WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 27 minutes ago
- 10 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2026
Previews: Ben Nickless – He’s One Of Our Own! Plus, Black Is The Color Of My Voice at Hope Mill Theatre.
Reviews: An Immersive Night-time Walk through Rochdale and A Full English with Organ Soloist Peter Kwater.
Ben Nickless – He’s One Of Our Own!
Preview by Steve Cooke
Ben Nickless was born and raised in Rochdale and started performing in the pubs and clubs around the North West when he was just 19.
In 2022 our Ben received recognition from across the country and around the world as he got to the grand final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. Ben won over the judges and the nation, winning his semi-final along the way with his hilarious quick-fire impressions and madcap style of comedy whilst getting the opportunity to perform at the world famous London Palladium and Hammersmith Apollo.
This year mark’s Ben’s 25th year in show business, performing regularly around the UK in cabaret, comedy clubs, holiday parks, hotels, television and many theatre summer seasons including appearances at Cromer Pier, the West Cliff Theatre in Clacton On Sea, Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay, Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne and the infamous Blackpool North Pier alongside the legendary Cannon and Ball.
Ben has certainly become one of the most popular panto performers in the UK after previously winning the award of ‘Best Comic’ at the Great British Pantomime Awards. Ben has performed at major theatres up and down the country alongside many household names including David Hasselhoff, Craig Revel Horwood, Lesley Joseph, Christopher Biggins, Su Pollard, Les Dennis, Sherrie Hewson, Alexandra Burke and at the Opera House, Manchester again for his eighth consecutive year and reuniting with his great friend, Jason Manford.
Ben’s other TV performances include This Morning, The One Show, Hoff The Record and also another talent show Let Me Entertain You hosted by Brian Conley and Christine Lampard, winning his episode way back in 2006.
Ben also provides his many voices for local radio stations, podcasts and major holiday park character shows.
He has toured and performed with Jason Manford, Shane Richie, Mick Miller, Billy Pearce, Darren Day, The Krankies and has even written for Basil Brush’s Edinburgh Festival Show.
For more information on Ben, you can visit his social media pages on Facebook and Instagram or visit his website bennickless.co.uk
Ben’s latest venture is Trouble With Kids, his brand new play about friendship, fertility, fame and kids.
Will and Marc are best mates and both comedians. Marc is a jobbing comic with a wife, kids and a crumbling career. Will is a national treasure - rich, famous, adored - but his marriage is strained by infertility. As their paths cross onstage and off, Trouble With Kids explores what it really means to “have it all” …and what’s left when you don’t.
Starring alongside Ben are Janice Connolly (Phoenix Nights), Steve Royle (Britain's Got Talent), Tom Hudson(Coronation Street), Stephanie Dooley (Riot Women), Lucy Evans (Coronation Street), Linzi Matthews (Blood Brothers), Jack Land Noble (Barnsley's Own), Jessica Poole (International Vocal Entertainer) and Mark J. Olszewski (Lamproom Panto Favourite).
Don't miss this opportunity to support ‘one of our own’ and enjoy an exciting and hilarious 'World Première' at Barnsley's Lamproom Theatre.
Trouble With Kids
Produced & Written By Ben Nickless / Directed By Jack Land Noble
Tuesday 17 March — Saturday 21 March 2026
19.30 plus a matinee at 14.30 on Saturday
£25
Book tickets at https://barnsleylamproom.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173663629/events/428705832/seats?zone=Lamproom%20Theatre%20Seated
The Lamproom Theatre, Westgate, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2DX
Phone: 01226 200075 Email: enquiries@barnsleylamproom.com
An Immersive Night-time Walk through Rochdale
Review by Seamus Kelly
Stories We Tell, created by Breaking Barriers with Young Company, is an immersive night-time walk through Rochdale with light and sound bringing stories from local people to life.
360° audio through headphones and projections onto an inside buildings the stories reveal hidden histories and memories of Rochdale.
On a cold January evening at Rochdale Railway Station, we met with people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Parvez Qadir and his team of volunteers and staff made everyone feel welcome, provided headphones and explained what to expect during the evening.
