previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 02 NOVEMBER 2024
A New Impact Report highlights the importance of cultural education in Rochdale
Review by Steve Cooke
Throughout my long career working with children and young people I have strongly promoted cultural education as a vital element In the development of well-rounded human beings. I am, along with many like-minded people, horrified at the demotion of the creative arts in the school curriculum and the concurrent starvation of funding. Access to Cultural Education and the Creative Arts has increasingly become extra-curricular and expensive.
The All Across the Arts’ NHS funded Vibe Project has demonstrated over a decade how the creative arts can have a significant positive impact on the mental health of children and young people. [Impact Report and Film coming soon.]
It is, therefore, with much enthusiasm that I welcome the new Impact Report by Local Cultural Education Partnership Create Rochdale.
‘Cultural education gives young people opportunities to discover, create, learn and have fun together. There is evidence that participating in creative and heritage activities early in life, improves health and wellbeing, educational attainment and employability.’
It demonstrates how organisations in Rochdale are working together to improve access to high quality cultural education for children and young people across the borough. Their approach includes delivering professional development programmes, establishing new communication channels and taking a collaborative and strategic approach to programme planning.
The report also provides examples of how cultural activities are already improving the lives of local children. For example, 80% of children who participated in the Speech Bubbles programme delivered by M6 Theatre Company improved their speaking and listening skills. At Falinge Park High School, pupils’ confidence in speaking in front of others increased from 53% to 72% after a pilot programme of training and creative activities delivered by Skylight Circus Arts.
Organisations in Rochdale are also working together to support young people to navigate social challenges and contribute to creating safer, healthier and more sustainable communities: Touchstones Rochdale have been working with Rochdale Borough Council and other partners to deliver activities about environmental awareness and action to tackle climate change; Breaking Barriers have developed performances and workshops for schools about reducing violence against women and girls; and Rochdale’s Schools Linking project has been bringing together children from different schools and backgrounds to explore diversity and respect for their other.
Karen Lea, Chair of Create Rochdale said: “At Create Rochdale, we recognise the transformative power of cultural education in enriching the lives of children and young people, building the foundations for self-expression and opening doors to new opportunities. The incredible work delivered by our partners is making a lasting impact, bringing vital experiences to life and showcasing the richness of Rochdale’s creative community.”
Rochdale’s LCEP has developed over the past three years and has benefitted from funding from both Garfield Weston Foundation and the Cultural Development Fund (a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) fund administered by Arts Council England) and supported by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency.’
Read the full report at https://issuu.com/link4lifetrust/docs/final_impact_report_1_
See what young people have been up to at Vibe Rochdale at https://www.vibecreativity.com
M6 THEATRE COMPANY – THE INCIDENT and CURRICULUM FOR LIFE
Preview by Steve Cooke
In Spring 2025, M6 will tour a new piece of theatre with accompanying workshop into secondary schools and youth settings.
The Incident will explore issues around misogynistic culture, coercive control and consent, supporting relationship and sex education for ages 13+.
Consultation session have already taken place with 163 young people in Rochdale schools and youth settings.
The audience were introduced to two characters, Blake (16) and Erin (15), and given the chance to advise, challenge and see their relationship develop over the course of a few months.
Teachers have commented:
"I’m amazed that they sat and talked to you. They never usually do."
“It was a great performance and the feedback from the young people has been really positive. They’re already asking for you to come back and perform. It’s also sparked some brilliant conversations for our healthy relationship’s sessions.”
The Incident is part of M6’s Curriculum for Life programme, designed to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The Curriculum for Life programme is designed to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing, and teacher’s pastoral care, fitting in with schools’ PSHE agendas.
M6 has created a film and facilitator/teacher pack for each of three live performances and facilitated workshops that toured to Rochdale secondary schools from 2016 to 2020.
The Storm (ages 10-14) confronts the climate emergency.
Clueless (ages 13-16) raises awareness of emotional and mental health issues and serious self-harm.
Hench (ages 13-16) looks at what it means to be strong and how, for boys and young men, being strong may not always be the best way to stay well.
