MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 2 minutes ago
- 8 min read
previews, articles, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST 2026
Article: Breaking Barriers and Richard Street Studios
Previews: Objects and Their Stories, An Afternoon of Incredible Brass Band Music and Andrew Sheridan and Erin Shanagher to star in Macbeth
Review: A happy and healthy Toad Lane Concert
Breaking Barriers and Richard Street Studios
By Steve Cooke
Breaking Barriers CIC and Richard Street Studios have announced a wonderful new opportunity for visual artists from Rochdale or the Global Majority, offering three creatives the space, funding and support to develop their practice and present their work to the public.
Each selected artist will receive ten free studio days at Richard Street Studios, with an estimated value of £1,200, alongside a joint exhibition opportunity including a launch event, a materials budget, and technical and marketing support.
The opportunity has been designed to directly address a gap in infrastructure for creatives in the early stages of their careers, providing access to professional studio space at a point where the right environment can make a significant difference.
The initiative is led by the excellent Breaking Barriers CIC, a British Pakistani-led, multidisciplinary production company and the lead tenant at Richard Street Studios. It has been made possible with funding support from The Haworth Trust.
Richard Street Studios is part of Rochdale borough’s cross-sector initiative to support creativity and culture across our borough ‘Rochdale Creates’. The studios were developed by Rochdale Development Agency and Rochdale Borough Council as part of an initiative to bring vacant buildings back into use to support the boroughs creative sector and are operated by Breaking Barriers as part of a 'Community Wealth Building' approach.
The exhibition delivered by the three selected artists will form part of a wider exhibition programme at Richard Street Studios, which will feature work by local artists and colleges.
Parvez Qadir, Artistic Director at Breaking Barriers, said:
"We are really excited to offer this opportunity to local artists. There is a vibrant creative community in Rochdale just waiting for the right opportunity.
“Following an excellent programme of activity as part of the Greater Manchester Town of Culture celebrations, we are determined to keep that momentum going by building the infrastructure that emerging artists can lean on for support, opportunity and connections.
“We are big on partnership building and are delighted to be working with The Haworth Trust to keep developing our local creative ecology."
Artists are invited to apply by sending the following to breakingbarriersprojects@gmail.com:
● A C.V.
● A portfolio of work or a two-minute video or audio recording explaining why this opportunity is right for them, how they’d use ten studio days, and ideas for the joint exhibition
Application deadline: Monday 31 August 2026 at 5pm
For more information, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RVGuF2TJEz4PubFHfGeSehWqYcotZEth/view
A happy and healthy Toad Lane Concert
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
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This happy and healthy Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum was the 1,198th since taking over from Rochdale council in 2001.
It featured popular contributors, 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). Research has shown that singing in a choir is good for your wellbeing; and performers and audiences alike benefit from artistic events… even in a heatwave.
Avuncular conductor, Jonathan Gibson graduated from the RNCM as a horn player and now freelances; he also directs Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society He has brought the ensemble to a high level of choral part singing. Pianist Brian Milligan is much involved in the local music scene and provided fine accompaniments today.
With the expectation of a rare solar eclipse that evening and the exceptional weather that the UK and Europe have been experiencing this year, it was perhaps appropriate for the programme to be a seasonal microcosm.
Or was it simply attention-grabbing irony to open with ‘Snow’ by Irving Berlin when the temperature outside was 28C and rising? Blue Skies by Irving Berlin sung a capella (unaccompanied) established a sequence of contrasts about the year’s weather. Mostly accompanied by piano the singing in parts, even with a couple of missing voices was confident and successful.
Singing in the Rain and April Showers happened All in the April Evening; whilst an unaccompanied madrigal by Morley, Now is the Month of Maying was paired with Satchmo’s great hit, What a Wonderful World, to great effect.
The Broadway number June is bustin' out all over by Rodgers & Hammerstein contrasted with Elgar’s moody setting of Longfellow’s As Torrents in Summer, as did the rhythmic Swahili song, Dansi Na Kuimba with Dvorak’s themes in Summer Song.
More stage numbers, Sun and Moon from Miss Saigon and Oh what a Beautiful Morning from Oklahoma brought us to a nostalgic conclusion with Parry Como’s hit, Try to Remember and A Winter's tale by Mike Batt and Tim Rice. Something for season and a tune for everyone.
The ladies achieved their objectives through fun and fellowship and entertained us musically.
Let us hope their sense of wellbeing increased as we all benefitted from a tuneful entertainment!
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/1AP. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Objects and Their Stories
Preview by Steve Cooke
‘Objects and their stories’ is a poetry exhibition created through workshops with Year 4 pupils from Broadfield Community Primary School completed in January 2026. It tells the stories of the Broadfield Park Slopes and historical objects found there during Rochdale’s community archaeological digs.