This experience was indeed every bit as powerful and effective as the Breaking Barriers publicity suggested it would be. As we walked, we heard stories from the town we know, and along with atmospheric music and sound effects, it is fair to say that Stories We Tell taught us new nuggets and certainly boosted pride in this place and its communities.
We heard about the communities around Deeplish and visited St John the Baptist church where the amazing mosaic was cleverly lit and the dome filled with projected stars. Further along we passed Champness Hall hearing people’s reminiscences about the events that took place (and didn’t) in this historic building.
We had a lovely surprise stop to be treated to live musing from local musician and singer Ed Jamil, who is part of the band Pool Era.
At Rochdale Town Hall we watched video and images projected onto the building before hot chocolate at the famous San Remo café on Drake Street provided a fitting end to a really enjoyable and informative event. Well done to Parvez and the team for creating an inspiring event to be proud of.
The steady walk takes about an hour; the route has been designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and is suitable for all ages. Throughout the event the team made sure everyone was safe and happy, controlling road crossings and lighting any uneven ground with torches.
Some of the comments from those who have experienced Stories We Tell include:
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“I just thought the whole thing was absolutely incredible. Even though I’m not from here, it made me feel so proud and inspired by such a wonderful community…. The live music was really moving, and it took me by surprise for there to be a live element. I found the storytelling really moving and there were lovely moments of laughter. I think every town and city should have something like this…. The architecture and murals throughout the town are incredible. Couldn’t recommend it enough!”
“I loved hearing from the people of Rochdale; the sound was amazing and enjoyed the interactive elements. Hot chocolate was a lovely bonus too.”\
“Enjoyed every minute of the experience. The very friendly, happy, positive vibes from all the staff/ volunteers was amazing ,thank you so much. I felt really welcome in joining the experience on my own. I felt very safe and was greeted with warmth & kindness by all. The commitment, detail & hard work shone through.”
Bookings
The series of performances have been heavily booked so Breaking Barriers are increasing the opportunities to experience Stories We Tell. Tickets are free and can be booked on the Breaking Barriers website. I’d strongly recommend getting tickets if you can, this is a unique and very rewarding experience.
About Breaking Barriers
Breaking Barriers creates films, theatre, immersive experiences and outdoor productions with communities and artists from diverse backgrounds. Our work aims to elevate local voices, challenge perceptions, and reimagine how places and communities are seen and understood.
Breaking Barriers Creative Director, Parvez Qadir, developed the Stories We Tell concept during and after the Covid-19 lockdowns as a way to boost community, help getting people active and involved, and to help rebuild confidence and pride in our town. After an initial, smaller scale event in Rochdale, Breaking Barriers delivered a series of events in Nelson and have now brought this new and bigger experience back to Rochdale as part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture.
Breaking Barriers Mission:
To create ambitious, high-quality creative work with communities, giving people the tools, platforms and confidence to share their stories.
Breaking Barriers Vision:
A creative sector and society where everyone’s voices are heard, valued and celebrated.
About Young Company
This new Young Company brings together emerging artists aged 18 to 25 who have a connection to Rochdale. The programme offers a paid, hands-on opportunity to develop professional skills, collaborate with industry practitioners and contribute meaningfully to an ambitious, community-centred production. This model allows young creatives to gain experience across film, sound design, production, direction and community engagement, while working on a high-profile commission as part of Rochdale Town of Culture. Their goal is to support the next generation of Rochdale based creatives by creating paid opportunities for progression.
The Young Company is supported by Arts Council England.
Contacts:
Breaking Barriers: www.breakingbarriersrochdale.co.uk
Ed Jamil - Instagram: @edjam.music
Rochdale Town of Culture: https://www.rochdalecreates.co.uk/townofculture
A Full English with Organ Soloist Peter Kwater
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Peter Kwater was born in Blackburn and became seriously interested in music at the age of 16, and went on to study Organ, Piano and Harpsichord at the RNCM with Ronald Frost and Gillian Weir.
Following graduation and two years as Organ Scholar at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Peter established his own teaching practice, combined with solo performing and accompaniment work, for which he is in great demand.
