What's On in the Arts

We have a plethora of activities and events to look forward to over the festive season and New Year. Whatever your interest in creativity there will be something for you, from theatre to art, music to circus skills...

IT'S BEHIND YOU!!

Rochdale-based leisure venue, Heywood Sports Village, has announced the return of this year’s CHRISTMAS PANTO, SNOW WHITE with a cast of iconic TV stars.

‘Coronation Street' star, Steve Arnold, is playing Snow White’s rand hand confidant, Muddles, and TV’s favourite fox, Basil Brush, will be the voice and image of the Magic Mirror, in this retelling of the classic fairy-tale.

Snow White promises a spectacular performance for the entire family, with its iconic melodies, mesmerising choreography, and breath-taking special effects.

Heather Booth at Your Trust said: “We’re thrilled to bring together such an incredible cast for the wonderful retelling of the heart-warming fairy-tale, Snow White - we’re sure it will entertain audiences through the generations. Join us for an unforgettable panto experience for the whole family.”

Snow White will run from Saturday 16 December until Thursday 28 December with matinee and evening performances, as well as early morning slots during the weekends for younger children and families. Ticket prices start from £9.50

Find out more and book tickets here: www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/snow-whiteheywoods-christmas-panto-2023/

ROCHDALE ARTISTS GROUP

Rochdale Artists hold a varied programme of events and workshops, as well sessions where members simply do their own thing. The group is open to all to try, but is not suitable for children under 14, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Over the past few months, they have held wide-ranging demonstrations and workshops covering topics such as Black on White and White on Black, Autumn Still Life, Painting with Coffee, The Process of Abstraction, Tone, and Colour Perspective.

Meetings every Tuesday 7 - 9pm and every Wednesday 11am - 1pm (no meetings between 15 Dec - 9 Jan) at Castleton Community Centre, Rochdale. Beginners welcome!

Contact the art group - Stacey Coughlin at stacey@rochdaleartists.com

LITTLEBOROUGH MAKERS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

Offering unique handmade gifts, free kids colouring activities, plus an appearance by Father Christmas at 1pm.

There will be stalls selling hand made jewellery, fine art paintings and prints, embroidery and textiles, unique resin gifts and much more.

Sunday 3 December, 10-3pm with free admission at Star Tree Studio, The Gig House, Hare Hill Park, OL15 9HE.

SKYLIGHT CIRCUS ARTS

Skylight Circus Arts run regular training classes throughout the year, from youth circus to adult aerial skills.

Classes are for all ages and abilities, supportively staffed, non competitive and inclusive and offer a wide range of skills including juggling, diabolo, flower sticks, pedal-go, unicycle, trapeze, aerial hoop, aerial silks, cocoon, acro, LED performance and tightwire.

Their fully accessible building at St Chads in Rochdale is a circus treasure box! If you’d like to swing on a trapeze or take part in a show, there's something for you. Sessions are fun and social.

To book circus classes please contact 01706 650676 or email info@skylightcircusarts.com

Share the magic, thrill, and sheer excitement of their past twelve months with this truly heart-warming video: skylightcircusarts.com/news/impact-video-2022-23/

A ROCHDALE MUSIC SUCCESS STORY

The TLC (Toad Lane Concerts) series is Rochdale’s weekly live classical music concert at St Mary in the Baum Church.

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.

2023 has featured solo singers and choirs galore, solo pianists and instrumentalists on clarinet, violin, cello, harp, guitar to name but a few.

Upcoming concerts...

Wednesday 6 December Telemann Baroque Ensemble

Wednesday 13 December

‘Rascallity’ Harp Duo: Alice Roberts & Kathryn Mason (both RNCM Manchester University).

Wednesday 20 December

Christmas Special from More than Melody Ladies Choir conductor Jonathan Gibson, accompanist J Edward Rigg.

Wednesday 3 January

A New Year Gala from Voci Voices, quartet of operatic soloists.

Concerts take place every Wednesday at 12.30pm (doors from 12) at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR CONCERT

Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society invite you to attend an afternoon of festive entertainment at their "Christmas Spectacular" concert at Bamford Chapel on 9th December at 2.30pm. The afternoon will feature a selection of handpicked Christmas songs delivered by their talented vocalist sure to put you in the mood for the festive season. Plus mulled wine and mince pies! Tickets £7.50, available at: ticketsource.co.uk/rochdale-phoenix-opera-society or call Penny on 01706 344773.

PASSIONATE ABOUT THEATRE? WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ROCHDALE?

Rochdale Musical Theatre Company are looking for local people to join their new Friends of RMTC group. If you would like to volunteer a little (or a lot!) on a flexible basis this is a great way for you to lend a hand and be a vital part of their exciting productions... the next one being Disney's Beauty & the Beast the musical!

They are looking for anyone with an interest in theatre who wants to help out with RMTC’s to-do list! This could be anything from putting up posters, selling programmes or operating a follow-spot to making a papier-mâché maneating plant or building a barricade (well, not this year, but you get the idea)!

This is a brilliant chance to learn new skills, make new friends and be a part of an exciting amateur theatre company and charity. Please email rochdalemtc@gmail.com with your name and number - if there are specific ways you’d like to get involved please mention these too.

Steve Cooke - All Across The Arts

Celebrating creative arts and artists.

www.allacrossthearts.com