MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Sep 3
- 10 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2025
Here We Are – Manchester Camerata Across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester
Preview by Steve Cooke
From skate parks to shopping malls, libraries and more, Manchester Camerata are bringing free music performances to all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. They will be meeting people where they are, sharing music in unexpected places, and hearing what we want from their organisation.
At the same time, Camerata will be celebrating the launch of ten new free Music Cafés for people living with dementia and their carers across Greater Manchester, supporting people to ‘live well’ through music. Visit: https://www.musicinmind.org/music-
In addition to free events, the weekend will feature two special ticketed headline performances by the orchestra. At their home, The Monastery in Gorton, join them for an unforgettable evening with Music Director Gábor Takács-Nagy conducting works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Arvo Pärt, At Aviva Studios, experience the UK premiere of Opera Omnia, a powerful short film by critically acclaimed electronic duo Space Afrika, performed live with Camerata musicians Visit: https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/opera-omnia/
Finally, they are opening the doors of their home, The Monastery, for open rehearsals in the lead-up to the headline performance on Friday night. If you’re curious to see what goes on behind the scenes, go along and drop in – full list of dates and activities below.
Wednesday 1st October
Open Rehearsal at The Monastery (10:30 – 16:30)
Thursday 2nd October
Open Rehearsal at The Monastery (10:00 – 16:00)
Friday 3rd October
Open Rehearsal at The Monastery – (15:30-18:30) Click here to sign up
Beethoven, Mozart & Pärt: with Gábor Takács-Nagy at The Monastery (8pm)
Saturday 4th October
Bolton Library (14.00 & 15.30): 2 x 45 min Family storytelling shows
Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre (PM time TBC): Classical favourites and pop hits
Stockport Stockroom (13.00-16.00): Performance in collaboration with Writing Squad, young people’s writing group
Salford Graystone Action Sports (16:00-19:00): 2 performances in the skate park in collaboration with From The Other
Manchester The Horsfall (13:00-16:00): in collaboration with 42nd Street.
Sunday 5th October
Wigan Old Courts (14.00 & 15.30): 2xhr long performances in collaboration with The Chubby Northerner
Tameside Stalybridge Civic Hall (PM time TBC): in collaboration with Tameside Music Service
Trafford Stretford Mall (12:00-15:00): Classical favourites and pop hits.
Bury The Met (18.30 & 19.15): in collaboration with artist Toria Woof – visit: https://themet.org.uk/event/manchester-camerata-toria-wooff/
Oldham Spindles Shopping centre supported by Oldham Coliseum (12.00-15.00): 2 x Family storytelling shows.
Manchester Aviva Studios (19:00): In collaboration with Space Afrika. Visit: https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/opera-omnia/
ARTIST MARINA ABRAMOVIĆ AND LIONESS LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY AMONGST GUESTS ANNOUNCED FOR SEASON THREE OF FACTORY INTERNATIONAL’S DREAM SPACE PODCAST
Preview by Steve Cooke
Season Three of Factory International’s highly recommended Dream Space Podcast is now available.
Hosted by Gemma Cairney, the line-up also includes Max Porter, Terence Lewis, Amrou Al-Kadhi, Juliet Ellis, Nubya Garcia and Mary Anne Hobbs alongside Marina Abramović and Lotte Wubben-Moy, with more guests to be announced.
Factory International announced the return of its acclaimed podcast Dream Space, hosted by award-winning broadcaster Gemma Cairney premiered on 26 August.
Across ten episodes, Dream Space invites some of the world’s most compelling artists to imagine an unlimited creative playground - their dream artistic utopia - where anything is possible.
Season three opens with performance art icon Marina Abramović, ahead of her major new work Balkan Erotic Epic at Aviva Studios (9–19 October). The durational piece blends dance, song and ritual in a bold, immersive exploration of eroticism, spirituality, and cultural tradition.
Also joining the season is Lioness and Euro 2025 winner Lotte Wubben-Moy, whose collaboration with artist Rose Wylie appears in Football City: Art United, a major exhibition running at Aviva Studios until 24 August.