Peter has been choral director and accompanist with many local Northern choirs, such as St Helens Choral Society, as well as a teacher and accompanist for Wigan Music Service. He was Organist and Director of Music at St Bartholomew’s Rainhill, for 35 years and since January 2024 Director of Music at St George the Martyr, Preston, with its historic 1860’s Fr Willis organ!
He wittily referred to his programme as, ‘A Full English’ as he chose such composers, many of whom lived and worked through the ‘civic’ period of entertainment through organs just like the Rochdale instrument. It was also thoughtfully varied – an eclectic mix – and admirably suited to show off the town hall instrument’s characteristics. His wife Carol was the registrant and aided his page turning with their synchronized electronic tablets – a first for the town hall’s JJ Binns instrument.
He opened with Pean - A song of triumph by Soorjo Alexander William Langobard Oliphant Chuckerbutty, (London-born of Indian parentage) a.k.a. simply Oliphant Chuckerbutty or Wilson Oliphant – worth putting on any programme, for the name alone! A triumphal opener indeed, written by a composer who was a significant expert on church, theatre and cinema organ music and playing.
Continuing this theme, after an impressive display of full power, Peter explored solo orchestral colours and sweeter sounds in two characteristic pieces, Fountain melody and Chanson d’Espoir by John Arthur Meale (b. Slaithwaite 1880-1932) who combined his ecclesiastical work at London’s Westminster Central Hall with over 600 civic performances including Saturday Popular Concerts – not unlike today.
Another contrast came with modern styles in Processional by Grayson Ives (Oxford organ scholar and an original Kings Singers member); followed by a delightful Canzona in Bb by the blind from birth musician, William Wolstenholme (b. Blackburn,1865-1931).
Two more attractive pieces by Nicholas Choveaux (b. Bromley 1909-1995) led to the resounding Triumphal March – by another renowned blind organist, Yorkshire composer Alfred Hollins (nicknamed ‘Alfred the Great’ by WT Best). Beginning and ending in triumph a carefully planned and well executed demonstration of civic organ music on one of the best surviving instruments in the country.
A charming little encore by William Russell, with its Early Romantic clarity, refreshed and enriched the palate to complete a rich and varied ‘Full English’.
The event was tinged with sadness with the news that Manchester-born Nigel Ogden, renowned organist and presenter of BBC Radio 2's popular series 'The Organist Entertains' for over 38 years, passed away suddenly on the morning of last Tuesday 27th January, aged 71. He would have loved it.
Next ORTOA presentation Saturday 31 February at 3 pm – Ronny Krippner (Ripon Cathedral)
Admission £10 (concessions £8) concerts last one hour. Card or cash at the door or visit www.rochdaletownhall.co.uk/events or iao.org.uk/ortoa.
Black Is The Color Of My Voice at Hope Mill Theatre
Preview by Steve Cooke
Black Is The Color Of My Voice at Hope Mill Theatre, written by Apphia Campbell is inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and features many of her most iconic songs performed live.
Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.
The show has toured the UK and Australia to standing ovations and played sell-out seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh and the West End of London.
Winner: Best Theatre Award, Adelaide Fringe 2024
Suitable for ages 12 and over
Run time: 75 minutes.
£25 + Booking Fee
Black Is The Color Of My Voice
Tuesday 5 May — Sunday 10 May 2026
Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard St, Manchester, M4 7JA
Box Office: boxoffice@hopemilltheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 0161 275 9141
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 14 February 2026
Lego Club - Littleborough Library
For families with children aged 2 years and above. Lego club sessions are aimed at children aged 5–12 and their parents or carers. Duplo is available for younger children.
Each session, the children will be given a theme, followed by time to let their imaginations run wild and build.
No need to book, you can just come along
Free
11am - 12pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Adrian Lord piano and composer (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.
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
Thursday 19th February: at Rochdale Pioneers Museum, 11am - 2pm.
Friday 20th February: at Rochdale Central Library, 11am - 2pm.
February Crafty Drop-Ins - FREE!
Join us to make fun, flappy bee and bird decorations to take home, either at the museum or at the library.
There is no need to book. You can come at any time between 11am and 2pm.
Please note that all children must be accompanied by adults.
Organised by Co-operative Heritage Trust visit: https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/
Rochdale Pioneers Museum, Rochdale, OL120NU
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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