MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Jun 24
- 8 min read
An oasis of positivity celebrating the creative arts with previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations.
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2026
Previews: National Theatre Live: Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Summer Cinema at Broadfield Park Slopes - Fantastic Mr Kox and Suffragette plus Merhaba Launch Party with Electric Sufi - The official launch of Merhaba 2026
Review: Murder for Two – Putting the Laughter into Manslaughter,
Murder for Two – Putting the Laughter into Manslaughter!
Review by Hilary Dawes
With books, music and lyrics by Joe Kinosian and Keller Blair, director Caroline Leslie’s re-imagining sets the play in a BBC radio studio in 1959. With nods to film noir and Hollywood nostalgia, this is a hilarious fast-paced musical, with multi-talented actors Lucy Keirl and Tom Babbage playing 13 characters between them. \
When a scheduled radio programme is cancelled at the last minute, two studio technicians are tasked with presenting a murder mystery play:
The famous novelist Arthur Whitney has been found dead at his birthday party and it’s time to call in the detectives – the only problem is that they’re out of town. Enter local cop Marcus Moscowicz (Tom Babbage), who dreams of climbing the ranks. He aims to prove his super sleuthing skills and solve the murder before the real detective arrives.
Mayhem ensues as Marcus sets out to whittle down the many suspects and reveal the murderer. The action continues at dizzying speed, as Marcus attempts to keep control of the situation whilst the motley group of birthday guests become more and more volatile. Tom Babbage and Lucy Keirl are at the absolute top of their game with the madcap comedy and music careering ahead non-stop, interspersed with hilarious sound effects, as they demonstrate their incredible acting skills along with virtuoso musicianship, with either one or both of them constantly at the keyboard, underpinning the songs and dialogue, which never falter, as the play progresses. The pair also have great fun with the audience, with spontaneous ad-lib, comic asides, knowing looks and in-jokes delivered with impeccable comic timing.
Lucy Keirl provides an acting master class with her jaw-dropping skills in seamlessly portraying all the suspects. Her astonishing ability to switch back and forth between characters at lightning speed, whilst also delivering a huge repertoire of songs, is sublime. With no costume changes and just an alteration of stance, expression or accent, Lucy becomes in turn the murder victim’s widow, a flirtatious French ballerina, a German psychologist, the eager niece intent on assisting Marcus, not to mention a quarrelling married couple, a slightly unhinged fireman and three young members of a boys’ choir, relishing the idea of a gruesome murder!
An imaginative set from the talented creative team incorporated the feel of a fifties sound studio and the impression of a country house drawing room, complete with grand piano.
Don’t miss this joyously clever and funny show which is running at the Octagon Bolton until 27 June.
Octagon Theatre, Court, Howell Croft S, Bolton BL1 1UR
National Theatre Live: Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Preview by Steve Cooke
Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton based on the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and directed by Marianne Elliott is the latest offering from National Theatre Live at Middleton Arena.
BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hampton’s celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin.
Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponize desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path.
Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.
£10.50
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG
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
Summer Cinema at Broadfield Park Slopes - Fantastic Mr Kox and Suffragette
Preview by Steve Cooke
Summer Cinema at Broadfield Park Slopes presents Fantastic Mr Fox and Suffragette.
In the afternoon an outdoor screening of Fantastic Mr Fox. Take a blanket or chair and enjoy this charming, family-friendly film under the open sky.
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a 2009 stop-motion animated adventure comedy film directed by Wes Anderson. It is based on the 1970 novel by Roald Dahl. It stars George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, and Owen Wilson.
In the film, a clever but restless fox, despite having a safe family life, secretly returns to his old habit of stealing from nearby farmers. Putting his family and friends in danger, Mr Fox is forced to face the consequences of his actions and to find a way of protecting those he cares about while being true to who he is.
Free, everyone is welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Booking required: book your tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slopes-summer-cinema-fantastic-mr-fox-tickets
Email: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
Refreshments including snacks and soft drinks will be available before the film begins. These will be served by the Rochdale Town Hall.
Rochdale Town Hall carpark will be closed for the event as it is being used for the cinema screen.
Film length: 1 hour 28 minutes
13:00 - 16:00 on 30th July at Broadfield Park Slopes, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQ
Broadfield Park Slopes can be found just behind Rochdale Town Hall.
In the evening an outdoor screening of Suffragette. Take a blanket or chair and enjoy this historical drama about women's suffrage in the UK.
Suffragette is a 2015 historical drama film directed by Sarah Gavron. It is inspired by the real women who fought for the right to vote in early 20th‑century Britain. The film stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Gleeson and Meryl Streep.
The film follows an ordinary working woman who becomes involved in the growing women’s suffrage movement. As the campaign becomes more determined and confrontational, she and others face increasing pressure, personal sacrifice and risk in their fight for equality and the right to be heard.
For adults, teenagers, families with children over 12. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Free
Booking required: book your tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slopes-summer-cinema-suffragette-tickets
Email: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
Refreshments including snacks and soft drinks will be available before the film begins. These will be served by the Rochdale Town Hall.
Rochdale Town Hall carpark will be closed for the event as it is being used for the cinema screen.
Film length: 1 hour 46 minutes
17:00 - 20:00 on 30 July 2026 at Broadfield Park Slopes, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQ
Broadfield Park Slopes can be found just behind Rochdale Town Hall.
Merhaba Launch Party with Electric Sufi - The official launch of Merhaba 2026
Preview by Steve Cooke
Merhaba is Arabic for “welcome” – and since 2024, Merhaba has been welcoming everyone to the festival, whatever their age, race, religion or background.
Guests will be among the first to hear about this year’s exciting programme of food, music and art from across the Islamic world, meet the team behind the festival, and discover how they can get involved.
Following the guest speakers and musical tasters, the evening continues with a standalone live music set from Electric Sufi, one of the standout acts from last year’s vibrant music stage – so attendees can stay, celebrate and enjoy a night of sound and culture.
Electric Sufi are a UK Northern collective whose album Breathe in Love is a collection of works inspired by their Muslim, Christian and Humanist ideologies, blending Sufi singing, electronica and instrumental virtuosity.
7.30pm – Welcome speeches
8pm – Electric Sufi
9pm – Food
Tickets: Adults £10.50, Children (under 16) £5.25
19:30 on 24 July at Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
Accessible viewing platform / area, wheel chair / pram accessible
This year’s festival takes place on Saturday 1 August. Find out more at theculturecoop.org/merhaba. It will be previewed in this Saturday’s column.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Telemann Baroque Ensemble, Alastair Roberts flute Elaine da Costa & Sarah Snape violin, John Goodstadt viola Roger Bisby cello
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, 25 June 2026
Bookstart Baby and Bear Club - Balderstone Library
Every other Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session.
Free
For babies and toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.
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
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. Don't worry, if you or your child are not library members already, you can join when you come along to Bookstart Bear Club.
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Balderstone Library, Balderstone Park, Platting Lane, Rochdale OL11 2HD
Thursday, 25 June 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, 27 June 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
Books are provided and loaned through the library. Refreshments will be provided.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
1.30pm - 2.30pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Saturday, 27 June 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.
For families with children aged 2 and over, and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
Free
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday, 27 June 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.
Free
10am - 12.30pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Saturday, 27 June 2026
Code Club - Rochdale Central Library
Every other Saturday. Come along and learn how to code at our Code Club.
The sessions will be fun and informal.
For Families with children aged 7 and over, and teenagers.
No I need to book; you can just come along.
Free
11am - 12pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
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