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WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 05 OCTOBER 2024

Writer's picture: STEVE COOKE AATASTEVE COOKE AATA

  



previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke

 



                                                  

 

WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 05 OCTOBER 2024

 

A Remarkable Musical Marathon Celebrated with a Remarkable Musical performance

Review by Steve Cooke


Eight years ago, Manchester Camerata embarked on a remarkable project, to perform and record an edition of Mozart’s piano concertos plus all his opera overtures.

At the Stoller Hall on Saturday 21 September they triumphantly reached their goal with the overture to La finta semplice, Concert-Rondo in A (K386), the Two-piano Concerto (K365), the Idomeneo overture, Concert-Rondo (in D, K382) and the Three Piano Concerto.



The evening proved to be an exhilarating celebration of not only a remarkable project, but outstanding musicianship led by the effervescent Gábor Takács-Nagy with the award winning, prolific and highly engaging pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.

In the two-piano concerto (K365) we were introduced to Andrea Nemecz – aka Mme Bavouzet – who behind the scenes has been very much a part of the project, and now solo-duettist along with her husband.




The pianos were set at the front of the platform in an inverted V-shape, with the soloists, backs to the audience, able to see other enabling total synchronicity. The performance was greatly enhanced by Rachael Clegg’s brightly shining oboe solos .

The “Mozart, made in Manchester” project has presented opportunities for young string players from Chetham’s School of Music to join the orchestra for concerts, and that was the case again and in the three-piano concerto, M and Mme Bavouzet were joined by Rose McLachlan as soloists, this time with the three pianos like petals across the front of the platform. The audience were both delighted and fascinated by the interweaving of Mozart’s three pianos’ lines.


Those of us lucky enough to have been at this party will never forget this life enhancing experience in the presence of not only remarkable musicians interpreting remarkable music but people who exude genuine warmth and affection.


I am delighted that they aren’t done yet. The next stage of the project (with Chandos continuing to record the results) is to be the four horn concertos, with soloist Martin Owen.

 

Secrets of a Wallaby Boy

Preview by Steve Cooke


Manchester film-maker Kieron Moore’s new feature film, Secrets of a Wallaby Boy is due for digital release at the end of October. Leading up to the release, Weird Rainbow Films are organising a tour of screening events with Q&As, including one at Manchester’s lovely LGBTQ+ venue Queer Lit/Social Refuge.




Secrets of a Wallaby Boy is a modern, queer update on cheeky British comedies like Confessions of a Window Cleaner, with a Black Mirror-esque edge of satire about the gig economy and AI.


It stars up-and-coming actors Brandon McCaffrey and Billie Hindle, alongside well-known names Mark Benton (Anna and the Apocalypse), Colin Baker (Doctor Who), and Laurence R. Harvey (The Human Centipede 2 & 3).



McCaffrey stars as a young gay man called Tim, who is unfit, struggling to pay the rent, and desperately lacking in sex. In the hopes of turning his life around, he becomes a courier for the app Wallaby. Guided by AI marsupial Bruce (Baker), he fumbles his way through a number of awkward drop-offs and hookups but soon finds himself out of his depth when he uncovers a sinister conspiracy connecting Wallaby to a corrupt government minister (Harvey).



Secrets of a Wallaby Boy will be screened at Queer Lit/Social Refuge on Great Ancoats Street, at 7pm on Wednesday 2nd October. Joining us for a post-film Q&A will be writer/director Kieron Moore plus other members of the cast and crew.

Tickets are available now from tinyurl.com/WallabyLit

 

Miracle on 34th Street, the festive spectacular coming to HOME this Christmas.

Preview by Steve Cooke


Directed by Sara Joyce and produced by HOME, this brand-new musical, based on the classic tale, featuring songs including It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, is a story of hope, joy, and a sprinkle of festive magic.



