MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER
previews, articles, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2026
Previews: Words and Stitches, A Christmas Carol, Voci Voices with Jonathan Ellis at St Chad’s plus ACE Lips Comedy Live at the Civic with Adam Rowe
Review: A striking Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum
Words and Stitches
Preview by Steve Cooke
Words and Stitches is a free afternoon of poetry accompanying the ‘Art of the Stitch’ exhibition in Littleborough Coach House. Two featured poets, Seamus Kelly and Becky May, will be performing a selection of their work.
Seamus Kelly is a well-known Rochdale based poet, teller of tales, facilitator and artist, whose work explores landscape, nature, humanity and other lives we share our planet with. Drawing on memory, observation, mythology, folklore, wonder and curiosity he contemplates the fragile relationships between people and the environment. His writing does not shy away from grief, pain or life’s challenges, but is always tempered with resilience and hope.
Becky May is a Manchester-based poet and graduate of The Manchester Writing School. Whilst studying for her MA in Poetry, she worked as a Comino Poet in Residence in a local school and served as a judge for the Mother Tongue Other Tongue Poetry Competition. Becky is a strong advocate for holding community in writing and can often be found at spoken word events, poetry festivals, and workshops. In 2026 she became a New Northern Poet with Word up North.
A number of local poets will also be featured in the afternoon, reading their own poems relating to stitch and textiles.
Seamus says, “There is no need to book, and we have plenty of space so please share our invitation.”
Littleborough Coach House, Lodge Street OL15 9AE 2.00pm to 3.30pm, Saturday 10 October
A Christmas Carol
Preview by Steve Cooke
Marley was dead... to begin with
The Book of Darkness & Light Theatre Company present their ghostly adaption of this most beloved festive classic.
Join Ebenezer Scrooge at HOME Theatre this Christmas on a supernatural journey into the past, present and yet-to-come. The chilly atmosphere of Victorian London is brought to life, and the spirits of Christmas return from the dead – all through the spellbinding art of storytelling in this thrilling solo show.
Adapted and performed by Adam Z. Robinson in his inimitable style, this production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ teases out the gothic aspects, presenting Dickens’ remarkable story as you’ve never seen it before.
This enthralling version promises to be by turns hair-raising, thrilling and heartwarming.
Using a combination of gripping narration, eerie recorded voices and an immersive soundscape, the show transports audiences to the office of Scrooge and Marley, the humble Cratchit household and the fearful, final resting place of that most infamous miser.
It will be like gathering around a fireside and being invited into the world of this Christmas classic. With Robinson portraying 28 different characters in the show, this should be an extraordinary experience not to be missed this Christmas.
To book visit https://www.homemcr.org/whats-on/a-christmas-carol
Box Office 0161 200 1500
Restaurant 0161 212 3500
For general queries email: info@homemcr.org
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Adapted by Adam Z. Robinson, Wednesday 9 December - Saturday 12 December, 19.45, 90 minutes + interval, HOME Theatre, 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN.
Voci Voices with Jonathan Ellis at St Chad’s
Preview by Steve Cooke
The next in the excellent lunchtime concert series at St Chad’s will be a very welcome return of VociVoices, a well-known and much loved mixed voice ensemble with Jonathan Ellis (Pianoforte)
This is a great opportunity to catch this highly regarded, versatile vocal quartet with piano accompaniment from the in-demand virtuoso Jonathan Ellis.
Voci Voices are celebrated for their infectious enthusiasm, strong, skilled vocals, and varied, accessible programmes that make classical music feel enjoyable and light-hearted.
You can look forward to engaging, high-quality performances of opera, musical theatre, jazz and popular songs.
Saturday 10 October at St Chad’s, Sparrow Hill, Rochdale OL16 1AF
Concert starts 12 noon - £6, pay on the door
Light refreshments available from 11.30 am.
Further info: 01706 639162 email: jm_stchadschurch@outlook.com
A striking Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
This striking Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum was number 1,204 since taking over from Rochdale council in 2001. Two more outstanding performers revelled in the fabulous acoustics.
British Australian soprano Sara Donnelly holds a master’s from the RNCM, where she studied with Eiddwen Harrhy and received the Dame Eva Turner Award. She is also a double graduate of Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU), where she won several awards. Sara made her Australian operatic debut with Opera Queensland in 2016; further roles followed until Rimsky-Korsakov’s Snow Maiden at the RNCM.
In 2025, Sara received the Oratorio Prize at the David Clover Festival of Singing. Her oratorio repertoire includes soprano soloist in Mozart’s C Minor Mass and Haydn’s Creation, and she has upcoming engagements in Mozart’s Requiem with Bakewell Choral Society and in Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light.
