WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 23 MAY 2006
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 1 hour ago
- 7 min read
An oasis of positivity celebrating the creative arts with previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations.
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 23 MAY 2026
Article: Touchstones Side-by-Side project has been shortlisted for the Museums & Heritage Awards
Previews: Fun Home Coming to Royal Exchange Theatre and Malory Towers From the novels by Enid Blyton
Review: Further Expanded Edition of Poetry and Portraits Launched,
Further Expanded Edition of Poetry and Portraits Launched
Review by Steve Cooke
Long-time friend of AATA Gary Bridson-Daley tells me that he is “very happy to announce the launch of Poetry and Portraits in a Deluxe Colour Edition with supplementary content including over 120 pages of additional material”.
This is the outcome of Gary doing further Veterans interviews last year and this year, having travelled to places connected to WW2 on the island of Djerba and at Mareth in Mainland Tunisia, and also written more Veterans/Remembrance poetry, having on top of that more WW2 related material to add.\
This latest edition follows on from Gary’s books A Debt of Gratitude to The Last Heroes and The Last Stand – Memories of War, continuing his excellent work to preserve the vitally important personal histories of our brave Servicemen and Women, and is Forwarded by D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan LDH - Legion d' Honneur MBE.
‘Poetry and Portraits’ is set out in two main chapters, and as the title suggests the first is Poetry, written by the Author over the years regarding Remembrance, Veterans and their Sacrifices, Conflict and Peace. The second bigger chapter includes Portraits with background information of over 75 WW2 Military & Civilian Veterans, the vast majority of whom Gary personally interviewed from 2014 until the release of this version of the book in 2026 and constitute inspirational new never seen before content.
This highly recommended and very worthwhile book includes narratives of Veterans from Royal and Merchant Navies, Army, Air Force, Special Forces, Intelligence & Civilian backgrounds and includes ‘Tribute Pages’ to Sir Winston Churchill, Lieutenant Colonel ‘Paddy’ Mayne and Captain Frederic ‘Johnnie’ Walker, and now newly added for this 'Further Expanded Edition' First Pilot and Pioneering Aviator Amy Johnson, Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank VC, the last WW2 Victoria Cross holder to pass away in 2025 aged 105.
Gary hopes those who don't already have the book, may have the 1st Edition and be interested in much more content, or might know someone with an interest in either WW2 or Social, U.K and World History, those who would enjoy it as a good read or maybe as a present for someone, will buy a copy and support him in his innovative and vital tribute to our Veterans: the Debt of Gratitude Project.
Exciting young pianist at TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Described as having “the potential to become a major voice in the classical music world” (Peter Donohoe CBE), Madeleine Brown is establishing herself as an exciting young pianist. After graduating in music from Cambridge, she is now studying with Kathryn Stott at the RNCM.
In 2025 she won the RNCM’s prestigious Gold Medal and was recently awarded the Silver Medal by the Worshipful Company of Musicians, adding her to the acclaimed Young Artist Programme. All this added to her many impressive credentials such as 1st prize in both the RNCM and Cambridge University Concerto Competitions. In 2026, Madeleine makes her debut at the Ryedale Festival as a Waverley Young Artist, alongside performances for Leeds Lunchtime Concerts and the Sunday Piano Series at Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. Madeleine has received masterclass tuition from several renowned pianists.
Today’s concert at St Mary in the Baum in Rochdale was sandwiched between her performances at the mecca for concerts, Wigmore Hall in London the preceding week and the following - a rare distinction.
Madeleine has an engaging manner and her stamina, powerful interpretation and virtuoso playing are impressive; the audience was mesmerised, not least as he played the whole recital from memory. With only a few minutes to familiarise herself with the 1935 Challen 8’ Grand Piano, she managed to dig deeper into its sonorities than other players. She certainly made the most of it and immediately stamped her authority with a dramatic Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op.61 by Chopin.
The choice of excerpts from Rameau ‘s Suite in G major was unusual because of the typical Baroque dominance of Bach and Handel etc. but proved delightful and refreshing. They are charming early examples of programme music as each movement has a descriptive title.
In contrast the atmospheric contemporary piano piece Black Earth, by Turkish pianist-composer Fazil Say was inspired by an ancient Turkish ballad. To achieve maximum effect the player reaches into the strings and touches and mutes them along with conventional virtuoso keyboard playing to achieve a symbolic empty space, the unearthly harmonics helping Madeleine to create a twilight zone.
