SIDETRACKS & DETOURS with PASS IT ON 30 1 26

SIDETRACKS AND DETOURS with PASS IT ON

Friday 30th January 2026

CONTENTS

collated and shared

by Norman Warwick

1 VODI VOICES

classical choral review by Dr. Joe Dawson

2 FRAG

Friends Of Rochdale art Gallery by Steve Cooke

3 IMPROBABVLE FICTION AT CURTAIN THEATRE

theatre preview by Seamus Kelly

4 AN AUSSIE RETURN

Toad Lane Concert review by Dr. Joe Dawson

5 NIGHT TIME

light and sound experience preview by Steve Cooke

6 THE LIGHTNING THIEF

musical preview by steve cooke

7 ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK

concert preview by Steve Cooke

c

A Feast of Singing for Christmas at Toad Lane C review by Dr. Joe Dawsonb

1 VOCI VOICES

5 Toad Lane Concerts

Review by Dr Joe Dawson

This Toad Lane, Concert, Rochdale, UK., (below right) number 1,166 taking over from the council in 2001. The prize-winning troupe, Voci Voices (below right) made a welcome return with a feast of singing for Christmas. They always bring an international flavour too, with the performers’ roots in Poland, Ghana, Ukraine, Scotland, and Wales, accompanied by English pianist Jonathan Ellis, who managed to reproduce a full orchestra or provide sensitive support, as required.

The memorable line ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’ stood out from the seasonal medleys from The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Christmas on Broadway, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and became truer as the concert went on.\

The international theme brought the universality of Christmas celebrations home through traditional carols. From the cheery Austrian Snow – Waltz Schneewaltzer to the atmospheric Africa Ukuthula, African Prayer for Peace led by Margaret with a sensitive backing group followed by an up-tempo Afrika Kyrie.

We had lovely Nebo i Źemlia from Ukraine and Lulajze, Jezuniu (Lullaby) from Poland, the Italian Gesù Bambino, more Austrian with Silent Night, and French O Holy Night by Adams to the Welsh traditional Deck the Halls.

Completing this worldwide songfest was a particular favourite with Americans, the Handelian Hallelujah! Joy to the World by Handel & Mason brilliantly arranged by Emily Lund in a delightful mix of the two iconic choruses.

An encore was demanded and granted with ‘I wish you Christmas’ by John Rutter, rounding off a celebration of well-executed seasonal vocal gems, admirably suited to the acoustics. A great start to the season. It certainly made it ‘seem a lot like Christmas.’

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are held every Wednesday at 12.30pm 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.

 

2 FRAG [The Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery] 

Preview by Steve Cooke

The Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery have greatly supported the growth of Touchstones Rochdale as a regional art gallery. Their generous donations have allowed the acquisition of key works, including Vanessa Bell’s ‘Interior (The Open Window)’ in 1982.

•          8 January 2026 13:30 Harry Meadley will develop his assessment of the Summer’s activities – they had to postpone Harry’s talk and discussion in October because he had Covid!

•          12 February 2026 will be the special measures AGM both meetings will be at the Rochdale Music Service, which has generously offered us premises for another year.

•          12 March 2026 at 11:00 Guests of Roger Hindle Chairperson – The Friends of Gallery Oldham, newly restored Galleries 1 & 2 in the newly named JR Clynes Building at Oldham (they’ve finished their’s!)

•          09 April 2026 13:30 Touchstones Site Visit – A conducted tour to see what stage Touchstones are at with a projected opening of summer 2027. This has been negotiated by Sarah Hodgkinson, who advises that complete ‘Bob the Builder’ outfits will not be required as hard hats and Hi-Viz will be supplied. But sensible shoes are recommended!

 Annual membership is just £10, providing discounted rates on talks and trips organised by the Friends, as well as invitations to private views for exhibitions. if you would like more information about the events or the group; please contact Dr Joe Dawson at 01706 648872

3 Improbable Fiction at The Curtain Theatre

Review: Seamus Kelly *

The Curtain Theatre’s latest production, Improbable Fiction, the Alan Ayckbourn play, takes place at a meeting of the Pendon Writers Circle, most of whom are struggling with writer’s block.