Tim Kennedy studied music at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and is now a freelance musician based in Manchester. As well as being a piano accompanist, he also works as a professional singer, vocal coach and organist. He has been a staff accompanist at the RNCM for more than ten years as well as for the British and International Federation of Festivals (see www.tim-kennedy.co.uk).
These supremely talented musicians began with two delightful British songs, Love’s philosophy and Now sleeps the crimson petal by Roger Quilter and the monumental, Sure on this shining night by Samuel Barber. Sara’s focused and rich tone and intelligent delivery was supported admirably by Tim with his ideal combined skills of fellow singer and fine pianist.
The first of two piano interludes from Tim was Sarabande (Suite pour le piano) by Claude Debussy where huge chords built to a climax before fading away with careful control.
Appropriately we had a beautiful song by the same composer Nuit d’étoiles (think of Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’) and further French with Dans un bois solitaire by Mozart, both with impeccable diction and inflection. More Mozart followed with a characterful recitative and aria Deh vieni non tardar (The Marriage of Figaro) which confirmed that Sara would make an ideal Susannah.
In contrast, Tim’s second piano solo took us into the world of jazz with Erroll Garner’s Misty, which suitably prepared us for Sara’s final set from Broadway – singers need a broad repertoire. This used to be called (sometimes derogatively) ‘crossover’ between ‘good’ and ‘popular’, but Tim and Sara showed that art song, opera and musicals styles are equally great music if played and sung well. This was indeed the case with a moving If I loved you (Carousel) by Rodgers & Hammerstein and heartfelt passionate The light in the piazza (The Light in the Piazza) by Adam Guettel demonstrated. This was all topped off with a joyous I could have danced all night (My Fair Lady) by Lerner & Loewe with a triumphant top note to finish.
Sara’s engaging personality plus both her and Tim’s succinct introductions endeared them to the audience, whose resounding applause said it all.
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.
ACE Lips Comedy Live at the Civic with Adam Rowe
Preview by Steve Cooke
Comedian and podcaster Adam Rowe headlines a hilarious night of comedy from Ace Lips at Heywood Civic, featuring some of the best touring talent on the circuit.
Line-up is:
MC – Hatty Preston
One of the best hosts on the circuit. Sharp, quick, warm, and brilliant with a crowd — she keeps the whole night buzzing.
Freddie Quinne
A proper powerhouse. Big laughs, big presence, and a reputation for hitting the ground running. Freddie sets the tone from the off.
Oliver Bowler
A rising star with slick writing and a really likeable style. Audiences love him — he’s one of those comics you remember.
Adam Rowe
Simply one of the funniest comedians in the country. A master storyteller with huge energy and killer punchlines. A massive headliner for Heywood.
Pay What You Can
Standard: £18.90
Lower: £16.80
Higher: £21
Age recommendation: 16+
Saturday 7 November, 7.30-9.30pm, Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 7 October 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.
Contact: heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Seren String Quartet
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, 8 October 2026
Bookstart Baby and Bear Club - Smallbridge Library
Free
Every other Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session, especially for babies and toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.
Please book a ticket for every baby and/or child who is to attend. Accompanying adults will not need a ticket.
Please note all bookings must be made through Eventbrite. We can't take bookings within the library itself. Thank you for your understanding.
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. If you or your child are not library members already, you can join when you come along to Bookstart Bear Club.
Contact: smallbridge.library@rochdale.gov.uk
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Smallbridge Library, Stevenson Square, Rochdale OL12 9SA
Thursday, 8 October 2026
Reading group - Castleton Library and Community Centre
Free
2nd Thursday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss different genres of books with other keen readers at our free, friendly and informal monthly meetings.
For adults.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Contact: castleton.library@rochdale.gov.uk
11am - 12pm
Castleton Library, 604 Manchester Road, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Friday, 9 October 2026
Heywood Reads book club - Heywood Library
Second Friday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers in this friendly group. Books will be loaned from the library.
For adults.
Booking required:
Please email your name and contact email address to heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk
This book club has room for 12 members, so if the club is full, you may be added to a waiting list until a member leaves.
Free
Contact: heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk
11.15am - 12.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Thursday, 8 October 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
Saturday, 10 October 2026
Lego Club - Littleborough Library
Free
For families with children aged 2 years and above. Lego club sessions are aimed at children aged 5–12 and their parents or carers. Duplo is available for younger children.
Each session, the children will be given a theme, followed by time to let their imaginations run wild and build.
No need to book, you can just come along.
11am - 12pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Free
Saturday, 10 October 2026
Reading Group - Littleborough Library
Free
Second Saturday of every month. A group discussing various authors, genres and themes.
Our group meets once a month on the second Saturday to discuss various authors, genres and themes. If you want to join us, there is no need to book, just turn up.
For adults.
No need to book, you can just come along.
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