previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2024
A wild & wonderful adventure at the Octagon for Christmas 2024
Review by Hilary Dawes
We swing into the jungle this festive season with a new musical version of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved classic, The Jungle Book, adapted for the stage by Andrew Pollard and directed by Sarah Punshon.
Using Kipling’s great array of animal characters, Andrew has created a dramatic and exciting storyline, following Mowgli’s progress from the infant adopted by wolves to a lively and inquisitive teenager, seeking adventure and itching to break away from his adoptive parents’ protection. Beautifully played with great energy by Kiara Nicole Pillai, Mowgli feels he can take on anything, even the murderous intentions of the evil Shere Khan.
A brilliant cast portrayed the jungle’s animal inhabitants, with Charlie Ryan, hilarious as Baloo the bear, immediately engaging the audience (especially the kids) with his endearing child-like demeanour and naughty jokes. Harveen Mann-Neary gave a moving performance as Akeela, matriarch of the wolf pack, forming an instant bond with the infant Mowgli. By contrast she was unrecognisable as the snake Kaa, sashaying onto the stage with over the top glitz and glamour! Ashley D Gayle gave a strong performance as the wise and proud panther Bagheera, fearful for Mowgli with his innocent disregard for the unseen dangers lurking in the jungle. With incredible versatility, these same actors, admirably supported by Daniella Barratt, convincingly brought to life a pack of howling wolves and a troupe of mischievous monkeys.
Rachel Marwood was magnificent as the sleek and menacing tiger Shere Khan, prowling languidly around the jungle, determined to wreak vengeance on the misdeeds of man through the “man’s cub” Mowgli.
Composer Ziad Jabero created a memorable score, with additional vocal arrangements from Musical Director Alice Brown. With a minimal set, under a luxuriant jungle canopy, the talented creative team excelled, with some stunning special effects and costumes thanks to Set & Costume Designer Katie Scott, Sound Designer Kate Harvey and Lighting Designer Tim Skelly. Praise too for the exciting fight scenes and authentic animal movements, choreographed by Kaitlin Howard and Sundeep Saini.
Tinged with some sadness, yet bursting with joy, with exciting fight scenes, lively dance routines and catchy songs, The Jungle Book is a captivating treat for the whole family.
Running at the Octagon Bolton until 4th January 2025.
TLC IN NOVEMBER
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
November 06: Cillian Henessy cello and Yiting Zhang piano – two fourth year RNCM students. Irish-born cellist Cillian’s orchestral experience includes the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, the Ulster Youth Orchestra (Principal cello) and the orchestra for Northern Ireland Opera. He has also gained experience as a soloist and chamber musician. Chinese pianist Yiting Zhang came second in the Hannover Gieseking International Piano Elite Competition. Last year she was Highly Commended for playing Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 5 in the RNCM competition. Superb unaccompanied Bach, Piatti and Cassado; and magical duo partnership with Beethoven and Casals.
November 13: Kell Wind Trio – ‘Diversions aplenty’ from flautist and arranger Alastair Roberts (along with his interesting introductions), Ian Harvey (bassoon) and Geoffrey Smith (clarinet) are all distinguished performers with orchestras in the Northwest and had all the skills and stamina to bring a wide variety of music to life. Haydn, Gounod, Schulhoff, Hummel, Alfven, Grainger, Binge and Strauss. Complete with a cheeky encore - The Archers’ theme.
November 20: John Powell baritone & Elin Rees piano – John has had a distinguished career as a soloist and director of several choirs including Chetham’s, the National Youth Choir and latterly choral societies and massed choir events. Expert accompanist Elin trained as a pianist and organist at the RNCM. A varied programme on the theme of Unrequited Love from Dowland to Britten and lieder from Brahms to Wolf with John’s impressive, beautifully poised baritone range of tone and expression, plus some hilarious patter from G&S with impeccable piano accompaniments from Elin resulted in a sophisticated and satisfying recital.
November 27: Nina Savicevic piano – the award-winning rising star, of Croatian Serbian descent trained at St Petersburg, Wells Cathedral School and bachelor’s and master’s at the RNCM. The sublime Prelude and Fugue in Eb minor no 8 BWV 853 of JS Bach led to a bright and rustic Sonata no 18 in Eb major “The Hunt” by Beethoven. An expertly phrased Impromptu no 3 G flat major Op 90 of Schubert led to a pensive Nocturne in C Sharp minor and colourful virtuoso Ballade no 2 in F major op 38 by Chopin.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30 pm at the Grade 1 Listed St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
A New York Christmas at HOME Manchester
Preview by Steve Cooke
To mark the arrival of Miracle on 34th Street in HOME Theatre 1, this festive season their film programme celebrates A New York Christmas.
Two festive film releases focus on the close-knit communities of New York state rallying together for cinematic Christmases. Frank Capra’s 1946 classic It’s a Wonderful Life is the definitive story of Christmas in a small town, while 2024’s Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point offers a playful update on the genre.
The Big Apple is, of course, the true star of A New York Christmas at the movies. New York City department stores are a ubiquitous motif in Christmas movies and are well-represented in our festive film season by family favourites Home Alone 2 and Elf, as well as Todd Haynes’ tender period romance, Carol.