The piece de resistance was Prokofiev’s Sonata No.7, the second of his three ‘War’ sonatas of 1942. Through Madeleine’s mastery and incisive interpretation, we fully appreciated its rhythmic complexity, striking discords and emotional depths … sensational! We should agree with Peter Donahoe’s prediction.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts 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.
Touchstones Side-by-Side project has been shortlisted for the Museums & Heritage Awards
By Steve Cooke
I am delighted that Touchstones Rochdale’s Side-by-Side project has been shortlisted for the Museums & Heritage Awards: Community Engagement Programme of the Year category.
The Touchstones Team say, “This recognition truly belongs to every single person involved. Whether you contributed as participants, artists, producers, organisations, partners, or audiences - thank you. Your creativity, passion, collaboration, and commitment helped shape Side‑by‑Side into the incredible community festival it became”.
“We are so proud of this achievement, and it’s only possible because of the collective effort and energy that communities brought to the programme. We will find out the result at the ceremony in May.”
The Side by Side Festival ran Wednesday 20 – Wednesday 27 August and was a fun-filled week in Rochdale Town Centre. Th festival is made by the people of Rochdale Borough, for everyone. Among the exciting activities on offer were making art, playing games, sharing stories, and much more – all created by our amazing local communities.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore the pop-up space near Touchstones on Rochdale Town Hall Square and discover what happens when we all work Side-by-Side. There were plenty of ways to get involved and create something special together.
It was great to see Rochdale Town Hall hosting Side-by-Side whilst Touchstones is closed for redevelopment!
Fun Home Coming to Royal Exchange Theatre
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Royal Exchange Theatre is to present the regional premiere of an exhilarating, heartbreaking and Tony Award-winning musical about coming out and coming of age.
Based on the Graphic Novel by Alison Bechdel Fun Home takes us on a journey into her childhood memories, remembering what it’s like to grow up in a funeral home, undergo a sexual awakening in college and try to make sense of the secrets at the heart of your family.
‘I think we’re alike in a certain way…’
This groundbreaking modern masterpiece is a tale of grief and love, queer tragedy and queer joy, told through soaring, revelatory songs.
The cast will include Nigel Harman, Jodie McNee, Alex Young, Alice Audrey O’Hanlon, Natasha Cottriall, Luca Chadwick Patel, Jennifer Caldwell and Alfie Richards.
Marking the 20th anniversary of Alison Bechdel’s iconic graphic novel, Fun Home features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. The musical’s northern debut is directed by Sarah Frankcom.
Friday 3 July – Saturday 1 August 2026 at Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH
Standard Tickets from £12
Malory Towers From the novels by Enid Blyton
Preview by Steve Cooke
The hit musical Malory Towers from the novels of Enid Blyton is coming back to Manchester.
Darrell Rivers is starting school with an eager mind and fierce heart. Unfortunately, she also has a quick temper! Can she learn to tolerate the infuriating Gwendoline Lacey, or value the kind-hearted Sally Hope? Can she save the school play and rescue terrified Mary Lou from the grip of a raging storm? If she can do these things anywhere, she will do them at Malory Towers!
Nostalgic, naughty, and perfect for now, Malory Towers is seen as the original ‘Girl Power’ story.
This is a show for girls, boys, and all grown-up children who still dream of midnight feasts and Cornish clifftops.
Co-produced by Emma Rice Company, Alexandra Palace Theatre, Belgrade Theatre, HOME Manchester, and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse
Age recommendation: 8+
This production contains strobe, flashing lights and loud bangs. It also includes a brief scene in which the death of a parent and the emotional toll of war are discussed with sensitivity and care.
Running time: 1hr 40mins plus 20min interval
Tuesday 2 June - Saturday 13 June at HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 23 May 2026
Reading Group - Middleton Library
Last Saturday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers in this friendly and relaxed reading group.
For Adults
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
1.30pm - 2.30pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Saturday, 23 May 2026
Monthly Lego Club - Langley Library
Last Saturday of every month. A monthly Lego Club with a different theme each session. All creations will be displayed in the library until the following month. There's Duplo for younger children.
For families with children aged 4 and over.
Booking required: Please book by 4pm the day before a session. You can book by:
Emailing langley.library@rochdale.gov.uk
Phoning 0161 654 8911
Calling into the library
Free
10.30am - 12pm
Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Tuesday Reading Group - Spotland Library
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.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
11.30am - 12.30pm
Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Elliot Gresty clarinet and bass clarinet (RAM & pro orchestras) & Kanako Mizuno piano (Toho Gakuen Japan, RNCM & RAM)
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
Comments