WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 2026
previews, articles, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 2026
Previews: A Little Night Music for the festive season, Spooky Stories with Paranormal Investigator Gemma Johnson, Darkness Visible (2019) (15) plus The Littlest Yak
Review: Rochdale Steam Punk Festival
A Little Night Music for the festive season
Preview by Steve Cooke
This year’s offering for the festive season from Royal Exchange Theatre [RET] is Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy A Little Night Music.
They have assembled an extraordinary cast led by Michelle Gomez and Michael d. Xavier with choreography from the legendary Arlene Phillips.
RET’s Artistic Director Selina Cartmell directs, following the success of her sold-out, UK Theatre Award-nominated revival of ROAD, which opened the 50th anniversary A Homecoming season.
We can look forward to this stellar team bringing Sondheim's wit, romance and unforgettable music to the Royal Exchange this winter.
Celebrated Scottish actress Michelle Gomez takes on the role of Desiree Armfeldt, the glamorous and mesmerising actress, alongside award-winning actor and two-time Olivier Award nominee Michael D. Xavier as Fredrik Egerman.
A life-affirming fairy tale for adults, A Little Night Music follows mismatched couples as they navigate love, longing and self-delusion in search of a happy ending. Sondheim’s glorious songs, including the bittersweet ‘Send in the Clowns’, bring wit and romance to this Tony Award-winning musical comedy.
Throughout A Homecoming, Selina Cartmell has brought together returning Royal Exchange artists and new collaborators. The creative team for A Little Night Music continues that spirit.
World-renowned, Manchester-born choreographer Arlene Phillips makes her Royal Exchange debut, while Matthew Malone returns following Fun Home as music supervisor, music director and orchestrator. They are joined by award-winning designer Francis O’Connor and Tony and Olivier Award-winning lighting designer Mark Henderson.
Selina Cartmell said:
“Ahead of the Royal Exchange’s 50th anniversary, it feels hugely special to announce the cast and creatives for A Little Night Music, a musical which also came to life over 50 years ago. For many of us in theatre, Sondheim is a familiar and much-loved place to return to and his genre defining work continues to surprise, delight and enthral audiences to this day, much like the Royal Exchange has done across 400 productions since its foundation in 1976. I can’t think of a more fitting way to end this milestone year than by welcoming artistic collaborators and friends, both old and new, to create this breathtaking musical comedy for our truly unique and beloved theatre space.”
Standard tickets from £15
19.30 with some matinees at 14.30
Saturday 5 December 2026 - Saturday 30 January 2027
Spooky Stories with Paranormal Investigator Gemma Johnson
Preview by Steve Cooke
An invitation for youngsters and their families to join paranormal investigator and published author Gemma Johnson in this fun Halloween workshop.
Attendees will hear spooky stories and learn all of Gemma's top tips for writing one of their very own!
Tickets also include free access to Rochdale Pioneers Museum and a chance to explore the history of co-operation.
These sessions are aimed at children aged 8+. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult - no ticket purchase required for adults.
£3 per child
About Gemma:
Gemma Johnson is a paranormal author, researcher and investigator born and raised in Rochdale. With a passion for writing about all things spooky and ghostly, her writing has been published around the world. Gemma is on the writing team for Haunted Magazine, a global publication distributed in the UK, Canada, the USA and Australia where she writes about the spooky adventures of her Junior Paranormal Events team and her family. Most recently, Gemma has released a new book 'Weirdo' which shares her personal journey after the loss of her father as a child and the paranormal experiences that followed. The book followed on from the audio drama 'Margo's Story' which was written by Gemma and was hugely successful worldwide. Gemma is also a local radio presenter for Roch Valley Radio where each week she writes an original ghost story which is read on air to listeners who are brave enough.
Saturday 31 October, Session 1: 11am-11.45am, Session 2: 11.45am - 12.30pm
Rochdale Pioneers Museum, OL12 0NU
Darkness Visible (2019) (15)
Preview by Steve Cooke
An opportunity to see the film Darkness Visible, Neil Biswas’ atmospheric supernatural thriller at Heywood Civic.
A journey home becomes a descent into nightmare when London-raised Ronnie returns to Kolkata after his estranged mother mysteriously disappears. But what begins as a search for answers soon draws him into a world of dark family secrets, occult rituals and terrifying legends that refuse to stay buried. As the line between memory, trauma and the supernatural begins to blur, Ronnie discovers that the darkness he’s chasing may have been waiting for him all along.
Rich with haunting imagery and rooted in Indian folklore, Darkness Visible offers a chilling and distinctive take on supernatural horror. Like The Haunting, it explores the ways in which the past can consume the present, drawing its protagonist into an inescapable relationship with family, identity and forces beyond rational understanding. Both films centre on characters who find themselves irresistibly pulled towards places and histories they cannot escape, creating an unsettling sense of fate and psychological dread.
New to Bollywood or South Asian horror?