In the first act the group meet in the home of Arnold (Paul Dawson), who lives with his poorly mother, who is confined to bed. During their meetings “Mother” is looked after by Ilsa (Coral Bradley) who also makes coffee for the writers. Arnold tries valiantly to deal with clashing personalities, encourages everyone to share their work, get on with their writing, and collaborate. The members write in different genres, although perhaps “try to write” might be more appropriate.

Arnold lacks imagination and translates instruction manuals into English.

Grace (Jessica Bradley) wants to write a children’s book but has not yet put words onto paper.

Jess (Helen Schutzmann) tries to write historical romance. Vivvi (Chloe Sweeny) is a prolific writer of 1930s crime stories having written several, not yet published, novels.

Brevis (Peter Fitton) is a teacher who hates children and Clem (Jon Cockroft) reads and writes science fiction, which he describes as real science.

At the end of Act 1 a shocking appearance by Ilsa holding a knife, leaves the audience in suspense.

In Act 2 the whole performance bursts into life as three mysteries, historical romance, alien abduction and a 1930s detective story imagined by the various writers interweave. The chaos, changes of era, and characters, create much confusion for Arnold and amusement for the audience.

Here the actors excel with all, other than Arnold, playing multiple roles to great effect.

For me the standout performance of the show was Paul Dawson as Arnold, portrayed beautifully as a man unable to escape the house where he looks after his mother, plagued by nervousness and trying to please everybody.

I attended this performance with several colleagues from Riverside Writers.

Did we see ourselves in the Pendon Writing Circle? Yes, lots of recognisable traits and characters, although we spend more time actually writing.

Did we enjoy the performance? Yes, we all had a good time with plenty of laughter and lots of chatter after the show.Riverside Writers hold weekly creative writing sessions every Thursday morning in Rochdale Central Library

The production of Improbable Fiction is directed by Karen Knox, well supported by the whole production team looking after the set, the music, lighting, sound etc.

The Curtain Theatre is one of Rochdale’s hidden gems. Walk through the doors into a traditional theatre that harks back to a more glamorous era. The building has perhaps seen better daysbut nevertheless deserves support and care to restore some of its fading glory.

The best way to support the building and the dedicated people who run it is to go along to their shows and events – on tonight’s experience you’ll get a great evening’s entertainment at very reasonable prices.

EDITOR´S NOTE: The reviewer above, Seamus Kelly, is an old friend from the life I lived in Rochdale UK, a town buzzing with the energy of the arts. He is a Rochdale based Irish / English poet originally from the midlands. In 2015 Seamus took the plunge giving up his full time job in sustainable travel to become a professional poet and writer.

Seamus is also a photographer and visual artist and has adopted “onepoetsvision” as a name to encompass all of those artforms.

Seamus can be found performing and running writing and poetry workshops around the North West of England and occasionally further afield as he offers a range or ready made or bespoke sessions.

Having led Weaving Words, Rochdale’s creative writing group, for 10 years, before turning freelance, he has performed his work across Greater Manchester and beyond including a high profile performance at the 2015 Eroica Britannia Festival in Derbyshire (a festival of all things vintage and cycling) and having been invited back brought new material to appreciative audiences at the 2016 and 2017 festivals. Seamus has facilitated and delivered workshops on a wide range of topics including how to find inspiration, the technicalities of writing and a series of high-speed workshops at the Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival. His workshop clients include schools, libraries, creative writing groups, reading groups and community organisations.

Seamus was the originator and one of the commissioned poets for Connect2 Poetry, launched in 2013 that grew from Seamus’ idea for a poetry trail around Rochdale’s 40km Connect2 network of walking and cycling routes. With support from Rochdale Library Service and Cartwheel Arts a total of 35 poems were commissioned to be featured on plaques on the routes, an interactive website and phone app.

