MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 5 AUGUST 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 10 hours ago
- 8 min read
previews, articles, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 5 AUGUST 2026
Previews: Fatt Butcher’s Congregational, Musical Instrument Making Session at Langley Library, Sing The Musicals, Petrus: Slope Stories
plus Saturday Music at St Chads
Review: Both players and audience revelled in the sound in the beautiful acoustic of St Mary in the Baum church.
Both players and audience revelled in the sound in the beautiful acoustic of St Mary in the Baum church.
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
This atmospheric Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum was the 1,195th since taking over from Rochdale council in 2001.
First-rate musicians, Rascallity Harp Duo have made several appearances at these concerts since they teamed up as students; they delight in the excellent acoustics in which they can get the most out of their playing and repertoire. Soloist and teacher Kathryn Mason gained a first-class BMus and a master’s from the RNCM. Alice Roberts graduated first-class from the joint course of Manchester University (where she gained awards for the highest mark in 2016 and 2018) and the RNCM (where in 2020 she became the first harpist to win the Gold Medal). Both are now freelance.
‘Luna Roja’ by Ailie Robertson & Adriano Sangineto explored the sheer beauty of the combination. Alice described the first of the writers as having a Celtic affinity, with folk-like melody, and the other a more Mediterranean feel, as with the Habanera rhythm.
Alice’s first solo was masterfully played, movements 1 & 3 from ‘Sonata for Harp’ by Hindemith of 1939; a glowing performance. Kathryn joined again for the second piece by Ailie Robertson & Adriano Sangineto, ‘Journey North’. The sound of one harp is heavenly - and of two, divine.
Alice’s next solo was one of her own pieces, ‘Unbroken Circle’ – a fascinating flowing exploration of Satiesque motifs in 5-time.
In a stylistic contrast Kathryn’s solo: ‘Fantasy on a Theme by Haydn’ by Marcel Grandjany, was an attractive and virtuosic Classical set of variations which celebrated traditional techniques.
Rascallity followed this with ‘Gymnopedies 1 & 2’ by Erik Satie, which suited them perfectly. Originally for piano from 1888 these iconic compositions influenced later composers of minimalist and ambient styles.
Finally, we had ‘Parvis’ by Bernard Andres, a contemporary evocation of a funeral and wake, moving from the solemn to rhythmic music that ‘stretched our expectations of harmonic sounds’ as Kathryn put it, and included tapping on the body of the instruments. This summed up the signature sound of the duo.
Both players and audience revelled in the sound in the beautiful acoustic of St Mary in the Baum church.
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.
Fatt Butcher’s Congregational
Preview by Steve Cooke
Looking for something a bit different? Part concert, part communion, part resurrection – join Fatt Butcher on the dance floor for his Congregational.
“The nightclubs are closing, the village is dying, we’re tired and scared, but the beat of the dance floor’s heart keeps on pumping.”
Congregational is an act of coming together – a newly composed choral service for the nightclub from artist and vocalist Fatt Butcher. The show is a ceremony for the dancefloor. A service to dying nightlife that reminds us to keep on living.
Heralded by critics as ‘the incredible vocal powerhouse’ (West End Best Friend) and by trolls on Twitter as ‘the accelerating decline of humanity’, Fatt Butcher guides you on a collective journey through song and the transcendental powers of amyl-nitrate.
Featuring a live choir of professional queer vocalists, complete with superstar DJ and virtuosic piano accompaniment, expect a thumping original score of newly composed hymns for the dancefloor blending house, trance, gospel, classical and experimental music.
Tickets
Standard £16.50. Aviva £10 tickets available.[A booking fee applies to all tickets.]
Accessibility features available for this event:
Captioning
Wheelchair Access
BSL Interpreting
18+ Only
Running time: 70 minutes
Saturday 22 August in The Social, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Musical Instrument Making Session at Langley Library
Preview by Steve Cooke
Looking for some creativity for your young ones during the summer holidays?
How about Musical Instrument Making Session at Langley Library?
A fun hands-on crafting activity where children will transform everyday recycled and junk materials into their own musical instruments. Using a variety of materials, children can design and decorate their creations before testing them out and discovering the different sounds they can make.
This engaging activity is designed to encourage creativity, imagination and exploration while introducing children to the world of music. It's a great opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together, learn about reusing materials in a creative way and take home a unique instrument made by their own hands.
