previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024
Exciting News: Mrs Smith Show Coming to Rochdale!
Preview by Steve Cooke
The incredible Mrs Smith, the teacher with a lot to say about life in the classroom, is bringing her hit show 'See Me' to Rochdale next year, on Monday 7th April. Having wowed audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe, Mrs Smith is now on a national tour, and this is your chance to meet the Social Media sensation in person. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of wit and wisdom!
Ever wondered what your teacher was thinking?
Let Facebook’s Mrs Smith enlighten you!
Mrs Smith was an ordinary teacher in an ordinary school until she went viral on Facebook and accidentally became a stand-up comedian. Her wit and insights into daily school life, politics, socks, swearing, the side effects of a full moon and more inspired the sell-out show Mrs Smith.
Child 1. "I've got 20 subscribers to my YouTube channel."
Child 2. "Yeh, so, my cousin's got 36 subscribers on Twitch."
Child 3. "My sister got almost 50 views on her dance TikTok."
Mrs Smith shakes her head and walks away. Is that it??? You have no idea; she mutters to herself. No idea at all.
Mrs Smith is 10 away from 73,000 followers. Year 6 would be soooooooo annoyed if they knew. @mrssmithsaysit
Visit: https://www.acelipsevents.co.uk/ for this and a whole load of upcoming comedy treats, right here on our doorstep.
David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) at Aviva Studios
Preview by Steve Cooke
As trailed in this column David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer [not smaller & further away] will be with us from 10 December.
David Hockney will use the extraordinary capabilities of the vast warehouse space of Aviva Studios, to take us on a personal journey through 60 years of his art. This new run of Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) further strengthens David Hockney’s connection to UK audiences, following his relocation back to the UK in July 2023.
The artist’s process is revealed in a cycle of six themed chapters, featuring his most iconic images alongside lesser-seen pieces and newly created work. A unique and deeply personal running commentary by the artist is paired with an original score by Nico Muhly, and the show is directed by Mark Grimmer of 59 Productions.
From LA to Yorkshire, and up to the present day in Normandy, the show is an unprecedented opportunity to spend time in the presence of one of the great popular geniuses of the art world still innovating, still creating beauty and awe. For lifelong fans and those new to Hockney alike, Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) affords unparalleled access to the mind of one of Britain’s most loved artists.
David Hockney says: “I'm very happy that my exhibition is going to Factory International in Manchester and that more people in the UK will be able to see my pictures bigger & closer than before. LOVE LIFE DH”
Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
10 Dec 2024 – 25 Jan 2025
Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Standard Tickets from £20
Concessions from £10
Aviva £10 Tickets available
Children aged 2 and under FREE and do not require a ticket.
The perseverance of FRAG
By Dr Joe Dawson
FRAG (Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery at Touchstones) is persevering through trips and talks whilst Touchstones is being transformed.
Touchstones closed in August 2023 to be ‘knocked about a bit’, the Friends have valiantly kept going for when the renovation is complete.
FRAG organises monthly talks by invited speakers about art and craft, and trips to places of artistic interest.
The latest such trip this November was to Gallery Oldham. FRAG was invited to ‘buddy up’ by Roger Hindle (Chair of the newly formed Friends of Gallery Oldham. The Oldham Friends group had an attractive pop-up publicity stall in the foyer selling donated pieces of art and handmade items; plus, a raffle for a painting by one of the group and other items offered in a "silent auction".
Roger gave a conducted tour of the current exhibitions, viz. Oldham Stories, encounters with the collections; The Oldham Open showcasing local talented artists; and One Seven Five, An incomplete history of Oldham in 175 objects. The light and airy galleries also had exhibits from the natural history collections - beautiful stuffed birds to complement the live beehives outside the Gallery’s upper windows. Perhaps such generosity can be reciprocated once Rochdale has a gallery to be friends of again?
Other trips this year consisted of Rochdale’s Arts & Heritage Resource Centre in January; the newly reopened Rochdale Town Hall in April; Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Gallery in August; and Preston’s Lancashire Conservation Studios, in October to view work in progress that is being partly supported financially by FRAG. La Carità (Charity) is a painting that was donated to the Rochdale Gallery by Lydia Kemp from Old Falinge in 1905. Conservator Ines Madruga is recording her progress that will result in a talk featuring the restored painting next year.
Inspirational talks have included forthcoming exhibiting artists Harry Medley, Laura Mansfield, Aliyah Hussain, and Jack Brown. These promise much for their exhibitions when Touchstones reopens, and their enthusiasm helps FRAG to persevere in the meantime.
FRAG meets every second Thursday in the month:
Gathering downstairs 13:00 - 13:30, talk upstairs 13:30 – 14:30
temporarily at Rochdale Music Service, in The Butts.
Enquiries Dr Joe Dawson (FRAG Chair) 01706 648872
RECOMMENDED
Saturday 30 November 2024
Marvellous Christmas Markets
Join us at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre located in Central Square (near Iceland and Poundland store)
Visit our indoor market, bag yourself a unique treat, meet the marvellous makers, see their amazing creations, come and grab yourself a bargain.
We look forward to welcoming you.
If you would like to trade at one of our markets, please get in touch.
9am - 5pm
Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, Yorkshire Street, Rochdale OL16 1BA
Saturday 30 November 2024
Friends of Littleborough Stations (FOLS) Christmas Event
This event is held before the Littleborough Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Refreshments.
Goody bags.
Warm fire.
