WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER
previews, articles, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2026
King Lear at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, with David Threlfall in the title role proves to be yet another must see.
Review by Steve Cooke
Matthew Dunster’s production of King Lear at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, with David Threlfall in the title role is a bold reimagining of Shakespeare's tragedy. Yet another must see; compelling and experimental, anchored by strong central performances and striking visual design.
People who know Shakespeare’s original play will become aware that Dunster has entirely cut the character of the Fool, very cleverly and effectively integrating the lines directly into Lear's own internal monologue highlighting his deteriorating mental state.
The staging and sound create a dynamic, claustrophobic backdrop that complements the superb acting of the whole cast.
Anna Fleischle’s set features floor cracks resembling flowing lava, complemented by Lucy Carter and Holly Khan’s storm lighting, real rainfall on stage, and theatre shaking bomb explosions integrated with moody, unsettling music composed by singer-songwriter Nadine Shah (who also is an excellent Goneril).
One of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies King Lear tells the story of an aging king who divides his kingdom between two flattering daughters, disowns the honest one, descends into madness during a storm, and ultimately dies after the tragic downfall of his family.
Threlfall's performance is mesmeric, deploying the full range of his considerable acting skills to deliver emotional depth to his portrayal of Lear's descent from commanding, tyrant-like royal authority Into vulnerability and even compassion when engaging with "Poor Tom".
His creation of a higher pitch for the voice in his head, The Fool, complemented by deranged hand movements is quite stunning to see.
The supporting cast are uniformly outstanding and thoroughly engaging, commanding full attention throughout with Isobel Akuwudike as Cordelia - Harry Clarke, Ned – Ed Coleman, Cornwall – Lisa Diveney, Regan – Jason Done, York – Rupert Hill, Captain – Grace Jabari, Doctor – Nicholas Karimi, Albany – Gabin Kongolo, France and Curan – Jessica Mannion, Guen and Agna – Ryan Pope, Elias – Anwar Russell, Oswald and Burgundy – Nadine Shah, Goneril – Jonathan Slinger, Gloucester – Paddy Stafford, Edmund and Tom Varey as Edgar.
Dunster’s production also has some modern flourishes—such as an opening karaoke/dancing sequence and eroticized choreography.
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The accents used by the cast are a contemporary mix including a dash of Manchester and Salford, some generic Northern, a bit of Irish and French.
The costumes range from the exotic to the down and out, glamorous to military.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see live theatre at is best, to experience the work of artists and production team at the top of their game.
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On until Sunday 15 November, 7pm with some matinees, running at approximately 3 hours with an interval.
Tickets from £12 visit https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/event/king-lear/#performances
Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH
Relaxed Concert in the Old council Chamber
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
The beams of the old council chamber rang to a different tune as Rochdale’s award-winning Town Hall presented its third ‘Relaxed Concert’ in collaboration with Stoller Hall’s Creative Engagement team, which works closely with Chetham’s School of Music and Chetham’s Library to develop the pupils’ experience of honing their craft with audiences and in venues of all kinds.
Beginning in June 2026 the first concert was in the Great Hall, with access to hot and cold drinks, free of charge with donations welcome (booking advised!) One week later, the second was downstairs in the former council chamber (pictured above) where you become even more aware of the awesome heritage context with its intimate and historical atmosphere. This was the case for the third time. By happy coincidence this was also the week that the BBC Young Musician of the Year had begun its heats (BBC Four).
All pupils at Chetham’s are carefully auditioned so that you can rely on standards being extremely high. Photography is not allowed and they are identified by forenames only, due to safeguarding.
Firstly, Amisa played the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No 4 with astounding brilliance, followed by a captivating Serenade Melancolique Op 26 by Tchaikovsky and a dazzling Zigeunerweisen Op 20 by Sarasate with wonderful tone and virtuosic passages. She was accompanied superbly by staff member Dr Elena Nalimova.
The second student, Abbi demonstrated her mature command of the flute, with expert accompaniment from staff member Simon Passmore who used the harpsichord setting to great effect with JS Bach’s Flute Sonata No 6, and back to the piano setting for impressionistic emotional outpourings by Georges Adolphe Hüe, making the most of flautist Abbi’s rich sonorities and impressive musical phrasing.
It is always an uplifting experience to hear great music played well by such accomplished teenagers … like an everyday brush with a BBC Young Musician of the Year.
The Town Hall is making a valuable addition to the borough’s midday live music, boosting the provision of St Mary in the Baum Church weekly Wednesdays, St Chad’s RPC periodical Saturdays, and Littleborough Coach House monthly Fridays.
Watch out for more exciting projects from the award-winning town hall that is not resting on its laurels. Next ‘Relaxed Concerts from Chetham’s’ - Thursdays October 19, 7 Jan and 18 Feb at 1.30 - 2.30 pm.