The resources are intended to be used by professionals working with young people and consist of two interlinked elements:
An intimate, emotionally charged, single voice play which provides a powerful stimulus to provoke meaningful and important peer discussion around the issues of emotional and mental health.
An accompanying facilitators pack, which has a range of follow up activities designed to explore the issues raised within the drama. They also provide professionals with an opportunity to signpost their young people to the pastoral support available within their own setting, as well as specialist mental health support services. The Storm also includes a science based follow up educational resource.
Free for Rochdale schools. Fee highly subsidised for schools outside of Rochdale.
“Targeted many of the issues our students face, mental health, abuse, self-harm. It really ‘hit home’ for many of them. This was tangible as they were totally immersed by the play."
Teacher, St Cuthbert’s High School on Hench:
“This is excellent practice. Clueless had a huge impact on both the young people and the adults present.” Key Worker, Rochdale Connections Trust on Clueless
“In all the 16 years of teaching here that was the most engaged I’ve ever seen the students” Teacher on The Storm.
A fourth digital performance, Crossing the Line by Parvez Qadir, explores issues of identity, belonging and exploitation for a seventeen year old lad in a seemingly impossible situation. Funded by the Home Office Building Stronger Britain Together, in partnership with Breaking Barriers.
The Storm by Nicola Schofield was originally commissioned by Rochdale Borough Council. Clueless by Mary Cooper has been commissioned by NHS Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale CCG in partnership with Pennine Care NHS and Healthy Young Minds Rochdale. Hench by Mary Cooper was researched with young people in the North West, supported by Healthy Young Minds and funded by NHS Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale CCG in partnership with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.
After the Act at HOME
Preview by Steve Cooke
After the Act is a new 1980’s-inspired musical about pride, protest…and abseiling lesbians.
Thatcher’s Section 28, which banned the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools, was the landmark legislation that silenced a generation, offered a global blueprint for LGBTQ+ oppression and galvanised a community. After the Act is funny, camp and unapologetically queer but also a clear-eyed exposure of the political playbook used to enact repressive laws.
Its joyously exuberant original live score accompanies the inspiring, sometimes heart-breaking, stories of teachers, students and activists impacted by the legislation. This is the story of how a moral panic gripped a nation – and a generation decided to fight back.
Tickets from £15
Running time: 2 hours (including a 20 minute interval)
Tue 12 Nov – Sat 16 Nov
Box Office 0161 200 1500
2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
RECOMMENDED
Friday 01 November 2024 - Saturday 02 November 2024
Royal UK Pageant
Join us for the finals of Royal UK Pageants.
Watch our optional competitions such as casual wear and top model on Friday with our divisional and role Model competition taking place on Saturday.
Who will be next to wear the crown and represent the UK in Florida!
Fri 1 Nov 11:00am Doors open: 10:45am Tickets from £13.00
Sat 2 Nov 4:30pm Doors open: 4:00pm Tickets from £28.00
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Saturday 02 November 2024
M6 Theatre Present A Tiger's Tale
A fantastical production by the award winning playwright Mike Kenny.
Based on the extraordinary story of Fenella, the Holmfirth Tiger, A Tiger's Tale is a high spirited balancing act of circus, puppetry, live music and song.
From a circus train in South Africa, to a steamboat on the Atlantic Ocean and onward to West Yorkshire, a ramshackle travelling troupe tell us the unbelievable true story of a family of acrobats and their adopted tiger cub.
Join Titch, Ma and Pa on their riotous adventure into a world where ‘all the best stories end with a surprise.’
Inspired by 'Tiger on a String' by Kassie Overend.
"A delightfully, beautifully judged entertainment. Extraordinary!" The Reviews Hub
“A sophisticated exploration of storytelling” Children’s Theatre Reviews.
Booking: Advanced booking essential.
Donations welcome on the day
Phone: Lauren 01706 355898
11am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm
M6 Studio, Hamer CP School, Albert Royds Street, Smallbridge, Rochdale OL16 2SU
Saturday 02 November 2024
Bi-Lingual Storytime
Come and listen to stories read in English and other languages such as Urdu, Arabic, French and Slovakian.
