WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 3 minutes ago
- 10 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2025
'ROCHDALE MUSIC STORIES' CELEBRATION OF ROCHDALE’S RICH MUSICAL HISTORY BEGINS WITH STAR-STUDDED LAUNCH
Review by Steve Cooke
‘Rochdale Music Stories’, a brand new campaign, previewed in this column, celebrating the rich musical history of our borough, has kicked off in style with an all-star event.
This exciting project sees Rochdale Development Agency, The Stockport Music Story and Voltalab Sound Studios working together to innovatively celebrate Rochdale’s rich musical history while championing its new, emerging talent.
Major talents including Peter Hook (New Order / Joy Division), Andy McCluskey (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark), and Martin Moscrop (A Certain Ration) were all invited back to the birthplace of some of their most iconic tracks.https://www.wix.com/lpviral/enviral?utm_campaign=vir_wixad_live&adsVersion=white&orig_msid=8d9e1341-c2ed-47b7-ae6a-3a60c031137c
Serving as an official launch of Chris Connelly’s new book, ‘Cargo Studios', the event saw the author and guest artists share their personal stories of recording at the legendary Rochdale studio in a live panel.
Hosted by DJ and presenter Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets), the audience i were treated to reflections of how Joy Division recorded “Atmosphere”, how A Certain Ratio recorded “All Night Party”, and how OMD recorded their first single “Electricity”, by their respective creators.
All of these were released on Tony Wilson’s Factory Records and have since achieved widespread acclaim and global recognition. In addition, Clint Boon revealed how his own band, Inspiral Carpets, recorded their first EP ‘Planecrash’, together at the studio with the assistance of The Chameleons’ Dave Fielding, who produced the record.
Interviewed about his new 360-page hard-back book ‘Cargo Studios’, Chris Connelly shared revelations from the rich history of the famed Rochdale studio during the period 1977 to 1985.
Also in attendance was esteemed studio engineer and Cargo owner John Brierley, who worked at Cargo Studios alongside production maverick Martin Hannett at its peak. Remembering how Joy Division recorded classic tracks “Digital” and “Glass” for the highly collectible ‘A Factory Sample’ release; John Brierley also stated that he believed “Atmosphere” was “the greatest song recorded at Cargo”.
The prestigious event also provided a launch pad for the forthcoming release of the Rochdale Music Stories album affiliated with the campaign. The upcoming studio-recorded compilation will see contemporary local artists reimagining classic tracks originally recorded at Cargo Studios. At the launch event, artists from both generations were introduced and exchanged compliments for the first time. OMD’s Andy McCluskey was notably very impressed with acoustic guitar duo, PoolEra, and their radical reinterpretation of his track “Electricity”. [More about PoolEra in this column.]
A vinyl version of the Rochdale Music Stories album will be available from 14th March 2026, accompanied by a one-off gig at Rochdale’s Champness Hall the same evening which will see the artists involved playing their reinterpretations alongside one of their own original songs. The night will be hosted by Clint Boon and special guests. Standby for further details soon.
Local emerging young band PoolEra
Preview by Steve Cooke
Local upcoming young band PoolEra is an emerging energetic four-piece indie band from Rochdale.
Ed Jamil (vocals), Alfie Duke (Drums), Seb Parry (Lead guitar), and Calum Lucas(Bass) met at Hollingworth Academy while studying Music and have been performing together since 2023.
Three band members were also part of the excellent Rochdale Music Service where they gained their confidence for performing live.
PoolEra were selected to take part in the Factory Sounds 2025 programme run by Factory International. Part of the programme was to record a track in the new Adidas Abbey Road studios at Co-op Live. ‘Tonight’ is their 5th recorded original track.
Check it out: https://youtu.be/RK5njSAVO6k?si=lZ8R5jvrfiC7ZZwf
PoolEra are also part of the Voltalab Rochdale Music Stories project reviewed in this column where iconic tracks recorded at Cargo Studios are reimagined by local musicians to be played live at Champness Hall in March 2026.