Seamus is also the resident poet and writer with Vibe in Rochdale who’s “Stories We Could Tell” project was the runner up in the Rochdale Diversity Awards 2016. Vibe works with young people including asylum seekers, young people in care and young people with mental health issues, using creativity to empower them whilst developing skills and confidence. In 2021 Seamus led the development of a video broadcast called “Vibecast” where young people will record reviews, interviews and short programmes about their interests. Vibecast will initially be recorded and shared through the Vibe website and as young people grow in confidence and technical abilities we will produce some live-streamed content.

As an environmentalist, with a degree in Ecology to go alongside an HND in Graphic Design and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, 20 years in IT support, a creative career, 14 years of teaching (including working in an SEN setting) and six years promoting cycling Seamus is a rare combination of scientist and creative; prone perhaps to thinking (and talking) too much. He has worked in an SEN school for 6 years teaching young people who have severe social and behavioural issues, including young people in care and those on the autistic scale.

He  produced his first short collection of poetry “Thinking Too Much” in 2015 with poems inviting the reader to think about life, family, nature, politics, justice, peace and society.

Prominent Yorkshire poet James Nash said of Thinking Too Much that “Seamus Kelly’s poetry is the poetry of journeys and places. Sometimes that place is the past and sometimes it is where nature and people intersect. But always it is written with a kind of passionate precision, and with great humanity”

4 AN AUSSIE ROVER’S RETURN

Toad Lane Concert with a local cultural hero: Review by Steve Cooke

The final Toad Lane Concert  of 2025 was a double celebration in Rochdale as baritone Aussie Rover Alfred Anderson returned and our very own champion of music and the arts, and on this occasion, pianist Dr Joe Dawson made an all too rare performance as Alfred’s accompanist. The first half of the recital thrilled the audience as these old friends recited from the classical repertoire and musicals plus a nineteenth century American hymn and and Italian opera, creating a well-balanced set of songs.

Nevertheless it was, perhaps, the interlude will be forever remembered by those fortunate enough to be in the audience at St Mary in the Baum as Dr Joe Dawson performed his improvised  piano solo ‘Alf’s Medley’.        

The rest of the recital continued with an expertly selected and brilliantly performed collection of songs from the sacred to the music hall culminating in that rousing song from Carousel that has been appropriated by soccer fans of certain clubs north and south of the border.

Thus, Saith the Lord (Messiah) – Handel, Scarlet Ribbons – Danzic, Miss Hooligan’s Christmas Cake – Broadside, 1883, You’ll Never Walk Alone (Carousel) – Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Alfred Anderson, baritone, is proud to be known in Australia as an authentic English baritone. When he moved to Melbourne in 2012, he soon became involved in the music scene, joining the Victoria Gilbert & Sullivan Society and taking lead roles in Trial By Jury, Iolanthe, Pirates of Penzance and others.

He also sang Colonel Lester in Victor Herbert’s opera, ‘Eileen’ a story of romance, rebellion and a free Ireland.

Alfred sang with augmented choirs including The Diamond Valley Singers and other ensembles. He also performed in small intimate groups one of which was a production of Ivor Novello’s music entitled The Novello Years.

He duly won two solo sections in the Diamond Valley Eisteddfod in 2015, the prize being the opportunity to perform a solo recital in Winchelsea, Northern Victoria. He received a warm welcome and was invited back to a return concert.

Alfred started singing as a choirboy in Milnrow, going on to sing in G & S productions, church music and singing festivals. As a young baritone in 1963 he took part in the first Rochdale Youth Music Festival.

Accompanist Dr Joe Dawson went to Rochdale Grammar School, was an initial violinist of Rochdale Youth Orchestra and in 1968 was voted the Outstanding Competitor of the Rochdale Youth Music Festival. He was self-taught in singing and piano when he was accepted at the Royal Manchester College of Music in 1968, where he studied for four years with Joseph Ward OBE. He later qualified as a teacher and went on to gain other external qualifications. In 1975 he became Head of Music at Balderstone Community School where in 1980 he founded Rochdale Amateur Orchestra; in 1982 elected FRSA (becoming Life Fellow in 2025). In 1983 whilst at Balderstone he was granted a sabbatical at Manchester University to study for MEd (Aesthetics); 1984 moved to the FE colleges to establish performing arts, becoming HoD Director of Curriculum at Rochdale College of Arts & Design in 1988 (subsumed within Hopwood Hall College from 1990). Alongside this, he was Music Correspondent to the Rochdale Observer Series 1988-2008, freelancing from then to the present day.

