MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER
An oasis of positivity celebrating the creative arts with articles, previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations.
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER
Previews: Stories We Tell: Rochdale, Cabaret Schmabaret, Music Mixer plus Cinderella: A Fairytale
Review: Lewis Kingsley Peart at TLC
Stories We Tell: Rochdale
Preview by Steve Cooke
Rochdale's streets will be transformed into an immersive night-time light and audio experience this winter, as the excellent Stories We Tell: Rochdale invites you to explore the borough through the real memories, voices and lived experiences of local people.
This guided audio walk will use large-scale projections, moving imagery and powerful 3D sound to animate buildings and streets across the town centre, including Milkstone Road and Rochdale Town Hall Square. Audiences will journey through Rochdale after dark, encountering stories of belonging, change and hope gathered directly from local communities.
"Stories We Tell is a powerful way to honour our past, celebrate the present and keep the stories of our community alive," said Hayley Garner, street mural artist who contributed to the project.
This is an outdoor guided walk; you are asked to please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. The route begins at Rochdale Train Station and ends at Rochdale Town Hall. The route is flat and mostly follows a path but there are some road crossing moments - don't worry, volunteers are on hand to support every step of the way.
Stories We Tell: Rochdale produced by the wonderful Breaking Barriers has been kindly funded by the Rochdale Borough Council.
Cabaret Schmabaret
Preview by Steve Cooke
What is a Schmabaret I hear you cry?
It is an evening that promises fun, filth and frivolity with comedy, games and the debut of the current play UBU Royale.
At Schmabaret you are invited into a realm of playful provocative parody and anarchy. To relax with your drink into this interactive theatrical feast of grotesque acts and giddy games to start with, followed by the main course – a huge slice of UBU Royale, a work-in-progress potty-mouthed parody of Macbeth…. with puppets!
Will Papa Ubu get his just desserts or will he do a runner without paying… that’s the way to do it!
Cabaret Schmabaret is a smorgasbord for those who love to laugh at the darkness and ridiculousness of being human. So get along and gorge yourself on mischief, mirth and mockery as they crack open what happens when the malicious b!!#*ards are in power.
The Performers’ Playground are a troupe of clowns and comic actors with a love for entertainment that enlivens the soul and builds a fire in your belly.
Recommended for ages 14+ (includes scatological humour and a lot of swearing).
Price from £10.50
19 November, 19:30 at Rochdale Ukrainian Centre, 15 Mere Street, Rochdale, OL11 1HJ
Music Mixer
Preview by Steve Cooke
Misic Mixer is a series of five music industry networking events bringing together artists, industry professionals, educators and community leaders for informal fireside conversations, audience Q&A and facilitated networking. The programme is designed to strengthen Rochdale's music ecosystem, connect emerging talent with industry expertise, and showcase the borough's growing creative infrastructure.
It is an exploration of how independent artists can successfully release and promote music in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
The next music mixer event organized by Rochdale Development Agency takes place at the Engine Room at Lodge Mill in Middleton.
The theme this time is: DIY Artist: Releasing Music in 2027 and there is another stellar guest line up:
Yemi Bolatiwa
Soul Artist / Singer / Freelance Musician
Yemi Bolatiwa is a Manchester-based soul artist, songwriter and vocalist whose music draws on soul, R&B and jazz, with influences including Sade, Lauryn Hill, Lianne La Havas and Mary J. Blige. A versatile live performer, Yemi has appeared across many of Manchester’s leading venues including Band on the Wall, Gorilla, O2 Ritz and Blues Kitchen, alongside performances across the UK. Her work combines powerful contemporary soul songwriting with a strong emphasis on live musicianship and collaboration.
Scott Lewis
Label Manager, EMI North
Scott Lewis is Label Manager at EMI North, the major-label regional operation established to support artists and music infrastructure across the North of the UK. Before joining EMI North in 2023, Scott founded and ran Leeds independent label Clue Records, working with artists including The Wedding Present, Bored At My Grandma’s House, Van Houten and Treeboy & Arc. His wider background spans artist management, touring, education and artist development, including work with Leeds Conservatoire, Launchpad and Come Play With Me.
