MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Mar 25
- 9 min read
Previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
Midweek Column Wednesday 25 March 2026
Previews: One Night in Dublin plus Ben Hart - The Labyrinth.
Reviews: Shakespeare's iconic tragedy is brought to life in a powerful new production, A foray into the glorious Savoy operas of Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan and The Marriage of Figaro Opera North at the Lowry.
Shakespeare's iconic tragedy is brought to life in a powerful new production
Review by Hilary Dawes
In this new Octagon production, Director Mark Babych has moved the setting to a contemporary war-torn country. The play honours the original Shakespearean language with a few adjustments to the dialogue to support clarity for modern audiences.
Opening to the sounds of bombing and gunfire, the modern-day military uniforms and stark utilitarian scenery work well with a story which still seems relevant in today’s uncertain times of global conflict.
A wounded soldier is wheeled on stage on a stretcher to inform the King of success in the day’s battle and he extols the bravery of Macbeth and Banquo.
Meanwhile, Macbeth and Banquo, returning from the battle, meet three witches (played with gruesome relish by Deborah Pugh, Livie Dalee and Josie Morley) bearing a strange and fateful prophecy that begins a chain of bloody and brutal events.
When the power-hungry Lady Macbeth learns of her husband’s promotion, she is ambitious for further greatness and Macbeth, recalling more of the witches’ prophesy, becomes consumed with ever more dark and sinister thoughts, causing him to inflict violence and tyranny on all those who might stand in his way, including his best friend Banquo and the family of Macduff.
In a whirlwind of guilt and fear, Macbeth and his wife begin to crumble under the strain and both are tormented by their actions, resulting in Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness.
There were outstanding performances from the whole cast, with Oliver Alvin-Wilson’s compelling portrayal of Macbeth, a man consumed by ambition yet haunted by guilt, and Jo Mousley’s believable performance as the ruthless Lady Macbeth eventually becoming an anguished and broken shell. Daniel Poyser was excellent as Banquo and his terrifying zombie-like ghost! Bringing a much needed comic interlude to the play,
Colin Hurley gave a great comedic turn in the role of the Porter, having earlier portrayed the ill-fated Duncan. As the disillusioned messenger Ross, Benjamin Wilson’s performance was beautifully calm and sympathetic, whilst Simon Trinder gave a powerfully emotional portrayal of Macduff.
Remaining cast members excelled in their roles, with Cayvan Coates as Malcolm, Livie Dalee as Donalbain, Josie Morley as Lady Macbeth and Deborah Pugh as First Witch. Young Octagon members gave accomplished performances in the children’s roles.
The incredible creative team have produced a chilling and dystopian atmosphere, with an impactful and imaginative set, costumes, lighting and sound design, along with expertly choreographed and realistic fight scenes.
For those who may feel that Shakespeare is not for them, this powerful and chilling production could well change their mind. This is a thrilling, edge of the seat journey on which you cannot fail to be swept along, as Macbeth’s treacherous story unfolds.
Running until 28 March 2026 at the Octagon Bolton, Visit: https://octagonbolton.co.uk/events/macbeth#dates-and-times
A foray into the glorious Savoy operas of Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
The 1,177th lunchtime recital since taking over from the council in 2001 featured Rochdale’s own Phoenix Opera Company. Established in 1977 with the merger of Kirkholt G&S Society and Rochdale Intimate Opera Group it represents the borough’s rich tradition of amateur operatic and dramatic performance.
But first, for starters we had a set of solo songs, all sensitively accompanied by Elaine Marsden: ‘Fair Robin I Love’ delivered with panache by Anne Butteworth, an enthusiastic ‘Someday’ (Hunchback of Notre Dame) from Jane Reynolds, two poignant tenor solos by Quilter and Munro from Gerard Marsden, and ‘The Hours creep on a pace’ (HMS Pinafore) with appropriate dramatic fervour by Susan Fletcher.
Then it was ‘on with the motley’, as the assembled company delivered extracts from ‘The Gondoliers’.
There were outstanding individual performances and a hearty chorus, all of which was under the capable baton of Jonathan Gibson with excellent accompaniment from the second guest accompanist, Isobel Richie-Ingham.
A concert performance can often miss the dramatic effect of costumes and sets of the stage, but the excitement of the theatre was not lost and the superb acoustics of St Mary in the Baum helped make up for any disadvantages.
Andrew Sutcliffe & Chorus set the mood and Stella Whitehouse, Lynn Lee, Lawrence Shoebridge, Barrie Brailsford, Steven Miller developed the plot. Then in ‘Bridegroom and Bride’ the Chorus came into their own, and in complementing Julie Sutcliffe in the familiar ‘When a merry maiden marries’ brought the opera to life. Varied solo voices helped the realism in the Finale of Act 2, with Stella Whitehouse, Susan Fletcher, Julie Sutcliffe, Penny Lydiate, Abigail Rhodes, Brent Andrews, Barrie Brailsford, Steven Miller.
Then, extracts from ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ anticipated their 2027 repertoire, the company further aided by Stella Whitehouse, David Edwards and Gerard Marsden and others.
