WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Aug 16
- 7 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 2025
MUSIC HELPS OUR MENTAL HEALTH
By Steve Cooke
In this AATA Column we celebrate the creative arts and artists and encourage people to enjoy the benefits of participation.
An example of the benefits of participation by in your own way can be seen through how music helps our mental health.
Whether you’re listening to it or playing it, music has many benefits for your body and mind, and its impact on mental health can be truly transformative., can be life-changing for individuals facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
Music has also been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and provide relief during stressful situations. Over time, listening to music regularly can even help to reduce long-term anxiety. In one study, students who listened to classical music daily for two months experienced significantly lower anxiety levels.
In the survey of pupils in SEN schools, 92% asked said that music improved their mental health and with adults (in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, day centres, care homes), 92% also said that it enhanced their quality of life.
In Rochdale the NHS supported VIBE project provided extensive evidence of how music and the wider creative arts transformed young people’s lives over a decade.
We have a cornucopia of opportunities in our borough for participation in live music from TLC in St Mary on the Baum, concerts at St Chad’s Parish Church, from such as Rochdale Light Orchestra and Cantare Ladies Choir, in venues with open mics and live gigs such as The Flying Horse, Vicolo and the Empire and this is just scratching the surface.
This is the town that provided the world with Gracie fields and Lisa Stansfield and currently has a vibrant community of musicians active across all genres.
Let’s celebrate and support music and the creative arts in our borough for our individual and community wellbeing.
An Exciting Autumn coming up at the Coliseum
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Coliseum’s. brand-new season is now on sale and it’s an incredible lineup of performances you won’t want to miss!
They’re bringing together talented artists from across Oldham and beyond, to share powerful narratives that reflect who we are and what connects us. From local tales to nationally recognised stories, across drama, comedy and music - autumn at the Coliseum definitely has something for everyone.
The Coliseum are collaborating with venues across Oldham to put on these brilliant performances.
First up will be Ripples
Finish school, move to the big city, chase dreams of stardom. Life is just getting going.
But then the letter arrives, and the van turns up. And everything changes.
“I have a story they don’t want me to tell.”
Lost in a world of surveillance and suspicion one man fights to hold onto who he is. Based on true events, The UK’s first Theatre Company of Sanctuary, Stand and Be Counted presents an urgent and electrifying interrogation of 21st century Britain and the relentless power of hope.
Age Guide: 14
Content Advisory: Themes of mental health, deportation, violence. Strong language. Flashing images on screen, flashing lights, loud noises
17 September-20 September
1853 Studios and Gallery, Osborne Mill, Waddington St, Oldham OL9 6QQ
The building that was the historic home of Oldham Coliseum Theatre will now reopen in 2026; it has been announced.
The decision was taken after initial construction work revealed that more time would be needed to ensure that the building is properly ready to welcome back audiences. Working closely with contractors Tilbury Douglas, everyone is now progressing plans to ensure the new Coliseum is everything it should be and more for audiences when it reopens next year.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "It's disappointing not to be reopening the Fairbottom Street building for panto 2025 as it's such a special part of Oldham's festive season, but unexpected bumps in the road often happen with a project of this scale. Rather than rush to open before the building is ready, our decision to extend the construction period gives us the time needed to get the details absolutely right. It was clear to us all that if we opened in 2025, the experience wouldn't live up to the high standards our audience deserve.
"We owe it to everyone, the artists, staff, and most importantly our audiences, to get this right. This is about securing a bright and sustainable future for theatre in Oldham and building something that will serve our community for generations. I can’t wait to open the doors in 2026."
Martina Murphy, CEO, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, said: "We know how important the annual panto is to Oldhamers and had hoped to welcome audiences back to Fairbottom Street later this year. While we’re gutted about the delay, we know that when the theatre reopens in 2026, it will be back with a bang.
"In the meantime, the spirit of the Coliseum lives on. As a company, Oldham Coliseum Theatre continues to produce exciting work across the Borough, bringing theatre to communities and keeping alive our connection with audiences. We’ve just wrapped up our spring programme and will be announcing our summer line-up soon."
Adopted Oldhamer Julie Hesmondhalgh, who is also a leading member of the Friends of Oldham Coliseum, said: “The Friends of the Coliseum are relieved and happy that plans to mount the Coli panto this year have been put on hold. Better to return with a beautiful, bold and glittering bang than do something half-baked in a building that isn’t yet ready.