PoolEra is actively building their presence locally performing at The Flying Horse, The Empire, Rochdale Town Hall and other iconic venues around the North West, including Deaf Institute and Academy 3 and Aviva Studios.
PoolEra tell me that they “recognise that there are many new opportunities arising in the Rochdale borough and aspire to become a part of the music scene and promote creative growth in Rochdale”
I can highly recommend following them on https://pooleraband.live/
A powerful, funny LGBTQ+ classic lands at Hope Mill Theatre
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me is a powerful, funny LGBTQ+ classic landing at Hope Mill for one week only for next year’s LGBT History Month.
Written by Obie Award-winner David Drake, this groundbreaking solo piece became one of the longest-running solo plays in New York theatre history. Directed by Offie-nominated Adam Zane and starring Gabriel Clark (Hollyoaks/Jock Night/Tip Toe), Hive North brings this seminal work is roaring back to the stage.
At once funny, furious and heartbreakingly tender, The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me charts one man’s personal journey through self-discovery, desire, loss and activism. With a kaleidoscope of characters and vivid vignettes, the play captures the passion and urgency of the 1980s AIDS crisis, inspired by the indomitable spirit of playwright and activist Larry Kramer.
Every bit as vital today as when it first premiered, The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me speaks to the power of community, the fight for justice, and the resilience of queer lives. It is a fierce reminder of how far we have come and how much further we must go.
Produced by the team behind sell-out smash, Jock Night which was at HMT [Hope Mill Theatre] earlier this year!
The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me. Part love letter, part rallying cry, David Drake’s award-winning solo play is a fierce, funny and deeply moving journey through queer life and the legacy of ACT UP. It’s theatre as activism. Urgent, uplifting and made for LGBT History Month.
Fresh from his standout performance in Jock Night, Gabriel Clark takes the stage for a blistering, intimate performance that celebrates community, confronts stigma and reminds us how hard-won our rights really are.
In Manchester for just 8 performances.
Get your tickets now because when they’re gone, they’re gone: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/the-night-larry-kramer-kissed-me/?dm_i=5K77,1A5Z0,561NZM,5YDHY,1
Tuesday 10th – Saturday 14th February 2026
Suitable for ages 14 and over - homophobia, violence, themes of a sexual nature, drug and alcohol use
BSL [British Sign Language] interpreted Performance Sat 14th at 3pm
Gala Performance: Saturday 14th February - a very special performance of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, where they will be collecting money for the vital work of George House Trust. Every ticket includes a glass of fizz (or non-alcoholic alternative) and a show programme.
After the show, the spotlight turns to an exclusive on-stage conversation between Gabriel Clark and the legendary Russell T Davies, the visionary writer of Queer as Folk, Cucumber, Banana, and the ground-breaking It’s a Sin.
Just as It’s a Sin captured the heartbreak, loss and activism of the AIDS crisis on screen, The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me burns with that same fire on stage. Together, Gabriel and Russell will explore how queer stories carry our history, shape our present, and ignite change.
They will be rolling out the red carpet, so take your seat and prepare for an evening of powerful queer theatre, conversation and community.
Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard Street, Manchester M4 7JA
A 2 minute walk from New Islington Metrolink Station. Just one stop from Manchester Piccadilly.
They have a car park on site; it is free to use but cannot guarantee spaces. On street parking is limited to 90 minutes. There is a paid-for car park near to New Islington Metrolink Station.
FACTORY INTERNATIONAL’S WINTER PROGRAMME
Preview by Steve Cooke
Over the coming winter season [December 2025 -January 2026] Factory International have a programme of four very different but equally unmissable events with David Hockney: Bigger Closer, VOGUE: Inventing the Runway, The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks and Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Following its phenomenal success in 2024 in both Manchester and London, David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) returns. Narrated and created by the artist himself, paired with an original score by Nico Muhly, the experience affords unparalleled access to the mind of one of Britain’s most loved artists. I was lucky enough to experience this last year and can give the highest recommendation whether you are an art lover or not.
