previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2024
Ace Lips Events: Comedy Show at the Old Court Room
Preview by Steve Cooke
Another fantastic opportunity to see some of the very best on the comedy circuit here in Rochdale at the Old Court Room.
Jon Pearson
Jon is a skilled storyteller who captivates audiences with his engaging narratives. His anecdotes, drawn from his own life experiences, are relatable and guaranteed to elicit laughter. Jon is a versatile performer who is adept at both hosting and delivering a set. He embarked on his stand-up comedy journey in 2010, making his debut at Birmingham’s renowned Highlight Comedy Club. Since then, Jon has established himself as a regular performer at esteemed venues including The Glee, The Boat Show, Up The Creek, Last Laugh, and Laughterhouse. He has also showcased his talent internationally, with successful shows in Spain, Norway, and even Wigan, which felt like stepping into a different world.
Jules O'Brian
Jules is a Midlands native with a deep appreciation for comedy legends such as Rik Mayall, French and Saunders, Victoria Wood, Joan Rivers, and Katherine Ryan. She describes her stand-up technique as a blend of innocence and introspection, drawing inspiration from Peggy Lee's haunting hit, "Is That All There Is?".
With her approachable and engaging style, Jules effortlessly connects with her audience, bringing laughter and joy to every performance.
Al Stevenson
Is a part-time Marine Biologist and a full-time Geordie with ADHD, known for my captivating performances on the comedy circuit.
Hailing from the vibrant city of Newcastle, Al entertains audiences with his camp, sarcastic, and charming style.
Danielle Frances
Danielle is sweet but sassy, she’s an anxious mess underneath. A gag teller with silly stories who’s an all-round performer. Don’t give this drama queen too much attention, she might get overwhelmed.
Michael Legge
Michael is highly regarded in the comedy industry as an experienced headliner and a comedian with multiple awards to his name. He has a vast repertoire of performances, having appeared at various clubs and venues. He has garnered significant experiences throughout his career.
His achievements include receiving the Sony Award and earning a BAFTA nomination, demonstrating his exceptional talent and recognition within the industry. He has showcased his comedic abilities internationally, leaving little unexplored in his dynamic career.
Door Open at 7.45pm.
Line-up is subject to change.
Comedy suitable for 16 years and over.
£12
Tickets get a 10% discount on food before the show at The Flying Horse, The Baum, and Bombay Brew.
Phone: Rick Attwood 07720 849866
Friday 29 March 2024, 8.30
The Old Court Room, Flying Horse Hotel, 37 Packer Street, Rochdale OL16 1NJ
ORTOA (Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside Organists’ Association – est. 1908)
16/03/2024 Celebrity organ recital Gary Hulme
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
In the week after the Rochdale Town Hall organ thundered once more in the re-opening concerts with Black Dyke Band, ORTOA continued its exploration of other notable organs in its patch. One such gem is the beautiful Harrison & Harrison organ of 1956 in the Parish Church of St Paul, Royton (re-build by Henry Willis and Sons 2015/16).
Rochdale parents and children may remember Gary Hulme as the music master at Oldham Hulme Grammar school until taking early retirement. He now pursues a freelance career giving organ recitals and accompanying choral societies, whilst continuing as music maestro of Prestwich Parish Church and Prestbury Choral Society.
The first half of the concert explored the Baroque period with Handel, Michael C. Festing, and the great master himself, JS Bach, with a noble reading of Prelude and Fugue in A minor.
The second half was given over to later pieces that were carefully selected for this instrument. The peaceful Pastorale by Cesar Franck, with its agitated middle section led to that great favourite, Tuba Tune by Norman Cocker, the late Manchester Cathedral and cinema organist who died in 1953. A great choice for St Paul’s, with appropriate stops for the eponymous showpiece.
A Wedding Piece by Ernest B. Farrar (who died prematurely on the Somme) led to an energetic Fantasia and Toccata by Stanford, ending a varied and hugely enjoyable recital.
Hopefully, ORTOA will be back to recitals at Rochdale Town Hall with the magnificent Binns organ soon. But meantime it will continue to embrace the rest of its patch as with a composite recital by ORTOA members at Albion UR Church in Ashton 18 May 2024.
Hope Mill Amdram Company presents OLIVER!
Preview by Steve Cooke
Hope Mill Theatre Amateur Dramatics Company returns for the 3rd year; bringing the musical theatre classic OLIVER! to the stage. Bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel to life, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! takes audiences on a wild adventure through Victorian England.