Jeremy Pritchard
Musician / Everything Everything
Jeremy Pritchard is a musician and bassist with Manchester-formed band Everything Everything. Since forming in 2007, the band have become one of the UK’s most distinctive alternative acts, releasing seven studio albums and receiving two Mercury Prize nominations and five Ivor Novello nominations. Jeremy studied Popular Music and Recording at the University of Salford, where he met Everything Everything frontman Jonathan Higgs, and has subsequently built nearly two decades of experience recording, writing and touring internationally as part of the band
Event Timings:
7:00pm –Doors open
7:30pm–8:15pm –Fireside chat
8:15pm–8:30pm –Audience Q&A
8:30pm–9:30pm –Facilitated networking
To reserve your free place visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diy-artist-releasing-music-in-2027-tickets
Wednesday 18 November Doors at 7pm.
The Engine Room, Townley St, Middleton, M24 1AT
Lewis Kingsley Peart at TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
This intriguing Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum was number 1,208 since taking over from Rochdale council in 2001.
Lewis Kingsley Peart is a Chethams School of Music alumnus and graduate of London's Trinity Laban Conservatoire. He is a popular returning artiste, making his fifth visit to this series. He enjoys a busy life as a working musician: organising projects as both soloist and collaborator, he programmes a wide variety of music from the traditional classical canon, right through to jazz and the avant-garde. With a strong background in theatre, his appearances are never without verve. He can always be relied upon to bring interesting programmes and deliver them with passion and fine playing. Today was no exception … with a cunning plan in his programme.
Lewis has a charming personality and quickly engages with his audience. A consummate player he takes us with him on his musical explorations. Titled ‘Portraits in Miniature’ or little pieces with lofty ideas, his carefully considered programme investigated pairings of composers’ works.
Firstly, the Austrian Franz Schubert (1797-1828) paired with the Polish exile in Paris, Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) both known for their penchant for the salon experience. Schubert’s Moments Musicaux, D. 780 No 1 was followed directly by Chopin’s miniaturist Mazurka Op 63 No 2. It was interesting to compare similarities and differences, all convincingly played. This approach continued with two more similar pairs; the cumulative effect without the interruption of applause was stimulating and joyful.
Secondly, even more noteworthy was the juxtaposing of two Frenchmen, Erik Satie (1866-1925) and Claude Debussy (1862-1918). Both had shared nationalist ideas about writing ‘French music … without sauerkraut’ but differed in their execution of it. Satie’s haunting Gnossiennes No 1 and No 4 hark back to the supposed mysteries of ancient Greece and Egypt and are unusual in that they do not use bar lines, which calls upon the performer to take great care over phrasing the notes. No 1 was paired with Debussy’s pianistic Prélude from Suite Bergamasque, and No 4 with Debussy’s Minstrels (a bright depiction of a lively troupe of entertainers).
These vivid contrasts served to throw fresh insights on each other’s identities. Clever stuff but even more fascinating as a vehicle for Lewis’s fresh and enthusiastic interpretation and playing.
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.
Cinderella: A Fairytale
Preview by Steve Cooke
Following on from the Octagon’s recent spectacular festive season shows, which have included A Christmas Carol, The Jungle Book and Around the World in 80 Days, this new stage production, Cinderella: A Fairytale is created by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company with music and lyrics by Benji Bower and the Original Company.
The show is directed by Sarah Punshon, whose previous work at Octagon Theatre Bolton includes adapting Peter Pan for stage in 2021, and directing The Jungle Book in 2024.