Darkness Visible is the perfect introduction. Blending the atmosphere and suspense of classic Western ghost stories with the rich mythology, folklore and visual language of Indian cinema, it reveals a fascinating side of horror that many audiences have yet to discover. It’s proof that fear transcends borders—and that every culture has its own nightmares waiting in the dark.
Together, The Haunting and Darkness Visible offer a fascinating journey through two very different horror traditions. One is a landmark of classic psychological terror; the other a contemporary supernatural thriller steeped in Indian folklore and mythology. Across continents and decades, both films explore how the past can haunt us, making this an unforgettable double bill for seasoned horror fans and curious newcomers alike.
Watch trailer: https://heywoodcivic.co.uk/event/darkness-visible-2019-15/
Certificate 15 - you may be asked to present ID on the door
Pay What You Can
Standard: £6.30
Lower: £5.25
Higher: £7.35
Saturday 10 October, 6.30pm [107 minutes]
Heywood Theatre, Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, OL10 1LW
Rochdale Steam Punk Festival
Review by Seamus Kelly
Rochdale Town Hall, with its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture was an ideal setting for a spectacular Steampunk Festival.
Steampunk is a celebration of Victorian ingenuity in the age of steam and combines elements of Victorian dress, engineering, science and lots of imagination to create its special vibe - think Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. Delivered by the people who organize the very successful Steampunk Weekend in Haworth the event certainly lived up to expectations.
There were many stunning costumes worn by people of all ages who created a friendly atmosphere and were happy to pose for many, many photographs and selfies.
Outside a Victorian carousel and more modern inflatables provided options for children despite dreary, drizzly weather, and there was an excellent (although reduced by the weather) display of classic cars including a very rare Rochdale Olympic, designed and built in Rochdale by Rochdale Motor Panels and Engineering.
Meanwhile indoors a range of stalls sold anything from steampunk art to accessories and confectionery while in the Great Hall the Cabinet of Curiosities encouraged visitors to make up back stories for a range of mysterious and antique objects.
Additional entertainment was provided by the Rock Choir and dancing from a trio named Dancers Bizarre.
The event which was part of Heritage Open Days and sponsored by Rochdale BID certainly, lived up to expectations. There really was plenty to do and see and hopefully this event will return in future years, perhaps without the morning drizzle.
The Littlest Yak
Preview by Steve Cooke
One for the little ones and their families at HOME, the spectacular musical adaptation of the beloved children's book The Littlest Yak, a rollicking, heart-warming tale for everyone!
This musical adaptation of the award-winning children's book promises to delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family.
Gertie is great at being THE LITTLEST YAK, with the CURLIEST, WHILRLIEST wool and the GRIPPIEST of hooves for clip-clopping up cliffs. Only, Gertie doesn't want to be the littlest. She's in a rush to grow up and be just like THE BIG YAKS. But what if there are some things that only a GERTIE can do?
A gorgeous story celebrating YOU being perfect ... just the way you are!
Kent-based theatre company, LAStheatre, bring The Littlest Yak to the stage in a spectacular fashion. Join them for a dazzling adventure, into the heart of the Himalayas, that is sure to get even the grumpiest of yaks into the festive spirit. Based on the book by Lu Fraser and Kate Hindley.
To book visit https://www.homemcr.org/whats-on/the-littlest-yak
Tuesday 27 October - Thursday 29 October [Tue 27 Oct12:30, Tue 27 Oct 15:30, Wed 28 Oct 11:00, Wed 28 Oct 14:00, Thu 29 Oct 11:00, Thurs 29 Oct 14.00]
Theatre 1, HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
REC0MMENDED
Monday, 5 October 2026
Wardle Library Reading Group
1st Monday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss new books with other readers at our free, friendly and informal monthly meetings. Everyone's welcome.
For adults and teenagers.
No need to book you can just turn up.
Contact: wardle.library@rochdale.gov.uk
Free
6pm - 7pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Monday, 5 October 2026
Little Reads at Rochdale Central Library
First Monday of every month. Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs and play to explore children’s picture books.
This is a space for you and your little ones to have fun sharing a story, singing, moving and playing. Remember to join in yourself as your children love to copy you.
For families with children aged 2–6.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Contact: library.service@rochdale.gov.uk
Free
10am - 10.30am
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Monday, 5 October 2026
Rochdale Libraries Story Time at Rochdale Town Hall
Join us on the first Monday of every month between October 2026 and March 2027 for a fun, interactive story session in our cosy reading corner.
2026 is the National Year of Reading. Each month we’ll explore a different classic picture book or ‘storysack’, with songs, games and other activities.
For pre-school children and their grown-ups.
£2.10 per child (includes 10p commission fee). Accompanying adults go free.
Booking required: book your tickets through YourTrust https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/rochdale-libraries-story-time/
Email: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
11am - 12pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Heywood Scribblers - Heywood Library
First Wednesday of every month. Free, friendly creative writing sessions. Poetry and story-writing workshops. All abilities welcome, whether you're new to writing or a seasoned writer.
For adults, families and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just drop in.
Contact: heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Seren String Quartet
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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