In 1994 he had to retire through ill-health. After four years recovery and the premature loss of his wife of 25 years, Jeanette, in 1999, he returned to his alma mater (that has become Royal Northern College of Music) one year p/t for CT-ABRSM whilst establishing a flourishing private practice, continuing until 2021; concurrently, from 2001 was volunteer series director of Rochdale Music at Lunchtime at St Mary in the Baum to the present day. Meanwhile, by way of distraction from Music and insomnia he gained BA Hons (1st class hons) in English and Law and MA (Distinction) in English with the Open University in his sixties.

5 NIGHT TIME

LIGHT AND AUDIO EXPERIENCE preview: Steve Cooke

Yet another stunning work of creativity to be eagerly anticipated in 2026 as Rochdale’s streets will be transformed into an immersive night time light and audio experience this winter, as Stories We Tell: Rochdale invites residents and visitors to explore the borough through the real memories, voices and lived experiences of local people.

Running from Wednesday January 28 to Friday February 6 2026, the free, guided audio walk will use large-scale projections, moving imagery and powerful 3D sound to animate buildings and streets, including Milkstone Road, Drake Street, Baillie Street and Rochdale Town Hall Square.

Audiences will take a journey through town after dark, encountering stories of belonging, change and hope, gathered directly from local communities.

Commissioned as part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, the project is supported by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, with funding provided through the Community Regeneration Partnership from the UK Government and supported by Arts Council England.

The event will be produced by the outstanding Rochdale-based multidisciplinary production company Breaking Barriers, Stories We Tell: Rochdale returns four years after its original debut in Deeplish.

This new edition promises to reflect on what has changed, what has remained, and the stories that continue to shape Rochdale’s identity.

Built from real stories, archival images, video and audio recordings shared by residents, the experience re-imagines familiar streets in new and unexpected ways through immersive storytelling.

“Rochdale is one of those places I always want to come back to,” said Hayley Garner, street mural artist who contributed to the project.

“Stories We Tell: Rochdale will be a powerful way to honour our past, celebrate the present and keep the stories of our community alive for future generations.”

The project is supported by emerging creative talent from the Young Company, including Jordan Sheard, assistant production manager; Holly Copping, assistant producer; Hope Chiguvo, assistant sound designer; Hannah Thomas-Byrne, assistant filmmaker; and Saleem Miah, assistant director.

Parvez Qadir, artistic director of Breaking Barriers, added: “Bringing Stories We Tell back to Rochdale as part of this special year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture is hugely significant.

“Rochdale has long been an underserved community, and this is an opportunity to shift the narrative.

“This project was born here, shaped by local people, and rooted in everyday stories that make this place extraordinary.

“It hands the microphone back to residents and shines a light on the rich creative diversity and resilience that has always existed in this town.”

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said: “Following an incredible nine months there’s lots more to come during our Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme as we move into 2026, and this new storytelling experience will be one of the real highlights, a unique experience for those lucky enough to grab the free tickets.

“Wrap up warm and prepare to be amazed. I’ve heard so much positive feedback from people who have attended previous Breaking Barriers experiences, and we are pleased to be working with them on their latest project in Rochdale.” 

The route is step-free and suitable for wheelchair users and prams, with headphones provided and trained volunteers on hand to guide audiences throughout the experience, ensuring it is accessible and welcoming to a wide range of participants.

Two performances will be held nightly at 6pm and 7.30pm from Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 January 2026, and from Tuesday 3 to Friday 6 February 2026, in Rochdale, starting at the Rochdale Train Station and ending at Rochdale Town Hall.

The event is free to attend, but booking is essential

6 THE LIGHTNING THIEF The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME

Wednesday 11^th  to  Saturday 21 February 2026

PREVIEW: STEVE COOKE

When 16 year old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.

With newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want and a whole mythology textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his tail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.