Warm welcome.
1pm - 3.30pm
History Centre, Platform 2, Littleborough Railway Station, Railway Street, Littleborough OL15 8AF
Saturday 30 November 2024
PossAbilities Decade of light
Christmas Lightopia at Cherwell Centre.
Step into a magical Lightopia Wonderland and get into the festive spirit with a day full of Christmas cheer.
Visit Father Christmas.
Stalls (Hosting is free—just donate an item for the tombola!).
Face Painting.
Christmas Inflatables.
Delicious Christmas Food & Mulled Wine.
Spectacular Illuminated Decorations throughout the garden.
Reasonably Priced Bar.
Music & Entertainment …and so much more.
Interested in hosting your own stall? Contact Jane.Holland@PossAbilities.org.uk to reserve your spot.
Come along and make this Christmas magical.
Free
Phone: Jane Holland 07786 966062
Visit: http://Possabilities.org.uk
11am - 7pm
Cherwell Centre, Cherwell Avenue, Peel Street, Heywood OL10 4SY
Sunday 01 December 2024
Art by The Lake
Free Art Exhibitions.
Meet your local artists, watch demonstrations and treat yourself to stunning original artwork by:
Elizabeth White.
Seamus Kelly.
Chris Rainham.
Neela Jackson.
Victoria Ash.
Deborah Crawford.
A great place to buy your Christmas Presents.
FREE
Phone: Elizabeth White 07801433970
Visit: http://www.lizwhiteart.com
11am - 4pm
RSPCA Animal Centre, Hollingworth Lake, Rakewood Road, Littleborough OL15 0AQ
Sunday 01 December 2024
Petrus Winter Fair
Our friends at the Empire are hosting a Winter Fair to raise money for Petrus.
Festive Stalls
Food
Tombola
Raffle
Choir
Brass Band
And more...
Tickets can be purchased on the door or from the bar in advance.
Ground level access (no steps).
Disabled toilet.
5 mins walk to the tram, bus, train or taxi rank.
£3 Adults - Under 16's go free (must be accompanied by an adult).
Phone: Petrus Community 01706 526289
2pm - 6pm
Empire Rochdale, 7 Packer Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1NJ
Monday 02 December 2024
Grandparent Storytime
Calling all 0 to 5 year olds and their grown-ups to come and listen to stories read by Grandparents who will bring the story to life for the children in our communities.
If you are interested in volunteering for a story-time role, please see a member of staff or visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/libraries/library-volunteers
Free
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
10am to 11am
Langley Library, Langley Children's Centre, Windemere Road, Manchester M24 4LA
Monday 02 December 2024
Norden and District Local History Society
Michael Astrop – A History of Christmas (includes a quiz) and to be followed by a Pie and Peas Supper
Non-members welcome.
£2.50 members , non-members £3.50
7pm
Norden Bowling Club, Trinity Street, Norden OL12 7RD
Tuesday 03 December 2024
Rochdale & District Camera Club
Session: Light Painting session at Syke.
We meet every Tuesday at 8pm at Syke Methodist Church Hall.
You are more than welcome to come down to one of our club nights to see if you would enjoy joining the club.
Visit :https://www.rochdalecameraclub.org.uk/for the 2024 syllabus.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Wednesday 04 December 2024
Tea Dances with Prima Dance
Join us as we waltz back into a cherished tradition and let the rhythm of sequence dancing sweep you off your feet.
The Tea Dance will fill the Grand Hall every first Wednesday of the month. Immerse yourself in an afternoon of joy and connection, as friends old and new come together to enjoy the magic of dance.
Prima Dance invites you to glide in harmony with your fellow dancers while executing the same routines, moving gracefully in an anticlockwise direction around the room. Each step you take offers a chance to bond with others, making memories that linger long after the last note fades.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, we warmly welcome all skill levels.
Mark your calendars and prepare for an enchanting mix of rhythm, relaxation, and reconnecting. We can't wait to see you back on the dance floor at Rochdale Town Hall.
£6.50 including refreshments
Phone 01706 924797
1pm - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday 04 December 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Club Auction evening - Presidents Cup
We meet every Wednesday at Rochdale Unitarian Church, starting at 7.30pm prompt (doors open from 7.15pm). The door is kept locked so please ring the bell on arrival.
If you would like to see the club for yourself and meet our members, you are welcome to attend as our guest for up to 3 weeks before committing to membership. Annual subscription is £36 for single or £46 for joint membership.
A weekly room fee of £2.50 is also payable on arrival at the meeting. Refreshments are 50p.
Visit: https://www.rochdaleps.org.uk/syllabus for a full 2024 syllabus.
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 04 December 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Telemann Baroque Ensemble, Alastair Roberts flute, Alfred Pollard oboe, Elaine da Costa & Sarah Snape violins, John Goodstadt viola, Roger Bisby cello & Peter Collier harpsichord.
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020… during the pandemic!
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
Wednesday 04 December 2024
Art Group
Interested in art?
Why not come along and meet like-minded individuals, meeting each week to paint, draw, watch demos, etc.
Bring along your own artwork and join us. We are a very friendly group .
We are beginners up to very experienced artists who enjoy the sociability of meeting up and helping each other.
All abilities welcome.
Weekly programme of topics and events.
£1.00 weekly subs
Phone: Veronica Swinden 01706 640567
Visit: http://rochdaleartists.com
10.45am to 12.45pm
Castleton Library and Community Centre604 Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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