The season’s line-up also includes:
• Max Porter, number one Sunday Times bestselling author
• Amrou Al-Kadhi, British Iraqi writer, actor and performer
• Terence Lewis, Indian dancer, singer and Bollywood star
• Nubya Garcia, one of the most exciting names in contemporary jazz
• Juliet Ellis, interdisciplinary artist, filmmaker and theatre-maker, recently seen at MIF25 with A Symphony of Flesh and Bones
• Mary Anne Hobbs, BBC broadcaster, DJ and champion of new music
Marina Abramović says: “The dream world is always there for me – it is the source of my inspiration and material. Whatever happens during the daytime, or when I’m travelling, comes in the form of dreams and the unexpected. So, I cannot answer the question of when I start to dream, it’s the one thing that has always been.”
Gemma Cairney said: “Being the ‘dream-guide’ for the third series of Dream Space is a total trip! I absolutely cherish the chance to swim through the minds of brilliant thinkers and artists. I love exploring the edges and everything in between - from guided meditations to activating practices. I find this audio space to be holistic and galvanising, and I hope our audience feels that too.”
Scott Simoniti, Head of Audiences at Factory International said: “At Factory International, we work with artists who help us look at the world differently - who spark questions, challenge assumptions, and open up new ways of thinking. Dream Space gives us the freedom to let that kind of thinking roam. With the wonderful Gemma Cairney as our guide, each episode is a journey through radical imagination, creative possibility, and the minds of extraordinary artists. I hope our audiences feel inspired, sometimes moved, and leave reminded of the power of curiosity”
Dream Space is created by Factory International - the organisation behind Manchester International Festival (MIF) and the city’s landmark cultural space, Aviva Studios, working alongside the award-winning podcast production company Reduced Listening – producers of Pod Save the UK for Crooked Media, Nailing It and Decode for Spotify, BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction, and REWORLDING: Serpentine Podcast.
New episodes released weekly.
Seasons 1 and 2 are available now, featuring guests such as Maxine Peake, Zawe Ashton, Jenn Nkiru, Benji Reid, DJ Paulette, Es Devlin, David Hoyle, AFRODEUTSCHE, Lemn Sissay and more.
Listen at factoryinternational.org/dreamspace or on all major podcast platforms.
DARKFIELD - FLIGHT
Preview by Steve Cooke
Following a smash-hit debut at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, edge-of-your-seat multiverse thriller FLIGHT lands at Aviva Studios.
We are invited to, “Step into a 40ft shipping container plunged into absolute darkness and take FLIGHT with DARKFIELD's critically acclaimed, mind-bending audio experience. It's sure to stay with you long after your final destination.”
This critically acclaimed experience from Darkfield promises to take us on a journey where any outcome is possible
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’d like to direct your attention to the on-board safety demonstration and ask that you give us your full attention. In the unlikely event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure alternative scenarios will be provided. Additional desserts will be provided. An extra pillow. Trumpets and gongs. We’re not responsible for your final destination.”
Aviva Studios hosts FLIGHT – one of DARKFIELD’s most popular and critically acclaimed experiences. Taking place in absolute darkness inside a 40ft shipping container resembling an economy airplane cabin, FLIGHT explores the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics, which proposes every possible outcome is happening at the same time in countless parallel worlds. With this as its starting point, FLIGHT takes audience members through two worlds, two realities and two possible outcomes to their journey.
FLIGHT premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2018 and has since received rave reviews from both immersive and traditional theatre critics. DARKFIELD create cutting-edge 360-degree audio experiences that blend technology and theatre.
Using detailed sets, complete darkness, binaural sound and sensory effects – all inside shipping containers – they place each person at the heart of a powerful, immersive story.
FLIGHT is part of an exciting citywide DARKFIELD collaboration across three venues featuring three critically acclaimed immersive experiences: ARCADE at Lowry, FLIGHT at Aviva Studios, and SÉANCE at HOME Manchester. The tour has been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England.
