previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 07 DECEMBER 2024
A Tiger’s Tale at M6 Studio
Preview by Steve Cooke
One for young ones and their families at the wonderful M6 Theatre Company’s Studio.
M6 Theatre presents 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.
The production has been celebrated as "A delightfully, beautifully judged
entertainment. Extraordinary!" and “A sophisticated exploration of storytelling”
Ages 4-11 and families
Date: Sunday 15 December 11am & 2pm
Tickets: Pay What You Feel
Running time: 50 minutes
Booking: Advanced booking essential. Call 01706 355898, email admin@m6theatre.co.uk or book online https://m6theatre.co.uk
M6 Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, Hamer CP School, Albert Royds Street, Rochdale OL16 2SU
M6 Theatre shares a site with Hamer and Springside Schools and is situated almost 2 miles from Rochdale town centre.
The building is wheelchair friendly. They have a limited number of free parking spaces available and a ramp up to the entrance. The theatre/studio is on the ground floor along with the accessible toilets. The front row is available for people with accessibility needs and where possible they will seat groups together.
Wendi Peters stars in GLORIOUS! At Hope Mill Theatre
Preview by Steve Cooke
Earplugs at the ready for a brand new show, GLORIOUS! landing at Hope Mill Theatre next Spring.
The hilarious and heartwarming true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a 1940s New York socialite with dreams of becoming an opera star—despite her famously dreadful singing voice. As her notoriously off-key recitals gained a devoted following (including admirers like Enrico Caruso and Cole Porter), her performances became must-see events, culminating in an unforgettable, sold-out show at Carnegie Hall, where Florence performed Mozart in angel wings and a halo.
“Glorious!” follows Florence’s journey as she prepares for her concerts, builds an unlikely friendship with her young accompanist, Cosme McMoon, and pursues her passion despite all odds. At first bewildered by her lack of talent, Cosme gradually grows fond of her, swept into her world of indomitable spirit. This joyful play celebrates a woman who defied critics and embraced the laughter of her audience, making her dreams come true.
Starring Wendi Peters (Coronation Street, Sister Act and White Christmas), GLORIOUS! tells the true story of 1940s New York operatic sensation, Florence Foster Jenkins. There's just one small problem. Florence can't actually sing...
Her notoriously off-key recitals gained a cult following, celebrity fans and culminated in an unforgettable, sold-out show at Carnegie Hall.
GLORIOUS! follows Florence’s journey as she prepares for her concerts, builds an unlikely friendship with her young accompanist, Cosme McMoon, and pursues her passion despite all odds.
This joyful production celebrates a woman who embraced the laughter of her audience and defied her critics, to make her dreams come true.
Wendi Peters – Florence Foster Jenkins
Stage and screen star Wendi Peters is best known for her long-running role as Cilla Battersby in the hit ITV show Coronation Street and most recently has been a regular on the BBC show Doctors as Nina Bulsara. Her other TV credits include Midsomer Murders (ITV), Hetty Feather, Hacker Time and Sadie J (CBBC).
Wendi has also competed on various shows including SoapstarSuperstar (ITV), Celebrity Mastermind (BBC), Celebrity Masterchef (BBC) and The Great British Sewing Bee (BBC) which she won. Her theatre credits include Sister Act (UK Tour), You Are Here (Southwak Playhouse), BIG The Musical (West End), The Game (Northern Broadsides) and White Christmas (Lowry, Salford).
“I’m so thrilled to be playing such a ‘glorious’ character as Florence Foster Jenkins and I know I’m going to such fun portraying her.
I’m really looking forward to being back in Manchester and working at the wonderful Hope Mill theatre.“
27th Feb – 30th March 2025
Tuesday – Saturday 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sunday – 1pm and 6pm
Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard St, Manchester, M4 7JA
Box Office: boxoffice@hopemilltheatre.co.uk
Enquiries: info@hopemilltheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 0161 275 9141
RECOMMENDED
Saturday 07 December 2024
Christmas Open Day
A fun festive day for all the family.
Fair rides.
Stalls.
Fire engines. .
Refreshments
You can meet Father Christmas for a small additional charge.
We look forward to seeing you all.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Saturday 07 December 2024
Christmas Spectacular (Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society)
Join the Award-Winning Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society for their Annual "Christmas Spectacular" Concert.
The afternoon will feature a selection of hand-picked Christmas songs delivered by talented vocalist sure to put you in the mood for the festive season.
£10
Phone: Penny Lydiate 01706 344773
2pm
St Aidan's Church, 10 Manchester Road, Sudden, Rochdale OL11 3EL
Saturday 07 December 2024
Christmas Fair
Raffles.
Tombolas.
Cakes & Bakes.
Crafts.
Books & CDs.
Bric-a-Brac.
Toys and more ...
Refreshments.
Sandwiches.
Mince pies.
Tea.
Coffee.
Biscuits and More...
Free Admission
Phone: L Taylor 01706 358442
11am - 2pm
Rochdale Parish Church of St. Chad, Sparrow Hill, Rochdale OL16 1QT
(On hill behind the Town Hall )
Saturday 07 December 2024
Norden Soul Motown & 60's Christmas Dance Party
A Christmas night full of Motown classics and 60's floor fillers for all generations.
Carrying on the vibe of our SHOUT! Motown nights.
£7 Advance tickets / £10 on the door
Phone: Ruby 01706 560309
7pm
St Pauls Hall, Blackpits road, Norden, Rochdale OL11 5NG
Saturday 07 December 2024 - Sunday 08 December 2024
Riverside Christmas Market
The countdown is on to Christmas in Santa's favourite town centre and this year the inaugural Rochdale's Christmas Market is taking place at Rochdale Riverside. The market is brought to you by Rochdale Town Centre BID, and it will feature over 30 seasonal stalls to make sure that everyone gets their Christmas wrapped before the big day.
Whether you're seeking unique gifts, looking to savour street food, or simply want to soak up the seasonal vibes, the Christmas Market promises something for everyone.
Live music will add to the festive atmosphere.
Free
10am - 4pm
Riverside Retail & Leisure Complex, Riverside Walk, Rochdale OL16 1TR
Tuesday 10 December 2024
Edwin Waugh Dialect Society - A Merry Yuletide Kesmas Party
On this evening, members are invited to present their favourite dialect item with a Christmas theme, be it a poem, story or song.
In the Chair - Alison Cooper
Waugh Reading: Dave Wood
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 https://www.edwinwaughdialectsociety.com/events-calendar.html 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 10 December 2024
Rochdale & District Camera Club
Session: Outside event Christmas Market Street Photography.
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 https://www.rochdalecameraclub.org.uk/ for the 2024 syllabus.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Wednesday 11 December 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Development 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 https://www.rochdaleps.org.uk/syllabus 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 11 December 2024
Rochdale Antiques Society - Victoria Baths in Manchester - E Sibbering
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 11 December 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have More than Melody - Ken Greaves conductor Brian Milligan piano.
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 11 December 2024
Art Group
Interested in art?
Why not come along and meet like-minded individuals, meeting each week to paint, draw, watch demos, etc.
Bring along your own artwork and join us. We are a very friendly group .
We are beginners up to very experienced artists who enjoy the sociability of meeting up and helping each other.
All abilities welcome.
Weekly programme of topics and events.
£1.00 weekly subs
Phone: Veronica Swinden 01706 640567
Visit: http://rochdaleartists.com
10.45am to 12.45pm
Castleton Library and Community Centre, 604 Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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