At last, I am the right age to play Frank...

We managed to play at the Minack outdoor theatre in Cornwall last year between lockdowns. It was quite magical. (Laughs) We were upstaged by double rainbows, dolphins and two named storms, but it was great to be able to do it.

We were in Blackpool when the first lockdown hit. We were expecting an announcement from Boris, but no-one was sure how long all this was all going to last. It really was like something from a film and went on much longer than anyone anticipated, but it’s very exciting to be back now.

I’m a bit nervous as well. It feels like when I started in the industry. It’s like being a 16-year-old girl again.

It’s been a little bit frustrating with the stopping and starting of it all. I felt we’ve let people down a bit who have re-booked two or even three times. but it’s so nice to be finishing the tour off.

It’s been tough with reports of theatres closing and people being made redundant. It’s been awful for people backstage, front of house and audiences as well.

I think this is the longest I’ve stayed on a production. It’s a show that means a great deal to me. I’ve been reading it since my teens and at last I’m the right age to play Open University lecturer Frank.

It’s a joy to do and Jess is wonderful as hairdresser Rita.

– Vince Staples

Vince Staples always does things his own way.

A multi-talented rapper who uses his real name, he is planning a Netflix show, two podcasts and a graphic novel for this year, but first comes his fourth album, with 10 tracks clocking in at less than 22 minutes, and self-titled as he moves away from his previous cryptic lyrics and is opening up about his life.

He seldom repeats himself and on this album he leans heavily on G-funk, the laid-back early ‘90s rap genre pioneered by the likes of Snoop Dog and Warren G, making it ideal for summer listening.

His masterpiece is still to come, perhaps with another full-length album due next year, and while Staples could go anywhere, one thing is certain – he’ll do it on his own terms.

Gaye passed away peacefully in hospital on the 6th July 2021,aged 83 years. She was a former employee of the Rochdale Observer. Beloved wife of the late Frank and devoted Mother of John and Philip. Mother in law to Patricia and Karen, and much loved Grandma to Katie, Daniel, Ben, Matthew and Natalie. Great Grandma to Callum, Elliot, Theo and Seb.

Funeral service to take place at Rochdale Crematorium on Thursday 22nd July at 1.40pm. Family flowers only please but donations if desired can be made to the RNLI c/o