The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Over the past 20 years, Percy Jackson has become a worldwide phenomenon. First there was the best-selling series of books, then two incredible films and a Disney TV series.

Now the adventures of Percy Jackson will burst onto the stage at HOME.

It’s the perfect adventure for gods and mortals of all ages with a gripping story that shows that ‘normal’ really is a myth!

• The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME
• Wednesday 11 February  – Saturday 21 February 2026
• Recommended age 8+
• Box Office 0161 200 1500
• HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester

4 ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK

+  special guests at Rochdale Town Hall Square

Friday August 7th  2026

Preview: Steve Cooke

Seeing this top eighties band back on stage is just one of many exciting events to look forward to in 2026 especially for those with a soft spot for the 80s music scene as OMD [Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark] (right) as the Synth-pop announce headline show at Rochdale Town Hall Square

The band will be returning to where it all began as the pioneering duo who recorded their debut single in the town

OMD’s acclaimed ‘Summer of Hits’ tour will be at Rochdale Town Hall Square on Friday August 7 2026, alongside special guests – post-punk legends Peter Hook and The Light, and Manchester’s post-punk/funk band – A Certain Ratio.

With a career spanning more than four decades, over 40 million records sold worldwide, and 18 top 40 hits, OMD are one of Britain’s best-loved and most influential pop groups.

In 1979, they famously recorded the single ‘Electricity’ at Cargo Studios in Rochdale.

Genre-defining hits followed, including Enola Gay, Maid of Orleans, Souvenir, and If You Leave, propelling them into the stratosphere and shaping the musical landscape of the 1980s.  

Following 40th anniversary celebrations, they returned in 2023 with Bauhaus Staircase, their first studio album in six years.

The record received widespread critical acclaim and marked a creative resurgence for the band that went on to play their biggest UK tour, culminating in their largest London show to date at the O2.

US touring followed with spectacular performances at LA’s Dark Wave and Cruel World festivals, and sold-out nights at the Greek Theatre. 

OMD’s live shows are packed with energy, nostalgia and synth-driven brilliance and they are promising a night of dancing and timeless hits when they return to Rochdale and headline one of the north’s most spectacular heritage venues which has recently undergone a multi-million-pound revamp.  

Joining OMD at the iconic location will be Peter Hook and The Light, the powerhouse post-punk band fronted by Joy Division and New Order co-founder Peter Hook, who also recorded at Cargo Studios, cementing Rochdale’s crucial role in the post-punk and electronic music scene.

They’ll be playing a career-spanning set including seminal tracks from the rich back catalogue of Joy Division and New Order. 

Opening the evening will be Manchester’s post-punk/funk band A Certain Ratio.

Formed in the late 1970s and signed to Tony Wilson’s Factory Records they too recorded at Cargo Studios in Rochdale.

Their latest album was released in 2020, and the band are recognised as one of the first exponents of punk-funk, fusing the energy and aggression of punk rock with the rhythms and musicianship of funk and soul. 

Staged in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency the special show will be part of ‘Rochdale Music Stories’ – a campaign launched in October as part of the town’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, to shine a spotlight on Rochdale’s longstanding influence on British music whilst promoting the next wave of talent.   

“We’re so excited to welcome these trailblazing bands for what will be an amazing evening packed with iconic hits.

“Our beautifully restored town hall square is a fabulous location, and this concert will be a wonderful showcase for the town, attracting thousands of music fans for an unforgettable weekend, followed on the Saturday by Rochdale Feel Good Festival. I urge you to book your tickets and bring your dancing shoes in August!” 

• Friday, August 7 2026
• Tickets (£55 + booking fee) are on sale at quaytickets.com and rochdale.gov.uk/YourEvents. 
• For more information visit the website here
• Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale

Tomorrow Saturday 31 st January 2026

SIDETRACKS AND DETOURS

will publish a bonus edition

featuring

+

an exclusive interview

with guitar and violin combination

DUO OPUS 22

+

concert review of

LULU MORA

+

news

great American dates for Valentines

featuring our favourite jazz artist

KARLA HARRIS

+