MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 3 minutes ago
- 7 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2026
Previews: Nina Gilligan and Friends, Amazing Animals at Middleton Arena
Reviews: Waiting for Godot at the Octagon and Soprano and mezzo in duets and solos with piano at TLC
Waiting for Godot at the Octagon
Review by Hilary Dawes
Directed by Dominic Hill, Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star in a new staging of Samuel Beckett’s classic play.
A faded and torn backdrop depicts a lost highway with telegraph poles fading into the distance, whilst a single tree dominates the foreground appearing to grow out of an abandoned vehicle at its base.
On this isolated road, two tramps, Vladimir and Estragon are waiting for someone named Godot, although they are not sure why – only that they cannot leave until they have seen him. It seems they have returned to or remained at the same place for some time, although their memories are hazy. As they pass the time with scraps of conversation, bickering, moments of tenderness and flashes of dark humour, their story becomes a moving reflection on what it means to keep going in a world that rarely offers answers. Looking at the tree they even contemplate suicide, which itself becomes the subject of many comic observations as they realise they do not have the wherewithal to make it work.
The monotony of their day is broken by the arrival of the vociferous and flamboyantly dressed Pozzo, accompanied by his slave Lucky, heavily burdened and tethered at the neck by a rope. The tramps are fascinated by the visitors, who are as reliant on each other as they are themselves. As Pozzo and Lucky leave and night falls, the Boy arrives to advise Vladimir and Estragon that Godot once again won’t be coming and that he will come the next day.
Next day, as they argue about how much time has passed, Pozzo and Lucky pass by again, this time Pozzo is blind, Lucky mute. They leave and the two men await Godot once more. The Boy brings the same message – Godot will not be coming; he will come tomorrow……….
As Estragon and Vladimir, Matthew Kelly and George Costigan gave superlative performances, their friendship of over fifty years coming across clearly, with beautifully natural dialogue and brilliant comic timing.
Gbolahan Obisesan was splendid as larger than life Pozzo, whilst Michael Hodgson gave an incredibly moving performance as the tragic character of Lucky. Young Octagon members Toby Stitfall and Sebastian Walters in turn played the role of the Boy.
With designer Jean Chan’s post-apocalyptic set, and lighting and sound by Lizzie Powell and Ian Davies, the talented creative team effectively captured the dystopian atmosphere of the play.
Don’t miss this darkly comic, moving and thought-provoking play, running at the Octagon Bolton until Saturday 2 May 2026.
Nina Gilligan and Friends
Preview by Steve Cooke
Get ready for a riotous night of stand-up with Nina Gilligan and Friends at Heywood Civic.
One of the UK’s fiercest and funniest voices in comedy, Nina Gilligan brings her razor-sharp wit, fearless storytelling, and explosive energy to the stage, alongside a hand-picked line-up of her favourite fellow comics. Expect belly laughs, bold truths, and a night of comedy that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just in need of a good laugh, this is the kind of night that leaves your cheeks aching and your spirits lifted. With Nina at the helm, you’re in for a masterclass in mischief, mayhem, and magnetic stage presence.
Suitable For Adults (18+)
Grab your tickets, gather your mates, and prepare for a comedy night that’s loud, proud, and unapologetically hilarious.
For this show at Heywood Civic, they have three prices to choose from for the same seat:
£18: A standard price – fair pricing for the show you’re going to see
£16: A slightly lower price – for people who need it
£20: A slightly higher price – for those who want to help support our programme
You can select the right price for you at checkout: https://heywoodcivic.co.uk/book/?show
19:30 on Saturday 2 May 2026 at Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
Accessible viewing platform area / Wheel chair accessible
Amazing Animals at Middleton Arena
Preview by Steve Cooke
If you love animals, then you are going to love this show. A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around that you get to see life-sized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, penguins, orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes. And not to forget some BRAND NEW animals!.
The heart-warming show packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects is suited to all ages from toddlers to grown-ups.