Bringing this well-loved classic bang up to date, the stand-out cast includes Elliot Parchment-Morrison (A Matter of Life and Death, New Vic Theatre; The History Boys, Bath Theatre Royal), Purvi Parmar (A Christmas Carol, Claybody Theatre; Twelfth Night, Shakespeare North), Timothy Mylechreest (In League With The Devil, Arcola Theatre; Frankenstein, RDC), Michael Hugo (Pinocchio, Hull Truck; Alice In Wonderland, New Vic Theatre) George Bury (A Permanent State of Emergency, Hope Mill Theatre, Cinderella, Trinity Arts Centre) and Millicent Short (The Lightening Thief, Leeds Conservatoire; Into the Woods, Leeds Conservatoire).
Completing the cast is the lead, Ella played by Eve Pereira who previously appeared at the Octagon in Pride and Prejudice. Other credits include Robin Hood at The Dukes and The Snow Queen at The Albany.
This new take on the classic fairy tale, first made famous in the early 19th century by the Brothers Grimm and later in the 1950s with Walt Disney’s animated film version, brings the story right up to date in a version that promises to delight children and adults alike.
When Ella’s father remarries, her world turns upside down. She escapes from her horrible new family by spending time in the woods, surrounded by her friends, the birds. But when she bumps into a mysterious bird-loving boy and she gets an invitation to the Royal Ball, everything changes...
“Ella isn’t like other fairytale characters you might have met. In many ways, she is just like all of us.”
Tickets from £15
Kids save up to £8 per ticket
To book visit https://octagonbolton.co.uk/events/cinderella
5+ but all are welcome (some scenes may be a little frightening for younger children)
They do not admit babes in arms (children under 18 months)
7.00pm with some morning and afternoon performances
Friday 20 Nov 2026 – Saturday 9 Jan 2027
Octagon Theatre, Bolton, Howell Croft South, Bolton BL1 1SB
The Octagon Theatre’s Chief Executive Roddy Gauld said:
‘We know that our festive show is a yearly highlight for so many families across Bolton and beyond, so it is incredibly important to us that we create theatre that entertains and inspires our audiences. We’re delighted to be working with such a brilliant creative team to make a Cinderella that has Bolton themes at its heart, while still whisking us away to a place filled with magic.’
Director Sarah Punshon said:
‘I’m so excited to have secured such a fabulous cast and can’t wait to get started with them. I’ve loved this delightful script ever since I saw the original Bristol production more than ten years ago. I’m thrilled we're getting to work with Benji Bower’s original music, which he is specially rewriting and recording for us. This version of Cinderella is so funny, heartfelt, and magical, I know audiences are going to love it.’
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 4 November 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.
Free
No need to book, you can just drop in.
Contact: heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Duncan Reid violin (Manchester University & RNCM) & Despina Reid violin (RNCM)
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, 5 November 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 November 2026
Bookstart Bear Club - Heywood Library
Free
Every Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session, especially for toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.
Booking required: please book a ticket for every child who is to attend. Accompanying adults will not need a ticket. See available sessions and book tickets through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rochdale-borough-libraries-10695506106
When you and your child come along to their first session of Bookstart Bear Club, they will receive their very own Bookstart passport for you to get stamped each time they come along to a session or visit the library. For every 6 stamps they get in their passport, they'll receive a certificate. If you or your child are not library members already, you can join when you come along to Bookstart Bear Club.
Contact: heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk
9.45am - 10.30am
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Thursday, 5 November 2026
Crochet Group - Balderstone Library
Free
Every Thursday. Join our friendly crochet group, with help on hand for beginners.
You'll need to bring your own crochet hook.
A limited amount of wool can be provided by the library.
For adults, families and teenagers.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Contact: balderstone.library@rochdale.gov.uk
1.30pm - 3.30pm
Balderstone Library, Balderstone Park, Platting Lane, Rochdale OL11 2HD
Friday, 6 November 2026
Singing Group - Heywood Library
Free
First Friday of every month. Come and join our friendly, happy singing group in our wheelchair-accessible community room. Refreshments will be provided.
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.
Contact: heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk
11am - 12pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
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