Aloe Veras Art Group
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Aloe Vera Art Group is an informal, art and social group working with artist Erica Matthews from Creative Health. The sessions use a range of mediums (paint, clay, pencil, watercolour, collage, sewing, beadwork and many others) to explore items from the Touchstones collection and how we can relate to them in today’s society. The group is social with the community purpose to reduce social isolation and improve well-being.
These free sessions are available to all and are suitable for those who are looking to improve their well-being through creativity and try out some new arts and crafts.
To join, register for a free place by emailing creativecommunities@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk
Long Street Methodist Church, Long, Street, Middleton, M24 6UN
Parking is available at nearby Market Place car park, postcode M24 6AE. First three hours parking free with display of ticket.
Future dates (all Mondays):
2026
2 November
16 November
30 November
14 December
2027
11 January
25 January
1 February
1 March
15 March
12 April
26 April
10 May
24 May
7 June
21 June
5 July
19 July
Darkling, a damning new play from Titas Halder
Preview by Steve Cooke
This production at HOME has gained the reputation of “holding the audience in the palm of her hand for 90 gripping minutes"
Darkling is en epic story of a life ravaged by ecological disaster.
"I walk home. The skyline is changed. The skeleton is fast becoming a huge metal creature. They have built a behemoth here."
Bhopal. India. 1984.
Born under a blue sky in a city of lakes, a girl grows up with her father and sister. The three of them together, always.
But as she grows, the land begins to change. A giant factory rises over her town. Her mother always wanted more for them - now the girl wants more too.
Then comes the night that tears everything apart.
Ferocious, brutal and damning, this epic story of a life ravaged by ecological disaster is written by Titas Halder (Foal, Finborough) and directed by Matthew Xia (Tambo & Bones, ATC/Stratford East).
An Actors Touring Company and Bush theatre co-production.
Content warning: Discrimination and social oppression, racism, child abuse, violence, miscarriage /stillbirth, graphic illness and injury, psychological distress, death and bereavement and infrequent strong language. Darkling also features haze.
Various time throughout the afternoon and evening
Running time: 90 minutes (no interval)
Please note: no latecomers and no readmittance.
To find out more and book visit https://www.homemcr.org/whats-on/darkling
Box Office 0161 200 1500
Restaurant 0161 212 3500
For general queries, please email: info@homemcr.org
Wednesday 11 November - Saturday 14 November, HOME, Theatre, 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN.
An Evening with The Not Quite Big Band
Preview by Steve Cooke
The UK's most followed big band brings a brand new cabaret night to Rochdale Town Hall.
Round tables, a full bar, and 2 live sets of iconic songs, from Sinatra to Avicii, reimagined for a 15-piece big band.
The NQBB have worked alongside The Beatles for Global Beatles Day, held a 2-year residency at the 5-star Hotel Gotham, given a TEDx talk, produced a national campaign for 3 Mobile, and have been named North West Entertainer of the Year for 2 years running. They've sold out more than 50 shows and built a following of over 70,000 people online.
Classic and modern share the same stage. Every song, old or new, gets rebuilt for a full big band, featuring a sizzling horn section, in a sound that's entirely their own, including their own take on Careless Whisper, which has reached over 20,000 streams in the first week of release.
And because it’s Halloween…fancy dress is highly encouraged. Victorian villains, mad scientists, ghosts, ghouls, monsters, and creatures of the night, come dressed to impress…if you dare.
From £29.25
Booking required: book your tickets through Ticket Tailor https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thenotquitebigband/2421354
Email: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
Saturday, 7 November 2026, 19:00 - 22:30
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 24 October 2026
Lego Club - Littleborough Library
Every other Saturday during term time. Join our free club and get creative with Lego.
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.
11am - 12pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Saturday, 24 October 2026
Reading Group - Middleton Library
Free
Last Saturday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers in this friendly and relaxed reading group.
Books are provided and loaned through the library. Refreshments will be provided.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Contact: middleton.library@rochdale.gov.uk
1.30pm - 2.30pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Saturday, 24 October 2026
Monthly Lego Club - Langley Library
Free
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
10.30am - 12pm
Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA
Monday 26 October 2026 – Sunday 1 November 2026 Recurs daily.
Spooktacular Half Term at Rochdale Town Hall
Something mysterious is stirring within the walls of Rochdale Town Hall...
As the days grow shorter and the atmosphere becomes a little more enchanted, visitors can look forward to a season filled with surprises, family fun, and a touch of spooky magic. Whether you're brave enough to explore every corner or simply looking for a memorable day out, there will be plenty to discover.
Keep an eye on our social media channels for exciting updates and announcements as we reveal more details. You won't want to miss what's lurking around the corner...
Free
Fun for all the family.
No booking required, just turn up when we're open.
Email: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
10:00 - 16:00
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - John Powell baritone (Cambridge Univ & BBC Singers) & Carol Kwater piano
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
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
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