The show was narrated and directed by Jonathan Gibson who has does a great job developing his team’s ensemble work.
Next show: ‘The Gondoliers’ at St Aidan’s Church, Manchester Road, Sudden, OL11 3EL, Wednesday 15 April to 17 April 2026, Saturday 18 April 2026 2.30 pm.
On a sad note, an honorary Life Member, one of the early stalwarts of the groups from even before their merger, Irene Purdy, passed away on 2nd March at the age of 104. Pianist, teacher, deputy head, drama critic, JP, and a lovely person, she will be sadly missed.
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.
One Night in Dublin
Preview by Steve Cooke
The ultimate smash-hit Irish music show is coming to the newly refurbished Heywood Civic.
This promises to be a night of laughter, love, music and mischief with a brand new One Night In Dublin.
Meet Danny Muldoon, a whiskey-loving fisherman with the voice of an angel, and his straight-talking wife Rosie. From the cobbled streets of Dublin to the cosy corners of Murphy’s Tavern, follow Danny as he dodges obstacles (including Rosie!) on his return home from sea in search of a pint and a grand night of craic with his friends.
Featuring renowned Irish singer Danny Muldoon (Seven Drunken Nights, Fairytale of New York, Paul Heaton’s Small Boats) and backed by a band of award-winning musicians, including live fiddle and accordion, One Night In Dublin delivers two hours of high-energy Irish music and feel-good fun.
Covering all of the favourite sing-along Irish classics including Galway Girl, Tell Me Ma, The Irish Rover, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey In The Jar, The Wild Rover, Galway Shawl and with songs by The Pogues, The Saw Doctors, The Dubliners, The Fureys, Flogging Molly, Nathan Carter, and The Dropkick Murphys, to name just a few, One Night In Dublin is a must-see for anyone who loves Irish music.
“In Murphy’s Tavern it’s like St. Patrick’s night every night – with extra heart, humour, and a whole lot of hooley!”
From £24
19.30 on Saturday 28 March at Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
Ben Hart - The Labyrinth.
Preview by Steve Cooke
Fresh from being hailed as Edinburgh’s Superstar Magician, Ben Hart brings his latest creation to the Octagon for a special preview.
He has appeared on 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' for the BBC and on Radio 4 discussing magic. He has performed live in America, South Africa, Europe and across the UK and delivered a lecture on the creative process of magic at Oxford University.
Equally comfortable performing small 'close-up' miracles or enormous illusions, Ben is celebrated for his captivating magic combining great skill at sleight of hand and a knowledge of illusion to create performances that are “slick, baffling and timeless”.
Having won numerous awards including The Magic Circle's 'Young Magician of The Year' award, Ben’s shows are known for a unique kind of alchemy, magic unlike anything you’ve seen – “darkly comic, beautifully crafted, and impossible to explain”.
A great opportunity at the octagon to watch him “read minds, manipulate reality, and blow your mind”.
£20
12+
Saturday 4 July at 8pm
65 minutes, no interval
Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB
Box Office: 01204 520661
E-mail: boxoffice@octagonbolton.co.uk
The Marriage of Figaro Opera North at the Lowry
Review by Steve Griffiths
Opera North are back at the Lowry. Hurrah its spring ! And they always have spring in their step. Specially with Mozart and , as Brahms probably said. What a cracker!
Set in a crumbling pile with National Trust visitors providing a choral accompaniment to the action it pitches a hugely talented Figaro , Liam James Karai , against the villainous count, James Newby in the quest for the virginal – probably- Susanna(Claire Lees), The production lasts 3 hours and by the end the singers must be absolutely knackered. Though neither they nor the superb orchestra show any signs of exhaustion.
The story is pure farce. In fact, at the last twist the audience probably had little clue as to what or where or who was to get the prizes. So, hats off to all of the cast. The directed Louisa Muller deserves plaudits for bringing out the humour in the production. Genuinely funny, laughs reverberated round the Lowry. Not bad for a libretto written so long ago.
As always, the Opera North go out of their way to make the production accessible. Not just in the traditional sense of having an English translation which helps audiences to follow the complex plot line. They have made available free or reduced price tickets to novice opera goers. 3500 to be precise who have never been to an opera.
Whoever designs the sets, Madeleine Boyd in the production, has a wonderful eye for producing spaces which please the eye and yet are easy to move and frame the action perfectly. The first act is in the lobby of a cold, great house for hunting, shooting and fishing. So, the idea of droit de seigneurie is clear from the off.
It’s a great pity that the season is so short, But they will be back in the Autumn. See them and contrast their clear commitment to touring and staging great operas in our area with the half-hearted , semi-staged operas provided by the new cuckoo in the nest.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Louise Taylor soprano & Jill Taylor mezzo (duets) Jonathan Ellis 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, 26 March 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, 28 March 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.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
1.30pm - 2.30pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Saturday, 28 March 2026
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.
Free
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
10.30am - 12pm
Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA
Saturday, 28 March 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
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