Rochdale What's On: February 22
All Across the Arts columnist Steve Cooke tells us about the latest events happening in and around the Rochdale area
WHAT'S ON: Les Dennis is set to appear at the Bolton Octagon (Image: Nicky Johnston)
Bill Naughton's beloved 1960s classic Spring and Port Wine returns to the Octagon stage
Review by Hilary Dawes
Directed by Lotte Wakeham, this brilliant adaptation of Bill Naughton’s well-loved play returns to the Octagon where we join the Crompton family as they struggle to cope with the ups and downs of life in 1960s Bolton.
Les Dennis is on fine form as patriarch Rafe Crompton, attempting to preside over his family with an iron fist, and we join them one Friday evening, as his wife Daisy struggles to balance the housekeeping books. Daisy’s accounting skills aren’t the best, and her problems worsen when nosy neighbour Betsy-Jane persuades Daisy to lend her £5. How will Daisy make up the deficit?
As the family sit down to tea, things come to a head as daughter Hilda refuses to eat the food on her plate, an event which continues to cause trouble all weekend. Rafe explains the reasons for his strict approach, evoking pre-war unemployment and hunger marches. Things later take a darker turn as Rafe attempts to determine which of the family has defied him.
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We gradually see the children begin to assert themselves, realising that this is 1966, and the play’s soundtrack sets the tone, with Dylan’s ‘The Times they are a-Changin’ and the Who’s ‘My Generation’.
With some great comedic moments, there is poignancy too, and we see the softer side of Rafe, as his wife reveals her deception and her fears of being unable to be the perfect housewife she ought to be. Rafe explains that everything he’s done has ultimately been for his family so they would never have to endure the same life of poverty he himself suffered during childhood.
Les Dennis’s superlative performance was perfectly matched by Mina Anwar’s beautiful portrayal of Daisy as the wife and mother constantly trying to keep the peace and make ends meet!
There were remarkable performances from the remaining cast members, with Isabel Ford as the wonderfully funny nosy neighbour Betsy-Jane. The Crompton siblings were played convincingly by Natalie Blair as rebellious Hilda and Monica Sagar as sensible Florence, both making their professional stage debuts, whilst Charlie Ryan as wise-cracking Harold and Gabriel Clark as the more sensitive Wilfred became thoroughly convincing brothers. Adam Fenton gave a fine performance as Florence’s pragmatic boyfriend, Arthur.
Katie Scott captured that sixties feel as we joined the family in their authentic living room set, with the black-and-white photo frames hanging above adding to the nostalgia. Thanks also to the rest of the creative team who gave us, literally, the ‘Sounds of the Sixties’!
Visit the website here to book and for more information.
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Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery - FRAG - Annual General Meeting 2023
By Dr Joe Dawson
Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery - FRAG - held its AGM at Touchstones on February 9. The committee was re-elected with one retiring member replaced.
The continuing Chair, Jenny Buckley reported on some successful events and a gradual increase in numbers coming out of Lockdown, which along with the change of day to Thursday had taken its toll. Members heard that finances remained intact and in a report from Mark Doyle (Head of Arts, Engagement and Heritage) further exciting changes are afoot at Touchstones… so watch this space.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, March 9 at Touchstones, the speakers will be Dr Alice Correia and Dr Derek Horton the distinguished research curators of the current exhibition A Tall Order! that runs until May 7. Extensive coverage in all galleries focuses on Rochdale Art Gallery in the 1980s, which has become renowned for its successful radical approaches, particularly in ‘issues-based’ art.
FRAG Meetings are on the second Thursday of every month:
Welcome: Tea, coffee and biscuits from 1-1.30pm in the Studio
Guest Speaker 1.30-2.30pm
Members £3, Non-members £4
Contact Chair Jennie Buckley 01706 358686 or Touchstones 01706 924492.
Thursday, February 23
National Theatre Live – Othello
An extraordinary new production of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy, directed by Clint Dyer with a cast that includes Giles Terera (Hamilton), Rosy McEwen (The Alienist) and Paul Hilton (The Inheritance).
She’s a bright, headstrong daughter of a senator; elevated by her status but stifled by its expectations. He's a refugee of slavery; having risen to the top of a white world, he finds love across racial lines has a cost.
Wed in secret, Desdemona and Othello crave a new life together. But as unseen forces conspire against them, they find their future is not theirs to decide. Othello is filmed live on the Lyttleton stage of the National Theatre.
Cost: £10
Time: 7pm
Phone: Middleton Arena 0300 303 8633.
To book, visit the website here.
Address: Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG.
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Thursday, February 23
Imagination Gaming
Imagination gaming at Rochdale Central Library
Table-top games for all the family.
Learn and play some of the coolest, smartest, and amusing games from across the world. Strategic games, tactical games, word, and number games. There is something for everyone, whatever your interests! It promises to be a fun-filled afternoon with games of all kinds.
Cost: Free
Time: 2-5pm
Address: Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
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Friday, February 24
Ace Lips Events: First Old Court Room Comedy Night of 2023
MC is Manchester's very own Tony Burgess, an award-winning stand-up comedian, comedy writer and actor.
Natalie Husdan is a super mum, one of the funniest women on the comedy circuit. Jacob Nussey up-and-coming comic on the Midlands circuit, Jacob unassumingly draws in audiences by delivering sharp jokes and ill-fated anecdotes with clever punchlines.
Sil Shahzad is a 25-year-old up and coming stand up from the North. He combines his personal experiences with current affairs.
Lily Phillips actor, writer, comedian, and TV Personality. Lily is one of the most exciting up and coming voices in comedy in the UK.
Phone: Richard Attwood 07720 849866
Time: Doors 7.45pm, start time 8.30pm.
To book: Visit the website here.
Address: The Old Court Room, The Flying Horse, 37 Packer Street, Rochdale OL16 1NJ.
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