Comedians flock to comedy night
Hope Mill stages Victorian classic St Paul’s plays host to enjoyable organ recital
●●HOPE Mill Amdram Company presents OLIVER! didn’t commit, he is rescued by a kind and wealthy gentleman, to the dismay of Fagin’s violent sidekick, Bill Sikes. Caught in the middle is the warmhearted Nancy, who is trapped under Bill’s thumb, but desperate to help Oliver, with tragic results.
With spirited, timeless songs like ‘As Long as He Needs Me,’ ‘Food, Glorious Food,’ and ‘Where Is Love,’ Oliver! is a musical classic.
After smash hit, sold out productions of Legally Blonde and Grease, the HMT Am Dram Company is BACK! Book now to avoid disappointment.
April 4-14, Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard Street, Manchester, M4 7JA.
Box Office: boxoffice@ hopemilltheatre.co.uk /
Email: info@ hopemilltheatre.co.uk / Box Office: 0161 275 9141. ●●ORTOA celebrity organ recital Gary Hulme
IN the week after the Rochdale Town Hall organ thundered once more in the re-opening concerts with Black Dyke Band, ORTOA (Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside Organists’ Association) continued its exploration of other notable organs in its patch.
One such gem is the beautiful Harrison and Harrison organ of 1956 in the Parish Church of St Paul, Royton (re-build by Henry Willis and Sons 2015/16).
Rochdale parents and children may remember Gary Hulme as the music master at Oldham Hulme Grammar ●●ACE Lips Events: Comedy Show at the Old Court Room
There’s another fantastic opportunity to see some of the best on the comedy circuit at the Old Court Room in Rochdale.
Jon Pearson is a skilled storyteller who captivates audiences with his engaging narratives. His anecdotes, drawn from his own life experiences, are relatable and guaranteed to elicit laughter. school until taking early retirement.
He now pursues a freelance career giving organ recitals and accompanying choral societies, whilst continuing as music maestro of Prestwich Parish Church and Prestbury Choral Society.
The first half of the concert explored the Baroque period with Handel, Michael C Festing, and the great master himself, JS Bach, with a noble reading of Prelude and Fugue in A minor.
The second half was given over to later pieces that were carefully selected for this instrument.
The peaceful Pastorale by Cesar Franck, with its agitated middle section led to that great favourite, Tuba Tune by
Jon is a versatile performer who is adept at both hosting and delivering a set.
Jules O’brian is a Midlands native with a deep appreciation for comedy legends such as Rik Mayall, French and Saunders, Victoria Wood, Joan Rivers, and Katherine Ryan.
With her approachable and engaging style, Jules effortlessly connects with her audience, bringing laughter and joy to every performance.
Norman Cocker, the late Manchester Cathedral and cinema organist who died in 1953.
A great choice for St Paul’s, with appropriate stops for the eponymous showpiece.
A Wedding Piece by Ernest B Farrar (who died prematurely on the Somme) led to an energetic Fantasia and Toccata by Stanford, ending a varied and hugely enjoyable recital.
Hopefully, ORTOA will be back to recitals at Rochdale Town Hall with the magnificent Binns organ soon.
But, in the meantime, it will continue to embrace the rest of its patch with a composite recital by ORTOA members at Albion UR Church in Ashton on 18.
Al Stevenson is a parttime marine biologist and a full-time Geordie with ADHD, known for captivating performances on the comedy circuit. Al entertains audiences with his camp, sarcastic, and charming style.
Danielle Frances is sweet but sassy, anxious mess underneath. A gag teller with silly stories who’s an all-round performer. Don’t give this drama queen too much attention, she might get overwhelmed.
Michael Legge is highly regarded in the comedy industry as an experienced headliner and a comedian with multiple awards to his name.
He has a vast repertoire of performances, having appeared at various clubs and venues. He has garnered significant experiences throughout his career. His achievements include receiving the Sony Award and earning a BAFTA nomination, demonstrating his exceptional talent and recognition within the industry.
Door open at 7.45pm. Line-up is subject to change. Comedy suitable for 16 years and over. Tickets £12.
Tickets get a 10 per cent discount on food before the show at The Flying Horse, The Baum, and Bombay Brew.
Phone: Rick Attwood 07720 849866.
Friday, March 29, 8.30pm, The Old Court Room, Flying Horse Hotel, 37 Packer Street, Rochdale, OL16 1NJ.