A major department store in New York City is on the brink of collapse, and their upcoming Christmas sale must be a success. When their Santa quits at the last minute, they’re left with a kind-hearted stranger who is convinced he’s the real deal to save the day, but when he is arrested, the fate of Christmas is in the hands of a child called Susan who must restore the world’s belief in Santa Claus.


Introducing a cast that boasts strong links to the North and the North West, this captivating, joyous story stars Adam Vaughan (BBC’s Outlaws, My Fair Lady (London Coliseum & U.K. Tour)) as Kris Kringle, Christopher Jordan (BBC’s The Jetty), Lady Chatterley’s Lover (Netflix)) as Mr Macy, Ida Regan (Brief Encounter (Royal Exchange Theatre), Napoleon, Animal Farm (Octagon Theatre, Derby Theatre & Hull Truck)) as Sawyer, Jessica Joslin (A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic Theatre), Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre)) as Doris, Matthew Hawksley (Guy Richie’s The Gentlemen (Netflix), BBC’s Floodlights, Fiddler on the Roof (West End) as Fred, Stephanie Hockley (Blue Beard (HOME, UK tour), Wuthering Heights (Royal National Theatre, UK tour)) as Shellhammer, and Zweyla Mitchell (Little Shop of Horrors (UK Tour), Alice in Wonderland (Liverpool Playhouse, Theatre Royal Plymouth)) as Judge Harper. Harriet (High School Musical (Herald Green Theatre), Matilda (Waterside Theatre)), Karis (Universal Pictures film adaptation of Wicked, Les Miserables (UK Tour), Oliver! (Leeds Playhouse)), and Lillie (Steve McQueen’s Blitz, Les Miserables (UK Tour)) will be taking on the lead role of Susan.



Director Sara Joyce comments: “Miracle on 34th Street is my favourite Christmas film so it’s an absolute privilege to be directing Meredith Wilson’s brilliant musical adaptation of the original movie at HOME. In our production, New York meets Manchester, tradition meets new ways of thinking, and nothing is more powerful than the belief of children. The extraordinary cast and team will bring magic and joy beyond the stage into the audience.”


Karen O’Neill, CEO at HOME comments: “We are delighted to present our musical adaptation of the festive classic Miracle on 34th Street at HOME this Christmas, and we are thrilled to be working with such an incredible range of local performers, writers, and creatives. This renowned tale is the perfect offering to get families and loved ones into the Christmas spirit and we can’t wait to share this brand-new musical with our audiences.”


Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture Story by Valentine Davies Screenplay by George Seaton


Fri 6 Dec – Tue 31 Dec ‘24

HOME Manchester, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN

19:30, 14:00 matinees

Tickets from £25

Running time: 2 hours incl. interval (subject to change)

homemcr.org | 0161 200 1500

 

RECOMMENDED

 

Saturday 05 October 2024

Starlight Ball

Please join us in celebrating Springhill Hospice’s 35th Anniversary.

Welcome drink, three course meal and an evening filled with entertainment.

Sponsored by Molesworths.

Tickets £100 per person

6.30pm

Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AB

 

Saturday 05 October 2024

An October Song Fest

Join the award-winning Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society for 'An October Song Fest'.

The evening will feature a selection of choral and soloist pieces guaranteed to delight our audience.

Including songs from 'Miss Saigon', 'Oklahoma', 'Phantom of the Opera', and many more.

Licenced Bar & Raffle.

Book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

£10

Phone: Penny Lydiate 07761 116304

19.30pm

St Aidan's Church, Sudden, Rochdale OL11 3EL

 

Saturday 05 October 2024

“A Night at the Musicals” presented by Littleborough Brass Band Association

Join Boro’ Brass and Littleborough Brass Band for a spectacular "Night at the Musicals" concert, presented by the Littleborough Brass Bands Association.

Experience the magic of Broadway and the West End as the bands bring iconic show tunes to life, from timeless classics to modern hits.

With thrilling performances and incredible talent, this concert will transport you to the heart of musical theatre.