Afterwards, join in with crafts related to the story.
Alternating Thursdays and Saturdays.
Free and suitable for children 5 and under and their grown-ups.
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
10.30am to 12pm
Rochdale Library, Number 1 Riverside, Smith Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday 02 November 2024
Nosferatu - screening of film with live organ soundtrack
After more than 100 years since the release of "Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror" (1922), international multi-award-winning organist, Aaron Hawthorne, will be terrifying audiences by playing along on the magnificent Town Hall Binns organ to this spine-chilling film.
This spooky night out is the perfect Halloween (trick or) treat.
Aaron Hawthorne is an in-demand silent film and concert organist from North Lanarkshire, Scotland, with a Master of Arts degree in Music from the University of Glasgow. He is well-known for his accessible and engaging organ recitals, concerts, and silent film accompaniments.
He performs throughout the UK, mainland Europe and the USA.
Events and activities are not organised by Rochdale Borough Council unless stated otherwise. Neither is Rochdale Borough Council responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. If you are under 18, ask your parent or guardian before taking part in any event or activity.
£5 per person
Phone: 01706 924797
Doors open at 7.30pm. The film is due to begin at 8pm.
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Saturday 02 November 2024
Halloween in Rochdale Town Centre
Ghoulish activities to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Be prepared to meet Jack Skellington at various times throughout the day.
Visit the Halloween pop up park featuring a free face painter and a host of family friendly ghoulish activities.
Complete the Halloween word search to be in with a chance of winning a £50 voucher from The Works.
Rochdale Riverside, Riverside Walk, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1TR
Sunday 03 November 2024
Art by the Lake
Free Art Exhibitions.
Meet your local artists, watch demonstrations and treat yourself to stunning original artwork by:
Elizabeth White.
Seamus Kelly.
Chris Rainham.
Neela Jackson.
Victoria Ash.
Deborah Crawford.
Phone: Elizabeth White 07801 433970
Visit: http://www.lizwhiteart.com
11am - 4pm
RSPCA Animal Centre, Hollingworth Lake, Rakewood road, Littleborough OL150AQ
Wednesday 06 November 2024
Tea Dances with Prima Dance
Join us as we waltz back into a cherished tradition and let the rhythm of sequence dancing sweep you off your feet.
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.
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.
£6.50 including refreshments
Phone: 01706 924797
1pm - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday 06 November 2024
Most Haunted Live
The acclaimed world no.1 paranormal show.
Most Haunted is the original and most successful worldwide paranormal investigation series ever made and premieres it’s spine-chilling theatre show in 2023/24.
Presented by Yvette Fielding, the first lady of the paranormal, together with Karl Beattie and the Most Haunted team, you will be taken on the darkest, most terrifying journey of your life.
You’ll be shaking in your seat as Yvette and the team present Most Haunted‘s all-time top 10 scares, complete with unseen video footage from haunted castles, manor houses, hospitals and prisons.
Most Haunted Live will take the theatrical experience to a whole new level as they take you back to the Victorian age of séance and Ouija board, inviting you to conduct your very own ghostly investigation.
In this show, no one is safe and seeing is believing!
From £28.50
7:30pm Doors open: 7:00pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Wednesday 06 November 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Cillian Hennessy cello (RNCM).
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020… during the pandemic!
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 06 November 2024
Free Drama Workshops
Two Shires Drama is kicking off free drama workshops.
Ever been told you should give acting a try? Or maybe you're just someone who loves fiction and drama? Whether you've always wanted to be on stage or you’re just curious, this is your chance!
No pressure, no experience needed—just come along, have fun, and see where it takes you. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage.
Let’s make this unforgettable!
Our workshops offer:
Theatre games.
Drama skills.
Acting exercises that aim to build confidence, self-esteem and friendships.
These session are suitable for ages 16+ and run weekly.
Free
Phone: Jules Howliston 07909 505461
6pm
Caring and Sharing Community Hub, 78 Yorkshire Street, Town centre, Rochdale OL16 1JU
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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