The other film selections chart the different ways NYC’s diverse population navigate the festive period. Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick’s confounding final film, explores the dark side of elite society in the Empire State. While Moonstruck follows two celestially crossed lovers on a madcap journey from the brownstones of their working-class Brooklyn Heights neighbourhood to the operatic grandeur of The Met.
Until Tue 24 Dec
HOME Manchester, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN
Visit: https://homemcr.org/cinema/
Box Office 0161 200 1500
RECOMMENDED
Saturday 14 December 2024
Your Own Natural Christmas Decorations
Join us at this free event and get in the crafting Christmas spirit!
Make stars and mini Christmas trees from sticks. Decorate your crafts with cinnamon sticks, dried oranges and ribbons.
The stars and trees will be crafted using wire, which can be recycled in the future, making it both festive and eco-friendly!
Meet under the clock tower at the Town Hall.
Free
Phone: Rachel Ford
11am - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Saturday 14 December 2024
Wild Hearts Exhibition Preview
Join us in our heritage mill for the preview of a new exhibition by local photographer and Ebor Studio member Esther Towler.
With an underlying message of conservation drawing attention to the ecology of our wild landscapes, this exhibition has a potent relevance to our changing world.
2pm
Ebor Studios, William Street, Littleborough, Rochdale OL15 8JP
Saturday 14 December 2024
Winter crafty drop-in
11am - 2pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number one Riverside, Smith Street, Town centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Rochdale Pioneers Museum are collaborating with Rochdale Central Library to bring you a fun and super crafty drop-in session.
Make your own Christmas decorations to take home.
No booking required.
You may need to wait if we are busy!
Free
Phone: Caitlin Shentall 01706 524920
Saturday 14 December 2024 - Sunday 15 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.
The organisers look forward to welcoming attendees and their loved ones to the event, hoping to make this Christmas a season to remember
Live music will add to the festive atmosphere.
Free
10am - 4pm
Riverside Retail & Leisure Complex, Riverside Walk, Rochdale OL16 1TR
Sunday 15 December 2024
Xmas market - Alkrington Village Craft Market
Pop along and support your local small businesses and community.
With over 30 stalls we have a fantastic range of brilliant crafters selling their handmade and unique crafts not available on the high street.
Free entry and hot food and refreshments available.
We have free customer parking outside Alkrington Community Centre, plus additional parking outside Tesco Mainway Alkrington.
Phone: Lee Yates 07807 457 703
11am - 4pm
Alkrington Community Centre, Hardfield Road, Alkrington, Middleton M24 1TQ
Sunday 15 December 2024
M6 Theatre presents A Tiger's Tale
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.
Booking: Advanced booking essential.
Donations welcome on the day
Phone: Lauren 01706 355898
11am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm
M6 Studio, M6 Studio, Hamer CP School, Albert Royds Street, Smallbridge, Rochdale OL16 2SU
Sunday 15 December 2024
Where all is peace
The friends are delighted to Welcome the Manchester Chamber Choir to St Edmunds.
Embrace the festive spirit of Christmas at the beautiful Grade1 listed church of St Edmund with Manchester Chamber Choir.
The program of works inspired by peace and hope will include spirituals from
Tippetts A Child Of Our Time.
Eric Whitacres Little Tree.
Ringeltanze By Libby Larsen.
Works by Owain Park and Bob Chilcott.
Principal conductor : Vicente Chavarria
Seasonal refreshments available.
Tickets available on the door or via link below.
£13 Full price, £11 over 65 and £5 Students
Phone: Howard Bowden 07901 525651
7pm (Doors open 6:30pm)
St Edmunds church, Edmund Street, Falinge, Rochdale OL12 6PL
Sunday 15 December 2024
Cantare Ladies Choir - Sounds of Christmas
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a choir concert.
Enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie as the Cantare Ladies Choir perform songs guaranteed to fill you with Christmas cheer.
The choir will be hosting a raffle so make sure to bring some spare change.
£10 plus booking fee
4pm - 6pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Tuesday 17 December 2024
Rochdale & District Camera Club
Session: Club Social Evening in Rochdale Centre The Baum.
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.
24 December Closed.
We reopen on 07 January 2025. New members very Welcome to join us.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Presidents Cup Competition.
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
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Notability mixed voice choir (piano Lesley Cavanagh).
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 18 December 2024
Christmas organ concert
Jonathan Scott presents a special Christmas organ concert in the Victorian splendour of Rochdale Town Hall, showcasing the 'King of Instruments' in a dazzling programme of seasonal music.
Described as "The leading British Organist", Jonathan Scott is Organist at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, where he regularly performs to audiences of thousands. He is in demand as a concert soloist all over the world and is the only organist to have performed a solo organ concert at The Royal Albert Hall, London, for the 2024 BBC Proms.
The organ of Rochdale Town Hall is one of Jonathan's favourite organs, and he is excited to be returning to give a special festive concert on this amazing instrument.
£12 - Please book your place by 5pm, Monday 16 December 2024.
2pm - 3.30pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday 18 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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