With the exciting local poets Alende Amisi and Sasha Mostafa, alongside RDA’s Heritage team, the children travelled through time to tell their stories using poetry to imagine what the objects would have experienced and seen throughout their time in Rochdale. The objects, including coins, bottles and tiles, ranging from 400 – 150 years old, capture the historical journey of the Slopes as it changed through time.
The workshops and exhibition are a part of the Broadfield Park Slopes Restoration Project, which has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Free / Pay What You Want
11 September, Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 1AZ
An Afternoon of Incredible Brass Band Music
Preview by Steve Cooke
Coming up at the brilliant venue of The Ashcroft in Whitworth is what promises to be a great afternoon listening to live brass music including soloists, features and a massed band finale.
The Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band in Concert with Bloom Music Community A Band join the Bloom Music Community A & B Band as they welcome very special guests Carlton Main Frickley Band to Rochdale!
Tickets are only available from our website and are £12.50 for adults and £8 for under 12s. A confirmation will be sent to you via email to confirm your booking. On the day of the event, all you need to do is say the name of the booking on the door, no ticket or email is required.
Seating will not be reserved so you are recommended to turn up at 2pm when the doors open to find your seats.
14:30 on 4 October at The Ashcroft, Market Street, Whitworth, Greater Manchester, OL12 8DP
Andrew Sheridan and Erin Shanagher to star in Macbeth
Preview by Steve Cooke
For his first Oldham Coliseum Theatre production, Macbeth reimagined in a night club, director Nick Bagnall brings two extraordinary actors to the world of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Liquid & Envy nightclub this October, with Andrew Sheridan as Macbeth and Erin Shanagher as Lady Macbeth!
"It is with great pride, joy and excitement that I welcome to my first OCT show Erin and Andy as our Macbeths," says Nick. "After working with Andy in the Harry the Sixth trilogy at Shakespeare's Globe, I cannot wait for our audiences to be dazzled by this extraordinary actor’s ability to terrify and charm in equal measure."
"Andy is One of the most respected actors around and I have been dying to work with him again."
"I have watched Erin from afar and vowed to get in a room with her to make work, and I cannot think of a more perfect project for her. She will be a quite astonishing Lady M."
"Erin and Andy are two of the most agile, skilful and soulful actors I have seen and to have them excavate the world of this play with me in Oldham feels like a dream come true."
Tickets from £15 [some night are already sold out] visit: https://coliseum.org.uk/whats-on/macbeth/?
Friday 23 October – Saturday 7 November at Liquid & Envy, Oldham
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Henry McNamara bass clarinettist (Arizona State & Sheffield Universities)
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
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Thursday, 27 August 2026
Holiday Hive Carnival Crafts - Wardle Library
Free
It's Carnival-Factor week across Rochdale Borough Libraries.
The dogs are back and taking over the Hive at Wardle Library for the final time this summer for a colourful explosion of carnival inspired doggy disco lanterns and masks.
Inspired by the book ‘Doggy Dance Off’ by Steve Smallman.
For families with children of all ages but is most suitable for children of walking age. Children must be supervised by an appropriate adult at all times.
No need to book, you can just come along. However, resources are limited so activities are ‘first come, first served’. You may need to wait for a space at busy times.
Photographs: photographs may be taken
10am - 11.30am
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Thursday, 20 August 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
Friday, 28 August 2026
Voices in the Library - Langley Library
Free
Whether you want your time in the spotlight or prefer to participate from the sidelines, this activity promotes confidence, self-expression, communication skills, and participation. Children will be encouraged to engage with music and enjoy singing together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. No singing experience is needed – the focus is on having fun, building confidence, and sharing favourite songs with others.
For families with children. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
No need to book, you can just come along.
Parking: available at the venue.
Contact: langley.library@rochdale.gov.uk
2.30pm - 3.30pm
Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA
Saturday, 29 August 2026
Lego Club - Littleborough Library
Come and join our Lego sessions.
Free
For families with children aged 2 years and above. Lego club sessions are aimed at children aged 5–12 and their parents or carers. Duplo is available for younger children.
Each session, the children will be given a theme, followed by time to let their imaginations run wild and build.
No need to book, you can just come along.
11am - 12pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Saturday, 29 August 2026
Kids' Club - Wardle Library
Come along and get creative at our craft table.
Free
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.
Contact: wardle.library@rochdale.gov.uk
10am - 12.30pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Saturday, 29 August 2026
Bring Your Own Book Club - Rochdale Central Library
Every other Saturday. Fancy a little quiet reading time surrounded by fellow book-lovers? Come along, settle in, have a chat, have a read, and have fun.
It’s a book club with no assigned reading and no homework. All readers are welcome. All you need to do is bring your own book or grab one from the library.
For adults and teenagers.
Free
Booking required: No, you can just turn up.
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
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