MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2026

STEVE COOKE AATA
12 minutes ago
9 min read

previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke

MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2026

Poetry Spotlight - Amy Stansfield

Previews: Heywood Civic Reopens with a Programme of Family Theatre Events, Northern Voices and Identity - Spotland Library, Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak.

Lifting the curtain: Rochdale theatre set for dramatic new look

Poetry Spotlight - Amy Stansfield

From Rochdale, at University in Edinburgh and currently living in Canada Amy is a 21-year-old trying to make time to write. She writes everything from journalistic articles to short stories and poems. She is currently planning her first novel.

Kruckle: To roll one's ankle Everyone I meet I teach them the word kruckle. I tell them it means to roll one's ankle, and they say ‘ohhhh’ that makes sense. I tell them even in the town over they do not know this word. I tell them I am seeing how far I can spread the word across the world. It is in Canada, for now. But I do not think these people care to remember, to tell others. So, it is down to me. I will keep trudging along these strange roads I do not recognise. I will say it over and over in my head as I listen to Jesus is a girl from Rochdale while getting strange looks wearing my Burnley shirt.

“This poem is about my connection to my hometown of Rochdale. Living abroad for the first time I feel more connected to British culture, northern culture than ever and I miss it very much. It also touches on my struggle being so far from home and how it can be bitter-sweet to see the world.”

Heywood Civic Reopens with a Programme of Family Theatre Events

Preview by Steve Cooke

Heywood Civic reopens after a major refurbishment with a Programme of Family Theatre Events.

The venue now includes a modernised theatre, upgraded facilities and a brand-new Bar + Kitchen.

The programme includes a variety of family shows including The Detective Dog, The Ultimate Bubble Show and Kpop Fantasy.

The Pay What You Can ticketing model means that families with a low household income can book discounted tickets – no evidence needed.

There’s also a free Family Fun Day taking place on Sunday 1 March with arts, crafts and games for all.

Book Tickets now for Meet the Hatter

In celebration of their 15th anniversary, Joss Arnott Dance returns with the company’s most ambitious production to date, their brand-new, cinematic dance and multimedia show Meet the Hatter.

Integrating dance, storytelling, original music, digital projection, lighting and animation, this epic production features a new retelling of the iconic Hatter character from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – but with a twist.

With no one arriving at the iconic tea party, the lonely Hatter uses the power of his imagination to create his own magical version of Wonderland shown through breathtaking and immersive multimedia – but what adventures lie ahead and who will he meet along the way?

Meet the Hatter takes us on a journey through a spectacular world that celebrates the importance of play, whilst exploring how developing self-belief can open up opportunities we’ve only ever dreamed of.

Watch trailer on https://youtu.be/5Vx9d_hWdTs

Tickets from £7.88

Visit: https://heywoodcivic.co.uk/event/meet-the-hatter/

Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February 2026

Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW

Northern Voices and Identity - Spotland Library

Preview by Steve Cooke

A very special afternoon of poetry and spoken word at Spotland Library with Northern Voices and Identity.

The mic will be firmly in the hands of powerful Northern voices, and exploring what identity means to us in 2026.

Hosted by Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver, this event is part of a borough-wide series celebrating bold new poetry and creative voices. Expect striking words, bold and creative Northern perspectives, and performances that will stay with you long after the final line.

The theme of identity invites a range of stories and styles, from playful to profound, from personal to political.

Confirmed performers include:

Hafsah Aneela Bashir, award-winning poet, playwright, and performer

Mike Garry, poet and poet-librarian

Alende Amisi, young poet in residence

Local poet Yasmin Hussain

Local poet Sid Calderbank

And don’t forget to dive into the poetry exhibition featuring writers from across the borough. You can even and meet some of the poets, who will have books available for sale.

This event is part of a partnership between Rochdale Borough Libraries, Rochdale Borough Council, and Rochdale Development Agency, funded by Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, and forms part of Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture programme for 2025/26, celebrating Rochdale’s role as the region’s cultural heartbeat.

Together, they are doing a great job of creating space for Northern voices to inspire and connect our community, so why not get yourself a ticket, go along and catch the poetry bug.

Free but booking required: please book your place by Friday, 6 February 2026. Book your place online through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spoken-word-event-northern-voices-and-identity-tickets-1977627741812

Email: library.service@rochdale.gov.uk

2.30pm - 4pm

Saturday, 7 February 2026

Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL

Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak

Preview by Steve Cooke

Award-winning theatre maker and “Fringe legend” (Time Out) Victoria Melody joined a historical re-enactment society… “because we all deal with divorce differently!”

Spending weekends as a Musketeer trying to get her head straight, she uncovered the story of a bunch of 17th-century radicals called The Diggers - and everything changed.

