previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 08 MARCH 2025
CELEBRATING THE POWER OF CREATIVITY – THE VIBE LEGACY
Review by Steve Cooke
The power of the creative arts to change lives was powerfully demonstrated at the first showing of the short film The Power of Creativity – The Legacy of VIBE
Young people gathered with their artist facilitators, supporters and friends in Vicolo Del Vino on Butts Avenue in Rochdale Town Centre to watch an inspirational, moving, funny and celebratory film of the wonderful achievements of young people facing mental health challenges.
We live in an age where mental health challenges are increasingly affecting our young people in an environment in which the creative arts are facing challenges for their very existence not only in venues but also in our schools and local communities.
This film tells the story of a local project demonstrating how elemental the creative arts can be in supporting well-being and improved mental health.
The Vibe Project was funded initially by Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale NHS CCG then GM NHS Integrated Care Partnership as a socially prescribed project with a difference.
The Vibe model being very different to many interventions and courses available to young people facing mental health challenges with no time limits: some young people were with the project for 8 years.
This gave them the security of belonging, the time and space to develop friendships, grow feelings of self-worth, find and express their voice, develop skills and the confidence to communicate their story in their own way with whom they chose through the creative arts.
An environment in which they could start to believe that they had something to offer to themselves and others, becoming valuable contributors to their communities ready to successfully engage with training, employment and volunteering.
The hands-on leadership model was to be respectful, to listen and to be empathetic in all interactions with each other. The expectation was that being enveloped by that environment young people would themselves develop the same social skills - which they demonstrably did!
The artists including such a musicians, filmmakers, poets, DJs, visual artists, photographers and digital artists inspired, supported and enabled young people to find their voice through the creative arts and to express and share their stories through whatever medium worked for them.
The young people were in complete control with no time pressures and no judgement – the artists were able to share their own enthusiasms and extraordinary skills in a completely new environment beyond the stage, recording studio and exhibition venues.
The led to such as a young man on the autistic spectrum referred by Early Break. He was 15 years of age and in care. He initially went to Vibe with his foster mum and Early Break support person. He quickly settled in and was able to take part in activities without external support. His foster mum reported that she was delighted as this was the first time that he had shown enthusiasm for and looked forward to anything. He bonded with an existing member [also with autism] sharing their mutual interests. Together they were involved in designing and building a light box to enhance their photography. He then started guitar lessons and designed and built an electric guitar gaining skills and confidence through his achievements and obtaining a musical instrument to play.
Another example is a girl aged 10 referred by her mother as she was struggling with the tensions created by her mother and father spitting up and her mother introducing a new male into the family home. She was initially very quiet and stuck to whichever parent brought her down. The team and other young people gently encouraged her to say what she liked doing and involved her in suitable activities. She soon became involved in an art project to decorate internal walls with murals, working in a group including a Visual Artist and a young man who is developing his own visual art creativity. She started to spend all her time away from her supporting parent joined the guitar project and engaged in one-to-one sessions with a Vibe Musician. She became confident in her newly acquired skills and proud of her creativity which she continues to develop and enjoy.
Some young people told their stories through the creative arts in front of an audience of 200 at the Middleton Arena, others made videos, audio tracks and showed their work in exhibitions. They all shared their creations with other young people, their families and friends.
Three young people became trustees of the Vibe Rochdale, and several took on the roles of mentors/facilitators for other young people, one young person is about to start her post graduate masters degree, and another has achieved a First Class Honours Degree in Digital Art and Animation.
This is a story to encourage and inspire those who hold the funding purse strings to support the creative arts and open them up especially to our young people.
A full report of the Vibe Project including many images and links to videos and music made by young people can be read at https://www.allacrossthearts.com/post/vibe-impact-report-celebrating-changing-the-lives-of-young-people-through-the-creative-arts
The film [approx. 23 minutes] can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpVqWEimHpM
Skylight Circus Arts present SKY-FI - A Circus Show
Preview by Steve Cooke
Skylight Circus Arts present SKY-FI!
This latest production from our wonderful local circus group promises to be an unforgettable circus adventure “beyond the stars, where the Sky’s not the limit, it’s just the beginning.”
The audience will be transported to a world where gravity bends, time stretches, and the very fabric of the universe is manipulated before your very eyes.
“Step into the cosmos with Sky-Fi, an exhilarating circus adventure where gravity is optional, infinity is within reach, and the enormity of space comes to life in a thrilling, visual spectacle.” Charma Force, Director.
This family friendly circus show featuresSpotlight, a gifted and talented youth troupe. Established in 2019, the original troupe disbanded during the pandemic. Now, thanks to Arts Council funding, this new cohort of talented young people are ready to re-launch to galaxies far away with our spectacular space themed show.