Don’t miss this dazzling celebration of music, drama, and entertainment with Boro’ Brass and Littleborough Brass Band—it’s a night that promises to leave you humming your favourite songs long after the final note.

Adult: £6 Children (under 12): £4

Phone: Jonathan Coomer 07964 196365

7pm

St. Andrew’s Church, Arm Road, Dearnley, Littleborough OL15 8NJ                        

 

Saturday 05 October 2024

Lancashire & Cheshire Woodcarvers Exhibition

Members of the Lancashire and Cheshire Woodcarvers are having a showcase event with a large exhibition of club members' carvings.

There will be a wide variety of wood carving styles and designs and demonstrations of carving styles.

Glass etchings will also be on display.

Check our website for more details.

Free

11am - 3pm

Ukrainian Cultural Centre, Mere Street, Rochdale OL11 1HJ

 

Sunday 06 October 2024

The Ultimate Pop Show – Live

Delivering the most exhilarating dance routines, latest trends and hits from the biggest chart-topping artists including Taylor Swift, Girls Aloud, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Little Mix and many more.

Round up your family and friends and get ready to sparkle and shine with this all-new family friendly concert experience!

Dress to impress and join us for the ultimate first concert experience for kids, teens and families to enjoy together.

From £18.50

3:00pm Doors open: 2:30pm

Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG

 

Tuesday 08 October 2024

Edwin Waugh Dialect Society - PRESIDENT’S NEET - June Schofield

"Friends Remembered"

On this evening, our president will choose her favourite poems or prose in Lancashire dialect written by our past presidents and other friends.

In the Chair: June Schofield

Waugh Reading: Jim Parker

Edwin Waugh Dialect Society meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month (previously Wednesday) from October to June, commencing at 7.30pm at St Andrew's Methodist and United Reformed Church, Rochdale (between Rochdale Leisure Centre and Aldi). There is free onsite parking.

Annual subscription is £10, but voluntary donations at each meeting help defray the cost of the room hire. Your first meeting is free.

Formed in 1938 by a group of Lancashire Dialect enthusiasts, the objects of the society are the maintaining and increasing of interest in Lancashire.

At the meetings, members are entertained by a speaker or a performer.

Visit the link below for the full 2024 calendar.

Phone: 01706 826227

7.30pm start - 9pm

St Andrew's Methodist and United Reformed Church, Entwistle Road, Rochdale OL16 2HZ

 

Tuesday 08 October 2024

Rochdale & District Camera Club

Still Life.

We meet every Tuesday at 8pm at Syke Methodist Church Hall.

You are more than welcome to come down to one of our club nights to see if you would enjoy joining the club.

Visit the link below for the 2024 syllabus.

Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136

8pm

Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF

 

Wednesday 09 October 2024

Rochdale Photographic Society

Tonight's session - Members AV evening.

We meet every Wednesday at Rochdale Unitarian Church, starting at 7.30pm prompt (doors open from 7.15pm). The door is kept locked so please ring the bell on arrival.

If you would like to see the club for yourself and meet our members, you are welcome to attend as our guest for up to 3 weeks before committing to membership. Annual subscription is £36 for single or £46 for joint membership.

A weekly room fee of £2.50 is also payable on arrival at the meeting. Refreshments are 50p.

Visit the link below for a full 2024 syllabus.

£2.50 for room fee

Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start

Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP

 

Wednesday 09 October 2024

Rochdale Antiques Society - Antique Furniture in the Rochdale Manor - Dr. P Lindfield

Dr.Lindfield will illustrate the furniture that was in the old Rochdale Manor.

Visitors are very welcome at our meetings, just turn up on the night.  There is no limit on the number of meetings that visitors can attend.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month.

Meetings run from September to May.

Visitors charge - £5

Phone: Society Secretary, Ann Lord 01706 844026

7.30pm

St Vincent's Community Centre, Caldershaw Road, Norden OL12 7QL (Sat Nav: OL12 7QR)

 

Wednesday 09 October 2024

Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime

This week we have John Sabar piano (York University & 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

 

 



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