What started as a personal search for happiness, turned into a quest to find the Diggers of today. She didn’t expect to find them far from the battlefield, right on her doorstep.

Blending story-telling and stand-up, past and present collide in this tale of high jinks and resistance.

Directed by Mark Thomas, this celebrates the ordinary people still shaping history.

A Your Trust Touchstones event.

Suitable For Adults (18+)

Price from £10.50

Visit: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/trouble-struggle-bubble-and-squeak/

Tuesday 10 February 2026 at 19:30

Rochdale Ukrainian Club, Mere Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL11 1HJ

Accessible viewing platform / area

Wheel chair / pram accessible

Lifting the curtain: Rochdale theatre set for dramatic new look

By Steve Cooke

Great news for our borough’s theatre goers and fans of live performace with the news that Rochdale’s Curtain Theatre will be getting a new look, after plans for improvements to the exterior of the building have been revealed. The historic 180 seat theatre that has just celebrated its centenary, will soon benefit from a re-painted facade inspired by the theatre's signature red, along with new signage and exterior lighting to improve its appearance and visibility as part of wider investment in the area delivered by Rochdale Development Agency.

As well as giving the theatre, which was established in 1925, a more prominent and theatrical appearance, the investment aims to encourage new audiences and improve the appearance of Milkstone Road.

Designs showing what the theatre will look like after work is complete have been produced by architects ‘IF_DO’, who have worked with the volunteer team at the theatre during a series of engagement workshops to develop designs that celebrate its rich theatrical history, while looking to its future.

The busy area, close to Rochdale town centre, is benefitting from a series of other improvements and activities, delivered by Rochdale Development Agency and Culture Co-op aimed at celebrating the people, businesses and identity around Milkstone Road. The work is part of the ‘Made in Milkstone’ programme announced last year, supported by Rochdale Borough Council’s Community Regeneration Partnership funding.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I’m pleased to see this progress, helping improve Milkstone Road and putting culture at the heart of regeneration. The work will be in keeping with the theatre and its history, playing on the idea of lifting the curtain through careful use of the theatre's signature red. The design also incorporates new signage and better opportunities to promote their fantastic shows to new audiences. We want to ensure the benefits of investments to Rochdale Station Square extend to the wider neighbourhood too, so it’s a great time to improve another one of our much-loved cultural venues.”

Danny Groves, business director from the Curtain Theatre welcomed the support. He said: “Having a façade like this on the outside, will send a really strong message to people in the town that this is a special place and we’re very keen to welcome new visitors. There’s great energy inside the theatre too and we’re looking forward to the work commencing.”

Sarah Castle, director of architects ‘IF_DO’, added: "We’re delighted to be supporting the transformation of this much-loved community asset. It's been great to learn about the history of the theatre and the people who keep it running, working with the volunteer team to shape an exterior that better reflects the energy they bring to their productions. It’s been a joy to collaborate with such committed, creative people and to translate that energy into a bright new façade, bold signage and lighting that will give the theatre a more visible, welcoming presence on the street, helping to keep the theatre at the centre of local cultural life.”

As part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, the programme is seeing a range of cultural activities being rolled out in the community, alongside major investment at Heywood Civic, and Touchstones.

You can find out more about the Curtain Theatre including their latest productions at www.curtaintheatrerochdale.uk

Improvements to the Curtain Theatre as part of ‘Made in Milkstone’ is funded as part of Rochdale Borough Council’s Community Regeneration Partnership package from the UK Government, alongside council funding.

Rochdale Development Agency plays a central role in driving regeneration and cultural investment across the borough and the improvements to the Curtain Theatre are an example of that work in action. Through the ‘Made in Milkstone’ programme, they are co-ordinating enhancements that strengthen local identity, support community‑led venues and uplifting neighbourhoods. Its involvement in the theatre’s façade transformation alongside wider public realm improvements and cultural activity is how the agency uses place-based investment to boost visibility for grassroots cultural organisations, attract new audiences and ensure regeneration around Rochdale Station Square benefits the surrounding community.

RECOMMENDED

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

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.

No need to book, you can just drop in.

Email: heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk

Free

1.15pm - 3.15pm

Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime

This week we have - Imogen Garner mezzo soprano (RNCM) with John Gough piano (RNCM former Head of Accompaniment)

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, 5 February 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, 5 February 2026

Thursday Reading Group - Spotland Library

First Thursday of every month. Read, share and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction chosen from our extensive list of book titles in a relaxed and friendly group.

Email: spotland.library@rochdale.gov.uk

Free

No booking required, you can just turn up.

2pm - 3pm

Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL

Friday, 6 February 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.

Free

Booking required: Places are limited so booking is essential. To book your place, you can:

Email alkrington.library@rochdale.gov.uk