Runs 16 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway
VOGUE: Inventing the Runway uses Vogue’s remarkable archive and fashion network to present an experience created in collaboration with Anna Wintour and Vogue editors, exploring the history of the fashion runway show, narrated by Cate Blanchett. The experience brings together the industry’s leading voices with first hand interviews and a rich mix of media. Original animation, immersive sound design and a score fusing classical and pop music combine to evoke the world of fashion and the moments when iconic shows shifted the cultural landscape.
Runs 18 December 2025 – 10 January 2026
T
e Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks narrates an epic experience offering a unique perspective on humankind’s past and future voyages to the moon in The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks is co-written by Tom Hanks and BAFTA-nominated writer-director Christopher Riley, The Moonwalkers provides a gripping account of the Apollo missions of the 1960’s and ‘70s at spectacular scale, blending original NASA footage and breathtaking images from Andy Saunders’ Apollo Remastered, plus newly filmed interviews between Tom Hanks and astronauts from the current Artemis programme. The production is co-directed by Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton of 59 Productions and is accompanied by an original orchestral score by Anne Nikitin, recorded by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
Runs 16 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show
Leading performance company Circa and globally renowned, independent animation studio Aardman collaborate in the European premiere of Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show. This heart-warming family comedy is a visual spectacle featuring un-baa-lievable acrobatic feats, circus arts and slapstick, plus all your favourite Shaun the Sheep characters.
Led by internationally acclaimed artist and Artistic Director and CEO of Circa, Yaron Lifschitz, the Circa Ensemble demonstrate incredible circus skills whilst embracing the fun, humour and playfulness found in the world of Shaun the Sheep. Seamlessly blending the dimensions of animation, stage, film and live acrobatics, scenic Designer Dan Potra and Costume Designer Libby McDonnell have created a new world for Shaun and his Flock to inhabit.
Runs 11 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Toad Lane Concert 1,159 with Oldham Community Choir Ruby Anniversary year
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Oldham Community Choir made their annual visit to St Mary’s and gave an enjoyable and entertaining concert in their ruby Anniversary year; after forty years of song.
Choral singing is now universally recognised to benefit good health and wellbeing, whatever your age disposition. Moreover, as the nation’s chorus master Gareth Malone would say, ‘it is also good for the soul.’ This recital proved a good tonic for the souls of both choir and audience.
The mixed voices worked well together under Jonathan Gibson’s direction, who also proved to be an amicable compere. The part-singing throughout required a lot of concentration and gave them their particular sound. The choir’s enthusiasm and conviviality with varied repertoire were infectious.
Conductor Jonathan Gibson & accompanist J Edward Rigg were not Morecambe and Wise, but the theme tune, Bring me sunshine, got us off to a bright start followed by Flying Free by Don Besig.
Their first foray into the world of musicals was with a Sound of Music medley by Rodgers and Hammerstein – plenty of tunes to hum along to.
An unusual traditional Hebrew folk song Simi Jadech arranged by Pat Shaw and The Music is always there by John Rutter were well worth an airing. Then more songs from the shows with Marvin Hamlish’s One (A Chorus Line), Ritz (Easter Parade) by Irving Berlin and the evergreen Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific) by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
We had a very pleasant piano interlude by Edward Rigg, who had accompanied splendidly throughout. His soothing playing of Easthope Martin’s Evensong of 1912 helped the souls to settle down for a short time.
Then All that jazz (Chicago) by Kander and Ebb in another successful arrangement by the conductor, led us into the finale with a My Fair Lady medley by Lowe and Lerner.
We look forward to their next visit. Only another five years until it’s sapphires all round.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1
listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6 cash. Contact 01706
648872 for further information.
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 8 November 2025
Reading Group - Littleborough Library
Second Saturday of every month. A group discussing various authors, genres and themes.
For adults.no need to book, you can just come along.
Free
10.30am - 11.30am
Location: Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
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 12 November 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Nina Savicevic piano (St Petersburg & RNCM)
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.