpsichord himself. Also, he has run the nationally successful Baroque Week Summer School for over 43 years, and for which he built up a library of thousands of music scores.

Telemann’s Suite in A minor used the full ensemble in several continental dance movements as was conventional at the time: consistently joyous sound without being monotonous.

Interestingly, we then had Handel’s Viola Sonata in G minor – it is unusual to hear this instrument played solo, it being so crucial to the inner harmonies of the music. John Goodstadt brought out its distinctive qualities that come midway between the violin and cello.

Then, the earlier Baroque composer, Corelli who was known as the father of violin technique and an influential composer. His Trio Sonata in G minor for two violins and continuo (cello and harpsichord) exemplified his writing for violin and was played superbly.

Further breaking down to its component parts, Alastair with Peter and Roger played Telemann’s most popular Flute Sonata in F major.

But the whole was greater than the sum of its parts as they all rejoined for a glorious finale with the Polonaise from the suite with which they started, all the better for having been deconstructed so that the individual tones could be appreciated.

An elegant and enjoyable recital that brought the Baroque period to life.

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.

Historic Court Chamber Tours at Rochdale Town Hall

Preview by Steve Cooke

A great opportunity to 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.

Originally a courtroom and now the Council Chamber, it has been preserved for future generations as part of the recent redevelopment project.

For adults and teenagers

From £9

Book tickets online through Your Trust: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/historic-court-chamber-tours/

[Note there are only 30 places available in each tour.]

Email: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk

Thursday, 23 October 2025 – 10.30am–11.30am

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 –10.30am–11.30am

Thursday, 11 December 2025 – 2pm–3pm

Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ

Up and Away

Preview by Steve Cooke

Join Touchstones on an exciting journey as they take you on a journey of the discovery of flight and the hot air balloon!

An interactive family-friendly show using words, puppetry, and physical theatre, in a celebration of hope and dreaming the impossible.

This is a fabulously fun show – engaging, interactive and hugely entertaining.

Up and Away is known for keeping those present captivated and entertained throughout, they perform with high energy and interact fantastically with their audience, and they look like they are having as much fun as they are.

Family friendly- suitable for any age, aimed at children under 11.

Performances at 12pm & 2pm.

Visit: https://www.rochdalecreates.co.uk/whats-on/up-and-away\

From £7.50 visit: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/up-and-away/

Wheel chair / pram accessible

Rochdale Ukrainian Centre, Mere Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 1AZ

Jimmy Cricket Turns 80!

By Steve Cooke

National treasure Jimmy Cricket, who has made Rochdale his home, will be celebrating turning 80 years young with a celebratory charity concert at the Lowry Quay Theatre on 1 November.

All the proceeds from the concert will be going to 'Francis House Children's Hospice', who look after children with short life expectancy.

You will need to hurry as it is already almost sold out.

£23

Visit: thelowry.com

Phone: 01706 876 2000

Saturday 1 November 2025

The Quays Theatre, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ

Jimmy tells me he has also a Christmas song 'Have a Selfie with an Elfie' which will be available on his website to listen to, from November onwards.

Visit: https://www.jimmycricket.co.uk/

RECOMMENDED

Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Flying the Flag for Libraries Workshop - Rochdale Central Library

Work with professional artists to co-design a bespoke flag that celebrates nature and the power of libraries.

Led by Cabasa CIC, you'll work with professional artists to co-design a bespoke flag that celebrates nature and the power of libraries. No experience needed, just bring your imagination.

For families.

Booking required: book your place for this event on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flying-the-flag-for-green-libraries-tickets-1716379028879?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Email: RochdaleCentralLibrary@rochdale.gov.uk

Free

2pm - 4pm

Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU

Wednesday 22 October 2025

Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime

This week we have - Oldham Community Choir (40th Anniversary) Jonathan Gibson conductor J Edward Rigg piano

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, 23 October

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/

Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm

Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN

Thursday, 23 October 2025

Bookstart Baby and Bear Club - Smallbridge Library

Every other Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session, especially for babies and toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.

Term time: please note this event only takes place during school term time. View school terms, holiday dates and closures

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. If you or your child are not library members already, you can join when you come along to Bookstart Bear Club.

Free

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

Email: smallbridge.library@rochdale.gov.uk

1.30pm - 2.15pm

Smallbridge Library, Stevenson Square, Rochdale OL12 9SA

Thursday, 23 October 2025

Bilingual story time - Rochdale Central Library

For families with children aged 5 and under.

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.

Free

Email: RochdaleCentralLibrary@rochdale.gov.uk

12pm - 1.30pm

Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU

Friday, 24 October 2025

Pumpkin pom-pom craft - Langley Library

Enjoy a fun Halloween craft event and make a fun pom pom pumpkin for Autumn. All materials provided.

For children aged 4–12.

No need to book, you can just drop in, places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Email: langley.library@rochdale.gov.uk

Free

3.30pm - 4.30pm