“We’re excited for the future and will be a key part in taking Oldham audiences with us, through a series of films and podcasts which will follow and share progress of the building, as well as interviewing key players in the reopening.
“We are grateful as ever to Oldham Council for listening to the experts in the field.”
The council and its partners will continue to issue updates as work progresses on the Fairbottom Street building.
ANITHER BUMPER TLC MONTH
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
July 02: John Sabar piano a freelance musician who gained a diploma in his 6th form, a first-class honours degree from York and a master’s from the RNCM played a stunning and powerful recital. Grieg’s popular Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, JS Bach Partita No. 1 in Bb Major and Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 23, Op. 57, the “Appassionata” were delivered expertly and with enthusiasm.
July 09: Tim Kennedy tenor with Joanna Garcia piano - Two expert performers in an exemplary recital on Shakespeare and Time - time with both was well spent. Both staff accompanists at the RNCM, Tim Kennedy studied music at Cambridge and is also a professional singer, vocal coach and organist. Joanna Garcia gained a First and several prizes from Manchester University and the RNCM. Shakespeare related settings from Quilter, Rota, Bernstein, and Dawson, and theme-related popular standards separated by a terrific piano solo by Ravel.
July 16: Cellist Isabel Williamson (RNCM distinction, Manchester first-class) and pianist Jonathan Ellis (multi-award winning RNCM and Manchester graduate) teamed up for a superb concert. Isabel’s expertise and versatility met Jonathan’s solo and chamber artistry. Beethoven’s variations on Mozart’s Magic Flute duet, was played with charm and clarity. Schumann’s Fantasiestücke highlighted lyrical cello and elegant piano. Beethoven’s G minor Sonata Op. 5/2 was dramatic and witty, with equal brilliance from both. A surprise encore (Berkeley’s Andantino) was exquisitely played. Chamber music of the highest calibre, delivered by two outstanding musicians Rochdale is lucky to welcome.
July 23: William Poon piano: Hong Kong-born graduate and RNCM masters’ scholar, impressed with a recital of Debussy and Schubert. Witty characterisation of eccentric General Lavine; dreamlike atmosphere in Voiles; and dazzling flair in Feux d’artifice displayed both sensitivity and virtuosity. The main work, Schubert’s monumental Sonata in B-flat Major, D.960, was delivered with stamina, depth, and expressive nuance. William’s interpretation captivated the audience, especially as he performed entirely from memory. A musician of remarkable promise and artistry.
July 30: Voci Voices returned to deliver a pulsating programme. Soprano Elizabeth Ambrose, mezzo Margaret Ferguson, tenor Eric Cymbir, and baritone Mackenzie Paget, with pianist Jonathan Ellis—offered a banquet of styles: jazz, Ketelbey, a sacred set by Mozart, Saint-Saëns, and Rossini, a soulful African lullaby leading into Schubert’s Ständchen, followed by Verdi’s dramatic Ai Nostri Monti. The mood lightened with The Water is Wide and musical theatre duets from Brigadoon and Phantom of the Opera. The finale featured jazzy classics like Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and You Make Me Feel So Young. An encore, Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm, capped an enthusiastic and well received performance, perfectly attuned to the venue’s acoustics.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30 pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 16 August 2025
Littleborough U3A Reading Group - Littleborough Library
3rd Saturday of every month. A monthly reading group for U3A Littleborough members.
The group reads a book every month. which we generally borrow from the library collection of books saved especially for reading groups. We then discuss the book at our monthly meeting, often having very lively discussions.
You must be a U3A member to take part in U3A activities. Join Littleborough U3A
Join this group on the Littleborough U3A website: https://littleborough.u3asite.uk/welcome/
10.30am - 11.30am
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Monday, 18 August 2025
Bookerflies - Balderstone Library
Come and join our crafting session we will be making butterflies from discarded book pages. Drop in and take part.
All materials will be provided.
For Families with children aged 3 and above. All children must have an adult with them.
Free
2.30pm - 3.30pm
Balderstone Library, Balderstone Park, Platting Lane, Rochdale OL11 2HD
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Tuesday Reading Group - Spotland Library
Read, share and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction in our reading group.
Tuesday every 4 weeks. Read, share and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction chosen from our extensive list of book titles in a relaxed and friendly group.
For adults, you can just turn up
Free
11.30am - 12.30pm
Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL
Wednesday 20 August 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Freda Farnworth soprano (Guildhall School of Music) piano J Edward Rigg
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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