“With mind bending acrobatics, mesmerizing aerial acts and celestial wire walkers, SKY-FI is more than just a circus show, it’s a journey through time and space that will leave audiences of all ages in awe” Martine Bradford, Creative Director, Skylight Circus Arts.
Produced by Skylight Circus Arts
Director Charma Force
Associate Director Gil Burns
Music Directed by Steven Broomhead
Design by Gil Burns
Technical & Stage Management - Mick Chapman
Saturday 15 March 2025 3pm & 7pm
Sunday 16 March 2025 11am & 3pm
Skylight Circus Arts, St Chad’s Fold, Sparrow Hill, Rochdale, OL16 1QT
£5
Two supremely talented musicians dazzled the audience at St Mary in the Baum with their virtuosic verve.
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Once again, these two supremely talented musicians dazzled the audience at St Mary in the Baum with their virtuosic verve.
Both violinist Duncan Reid and pianist Jonathan Ellis studied on the prestigious joint music course of the RNCM and Manchester University and gained postgraduate diplomas.
Duncan Reid, originally from Bristol, has worked with various orchestras and chamber ensembles, around the UK. He performs regularly with string quartets in a wide range of repertoire and is a well-regarded music teacher in schools. He also conducts the Xaverian College Chamber Orchestra. He plays on a fine example of a Joseph Hel violin made in Paris during the 1890's.
Jonathan Ellis started to learn the piano at the age of three, then studied at Wells Cathedral School and moved on to the joint music course of the RNCM and Manchester University, graduating first-class from both institutions. There he gained higher diplomas and prizes as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician.
From the stately opening of Mozart’s Sonata K. 454 in B flat major to establish the even treatment of both instruments, they embarked on an energetic interpretation. The dazzling scalic virtuosity flashed between them to the end, save for a reflective melodic middle movement.
This was followed by an exquisite performance of Vaughan Williams’ ‘The Lark Ascending’, probably the best known of his works. The compact violin concerto or rhapsody is based on a famous poem and evokes a post-First World War England, aided by Jonathan’s sensitive reduction of the orchestra.
The shimmering tranquillity this achieved was shattered with the madly joyous flashes of brilliance of Wieniawski’s Polonaise Brillante in D major, an exhilarating flashback to their college days, as fresh as ever, boosted now with years of experience. This was a stunning finale from two excellent players.
The much-demanded encore was the beautiful intermezzo, Meditation from ‘Thais’ by Massenet. A marvellous experience.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
RECOMMENDED
Saturday 08 March 2025
Rochdale Music Society concert: The Vienna Piano Trio
Vienna classics.
Adults £14
Students £5
Children £1
Disabled persons with carer £10
Tickets can be purchased on the door or reserved in advance from 01706 642139.
7.30pm
St. Michael's Church, Bamford, Bury and Rochdale Old Road, Heywood OL10 4BB
Saturday 08 March 2025
A Meal To Die For - A Murder Mystery by Eileen Clark
A small group of villagers usually come together to organise community events, but this evening a meal has been arranged in the local pub to bid goodbye to Elizabeth, who will soon be moving away.
The meal is over and has been cleared. As they sip their wine and chat quietly, they appear to be a friendly and close-knit group, but all is not as it seems.
Someone has a murderous plan to dispose of the one person present who threatens to put an end to a rather pleasant lifestyle
£15 - includes a Welcome Drink and Pie Supper
Phone: Gordon Tilstone 07949 963761
Doors open 7pm - Drama starts 7.45
Richard Bentley Smalley Memorial Hall, Thornham Lane, Slattocks, Middleton M24 2RE
Monday 10 March 2025
St John's Art Group
We hold an 'arts and craft group' in a side room every Monday afternoon. You are invited to come along, meet new friends, enjoy a cup of tea, and chat.
Everyone is welcome, whether you want to bring your own craft project, learn a new skill or just chat.
You can bring your own craft items, or we can provide some materials and support.
Phone: 01706 631973
1pm - 3pm
St John the Baptist R.C. Church, Dowling Street, Rochdale OL11 1EX
Tuesday 11 March 2025
Edwin Waugh Dialect Society - Edwin Waugh’s birthday celebration and trophy presentation evening
Trophies presented by Stewart Chadwick
In the chair: Stewart Chadwick
Waugh reading: Tom Byrne
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: fhttps://www.edwinwaughdialectsociety.com/events-2024-25.html for the full calendar.
Phone: 01706 826227
7.30pm - 9pm
St Andrew's Methodist and United Reformed Church, Entwistle Road, Rochdale OL16 2HZ
Tuesday 11 March 2025
Rochdale & District Camera Club - Critique evening.
Session: Critique evening
Bring photos for discussion (number tba after the first one).
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 2025 syllabus.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm - 10pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Wednesday 12 March 2025
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Presidents 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.
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 12 March 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Rochdale Phoenix Opera Company performing ‘Bits of Ida’.
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
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
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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