Join young, orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigates the London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and – most importantly – for love.
When Oliver is picked up on the street by a boy named the Artful Dodger, he is welcomed into a gang of child pickpockets led by the conniving, but charismatic, Fagin. When Oliver is falsely accused of a theft he didn’t commit, he is rescued by a kind and wealthy gentleman, to the dismay of Fagin’s violent sidekick, Bill Sikes. Caught in the middle is the warm-hearted Nancy, who is trapped under Bill’s thumb, but desperate to help Oliver, with tragic results. With spirited, timeless songs like “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Food, Glorious Food,” and “Where Is Love,” Oliver! is a musical classic.
After smash hit, sold out productions of Legally Blonde and Grease, the HMT Am Dram Company is BACK! Book now to avoid disappointment.
4th April - 14th April 2024
Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard St, Manchester, M4 7JA
Box Office: boxoffice@hopemilltheatre.co.uk
Email: info@hopemilltheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 0161 275 9141
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 27 March 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - annual competition DPI.
We meet every Wednesday at Rochdale Unitarian Church, starting at 7.30pm prompt (doors open from 7.15pm). The door is kept locked so please ring the bell on arrival.
If you would like to see the club for yourself and meet our members, you are welcome to attend as our guest for up to 3 weeks before committing to membership. Annual subscription is £36 for single or £46 for joint membership.
A weekly room fee of £2.50 is also payable on arrival at the meeting. Refreshments are 50p.
£2.50 for room fee
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 27 March 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Music from Tonacliffe Primary School. Directed by Freda Farnworth.
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020… during the pandemic!
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 28 March 2024 - Saturday 30 March 2024
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.
Fireground is open to visitors on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am - 4pm.
Under 4s are free, Children (aged 4-15) and Concessions £5, Adults £7 and Family (4 people) £20.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Friday 29 March 2024
Pace Egg Play
Pace Egg Play is based on the tradition of medieval mystery plays. It involves song, prose, comedy and mock combat between the St George and the villains Slasher and the Prince. Characters are killed and brought back to life by a quack doctor. Throw in the Fool, the King of Egypt, Beelzebub and Devil doubt and a chaotic piece of live theatre has been brought back to life too.
Performances are free to attend, and the company hold a collection at the end of the show to raise funds for Springhill Hospice.
The plays are suitable for the young and the young at heart.
Free
Phone: Littleborough Coach House 01706 378481
11am
Littleborough Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough OL15 9AE
Friday 29 March 2024
Pace Egg Play
Pace Egg Play is based on the tradition of medieval mystery plays. It involves song, prose, comedy and mock combat between the St George and the villains Slasher and the Prince. Characters are killed and brought back to life by a quack doctor. Throw in the Fool, the King of Egypt, Beelzebub and Devil doubt and a chaotic piece of live theatre has been brought back to life too.
Performances are free to attend, and the company hold a collection at the end of the show to raise funds for Springhill Hospice.
The plays are suitable for the young and the young at heart.
Free
Phone: Littleborough Coach House 01706 378481
1.30pm
Milnrow Park, 115 Newhey Road, Newhey, Rochdale OL16 4JF
Saturday 30 March 2024
Dale-Con
Rochdale Comic-Con (Dale-Con) will be hosted on Saturday 30 March at the Crown Oil Arena.
Dale-Con returns to Rochdale after a successful event in 2023.
Movie guests, film props, car show, cosplay, toys & collectable traders and lots more to do!
Spidey (Spiderman) will be there to meet his adoring public for web slinging selfies along with scenes from Stranger Things, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and more.
Early bird (10am entry), £10
General admission (entry from 12pm onwards), £9
Under 16's, £6 from 10am & £5 from 12pm
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children under 16) £26 from 10am & £22 from 12pm
Under 5's, free but must have a ticket
Tickets are 25% off if booked before Friday 15 March online - you are also guaranteed priority entry with tickets in advance.
10am - 5pm
Crown Oil Arena, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale OL11 5DS
Saturday 30 March 2024
Easter Treasure Hunt
S Join Vintage Worx Easter Hunt at Falinge Park.
Family-friendly activities include lucky shot games, making Easter crowns and seedbomb making.
There will be a hot dog BBQ and pancakes for sale.
To join the hunt, it is £4 per pack.
Other activities have various costs.
Phone: Tracie Powers 07760 354698
11am - 2pm
Falinge Park, Rochdale OL12 6JE
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