WARNING: FLIGHT takes place in complete darkness. If you are claustrophobic, scared of the dark or of flying, this show may not suit you. The show contains some floor movements.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3eIk15UmHU&t=25s
FLIGHT
14+ Only
Running time: 23 minutes
Accessibility features available for this event: Wheelchair Access
Tickets
Standard: £15
Concessions £12
A booking fee of £1.50 applies to all tickets.
10 - 21 Sep 2025
The Undercroft, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 3 September 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - The Rodwell Howard Duo: Sam Rodwell guitar (RNCM) Emily Howard violin
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
Wednesday, 3 September 2025
Heywood Scribblers - Heywood Library
First Wednesday of every month. Free, friendly creative writing sessions. Poetry and story-writing workshops. All abilities welcome, whether you're new to writing or a seasoned writer.
For adults, families and teenagers.
Free, you can just drop in.
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 3 September 2025
Tea Dances at Rochdale Town Hall
The Tea Dance will fill the Grand Hall every first Wednesday of the month. Immerse yourself in an afternoon of joy and connection, as friends old and new come together to enjoy the magic of dance.
Prima Dance invites you to glide in harmony with your fellow dancers while executing the same routines, moving gracefully in an anticlockwise direction around the room. Each step you take offers a chance to bond with others, making memories that linger long after the last note fades.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, we warmly welcome all skill levels. For just £7.50 per person, your dance experience includes not only entry but also refreshments to keep you energized throughout the afternoon.
Mark your calendars and prepare for an enchanting mix of rhythm, relaxation, and reconnecting. We can't wait to see you back on the dance floor at Rochdale Town Hall.
First Wednesday of every month. Attention all dance enthusiasts. We are thrilled to announce the return of our beloved Tea Dances in our Great Hall in partnership with Prima Dance.
Booking required:
Book your place online at Your Trust
You can also call 01706 924797 to book.
You can also book in person at the Town Hall reception.
Email: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
Event organiser: Rochdale Town Hall with Prima Dance
Tickets from £7.50 per person
1pm - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Thursday 4 August 2025
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
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Friday, 5 September 2025
Singing Group - Heywood Library
First Friday of every month. Come and join our friendly, happy singing group.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a good singer. It’s all about having fun and meeting new friends in a relaxed atmosphere.
Songs sung include everyday pop favourites from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s as well as show tunes.
For adults, no need to book you can just come along.
Free
11am - 12pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Friday, 5 September 2025
Northern Live
The world’s greatest and most authentic touring live band Northern Soul show, keeping the faith to the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dance floors in the north and eventually swept the nation.
Including an 11-piece band with four lead vocalists performing over 30 original hits, expect to hear: Dobie Gray’s Out On The Floor, R Dean Taylor’s There’s A Ghost In My House, Frank Wilson’s Do I love You – Indeed I Do, Gloria Jones’ Tainted Love, Al Wilson’s The Snake, Yvonne Baker’s You Didn’t Say A Word, Jimmy Radcliffe’s Long After Tonight Is Over, Garnet Mimms’ Looking For You, Dean Parrish’s I’m On My Way and many, many more.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BC1tIezLY0
Tickets from £26.50
7:30pm
Doors open: 6:45pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Saturday, 6 September 2025
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, 6 September
The Greatest Love of All
Whitney Houston’s musical legacy is brought to life in this critically acclaimed tribute concert described as “mind-blowingly spot on.” Be stunned by the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids – as seen on Britain’s Got Talent, Showtime at the Apollo and winner of the BBC’s Even Better Than the Real Thing.
The two-hour international production will fill you with joy, nostalgia and wonderment as it takes you on a heartfelt journey through all of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I Will Always Love You, Greatest Love of All, How Will I Know, One Moment in Time, I Have Nothing, Run to You, Didn’t We Almost Have It All, I’m Every Woman, Where Do Broken Hearts Go, Queen of the Night, Higher Love and more.
Davids is accompanied by her live band and backing vocalists plus glorious state-of-the-art sound, lighting, vision and theatrical FX, making this a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the world’s most revered singers.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG3LYge0UEs
Tickets from £32.00
Visit: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/the-greatest-love-of-all/book/?instance=529002
7.30pm
Doors open: 6:45pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
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