No previous crafting experience is needed, just let your imagination go wild, whether you make a shaker, drum, tambourine or something entirely original, you're sure to have fun creating and playing your instrument. Young children may need assistance from their accompanying adult.
Nothing is required. All materials will be provided. Children must be accompanied by a parent, carer or responsible adult.
Free
For families with young children.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
2.30pm - 3.30pm on Friday, 7 August 2026 at Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA
Sing The Musicals
Preview by Steve Cooke
A fan of musicals? Like a good sing? Then Sing the Musicals at Middleton Arena is definitely for you!
Direct from London’s West End this is the first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time.
Performed by a live band and character singers, a giant screen with sing-along lyrics this promises to be “the must see show of 2025/26”.
Featuring tunes from Mamma Mia, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, The Rocky Horror Show, Mary Poppins, Oliver! We Will Rock You and many more.
Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH8EQ3KikZk
Tickets from £28.35 (inc. £1.35 cmsn)
Ticket Sales & Event Enquiries (open Mon-Fri 10am – 2.30pm): 0300 303 8633
Box Office: arts.events@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk
7:30pm, Doors open: 6:45pm on Saturday 19 September at Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way
Middleton M24 1AG
Petrus: Slope Stories
Preview by Steve Cooke
Petrus: Slope Stories is an outdoor exhibition exploring the history of the Broadfield Park Slopes through creative workshop outcomes produced by Petrus service users and volunteers. It captures the history of the site and narratives about their connection with the Slopes, including counting Church Steps as children and meeting people for the first time, as well as dealing with experiences of homelessness.
With thanks to Rochdale Local Studies for the archive images and materials in their collections, which were used to inspire and produce new artwork within the workshops.
The Petrus: Slope Stories workshops and outdoor exhibition are a part of the Broadfield Park Slopes restoration Project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The exhibition is located on the Broadfield Park Slopes (behind Rochdale Town Hall)
It is a free outdoor exhibition in a public spaces.
10:00 on Monday 10 August at Broadfield Park Slopes Rochdale Town Hall The Esplanade, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 1AZ
Saturday Music at St Chads
Preview by Steve Cooke
If you are looking for an escape from weekend hustle and bustle, I can’t recommend highly enough Saturday Music at St Chads.
An opportunity to give yourself a break with musicians of the very highest quality in an iconic, atmospheric building right in the centre of town.
Although you may have just missed the wonderful Scott Brothers there is still plenty coming up before Christmas for you to mark in your diary.
Saturday 22nd August 2026 12 Noon - Gabriel Rhodes (Baritone) & Evan Watkinson (Piano) - Chetham's Alumni now commencing studies at RAM & RCM in London
19 September - Robin Shakespeare (Organ) - Director of Music at St Ann’s Manchester
10 October - VociVoices - (mixed voice choral ensemble)
14 November - Stephen Laidlaw (Cello) with pianoforte
All of these at 12 Noon on Saturdays , lasting 50 minutes or so, with refreshments beforehand
I shall be previewing each concert in the coming weeks in this column.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 5 August 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.
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Luke Jones piano (RNCM Gold Medallist)
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, 6 August 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, 6 August 2026
Bookstart Baby and Bear Club - Balderstone Library
Free
Every other Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session.
For babies and toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.
Booking required: please book a ticket for every baby and/or 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 Baby and 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. Don't worry, if you or your child are not library members already, you can join when you come along to Bookstart Bear Club.
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Balderstone Library, Balderstone Park, Platting Lane, Rochdale OL11 2HD
Thursday, 6 August 2026
Thursday Reading Group - Spotland Library
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.
Free
For adults.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
2pm - 3pm
Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL
Thursday, 6 August 2026
Chess Club - Spotland Library
1st Thursday of every month. Join our monthly chess club. Players of all abilities (especially beginners) welcome.
Free
For children aged 8 years and above.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
3.30pm - 4.30pm
Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL
Friday, 7 August 2026
Lego Club - Alkrington Library
First and third Friday of every month. Alkrington Lego Club is back with 2 themed monthly sessions.
Free
For children aged from 5–12 years.
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.
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.
3.45pm - 4.45pm
Alkrington Library, Kirkway, Middleton M24 1LW
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