Book your family in and have a roarsome time.
Price from £17.85
11.30am on Sunday10 May at Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester, M24 1AG
Accessible viewing platform area /Wheel chair and pram accessible
Soprano and mezzo in duets and solos with piano at TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
The 1,179th lunchtime recital since taking over from the council in 2001 featured songs and duets and virtuoso piano.
Louise Taylor has always loved music but didn't begin singing solo until the age of 24. Since then, she has performed over 30 lead roles in light opera and musicals, sung the soprano solos in various oratorio and had great fun fronting a dance band, all this while enjoying a career in journalism, most recently as editor of Cheshire Life for 11 years until 2020.
Jill Taylor is also a versatile singer with an extensive career across oratorio, recital, concert and stage. Operatic roles include Carmen, Cherubino and Kate in Kiss Me Kate. She also performs widely for life events, cofounded Voci Dolci, and has backed artists from Pavarotti to Jarvis Cocker.
A soaring performance of The Flower Duet from Lakme by Delibes (a.k.a. British Airways advert) established them as fine performers whose voices and characters blend well together.
Two lovely French songs followed with a dreamlike Faure’s Après un rêve from Louise and a heartfelt Si mes vers avaient des ailes by Hahn from Jill. Then British songs, Louise with an expressive Love's Philosophy by Quilter, and Jill with quiet intensity in The Salley Gardens setting by Britten.
They were expertly accompanied by the indomitable Jonathan Ellis who also contributed a piano interlude with the fantastic concert piece, Hungarian Rhapsody in C sharp minor by Listz, completely from memory.
We were then treated to an attractive set from Bernstein’s West Side Story: with A Boy Like That and I Have a Love as a duo scene from Louise and Jill, followed by a plaintive Somewhere from Jill and characterful I Feel Pretty from Louise.
More Broadway numbers with a soulful My Ship by Weill from Jill and desperate yearning from Loise in I Wish It So by Blitzstein, led to the finale with the immensely popular Abendsegen (Evening Prayer) by the original Engelbert Humperdinck of 1893 that brought about a peaceful close. A varied recital from seasoned and engaging performers, a terrific trio of talent.
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.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Sinead D'Abreu-Hayling soprano (Welsh Academy, WNO & RNCM) Róisín Fleming piano (MTU Cork School of Music & RNCM)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, 30 April 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
Thursday, 30 April 2026
Mini Maypole Craft at Middleton Library
For children aged 4 and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No need to book, you can just come along.
Free
3.30pm - 5pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Join us at Middleton Library to create your very own mini maypole. All materials will be provided.
Friday, 1 May 2026
Lego Club - Alkrington Library
First and third Friday of every month. Alkrington Lego Club is back with 2 themed monthly sessions.
For children aged from 5–12 years.
In each session the children will be given a theme, followed by half an hour to let their imaginations run wild and build. All creations are shown and displayed in the library until the next Lego Club.
Booking required: Places are limited so booking is essential. To book your place, you can:
Phone 0161 643 7799
Visit the library and speak to a member of staff.
Free
3.45pm - 4.45pm
Alkrington Library, Kirkway, Middleton M24 1LW
Saturday, 2 May 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 need to book, you can just come along.
Free
11am - 12pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday, 2 May 2026
The Ultimate Bubble Show
Ray Bubbles, international Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble.
Ray uses various gases to craft stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays in this whirlwind of excitement and surprises.
Prepare to be amazed as Ray creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost, and even a tornado inside a bubble.
For this show at Heywood Civic, they have three prices to choose from for the same seat:
£8.50: A standard price – fair pricing for the show you’re going to see
£7.50: A slightly lower price – for people who need it
£10: A slightly higher price – for those who want to help support our programme
You can select the right price for you at checkout: https://heywoodcivic.co.uk/event/the-ultimate-bubble-showc
I.00pm
Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
Accessible viewing platform area / wheel chair and pram accessible
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