RECOMMENDED

●●EMMA Kenny’s Killer Cults (April 25)

Following on from the success of her Serial Killer Next Door tour, psychology expert Emma Kenny continues her journey into true crime and explores the mysterious and manipulative world of cults.

How can ordinary people, living normal lives, choose to leave their families, friends and everything they have ever known to join a cult? What is it about the power and allure of cult leaders that makes them able to control the minds of their members? And why do these so-called spiritual leaders turn into malevolent murderers?

Killer Cults provides the answers, delving into the psychology of these charismatic killers and their followers, and analysing some of the most notorious and infamous cases, including Jim Jones and The Peoples Temple, David Koresh and the Branch Davidians and Marshall Applewhite’s Heaven’s Gate. Think you’re immune to the call of the cult? Join Emma and find out - a must-see for all true crime fans.

Cost: Tickets from £26.50. Time: 7.30pm. Phone: Middleton Arena 0300 303 8633. Address: Middleton Arena, Lcpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG.

●●RIVERSIDE Writing Group (April 25)

This is a weekly facilitated and welcoming workshop open to all writers over eighteen years whether new or experienced. You can join them, just bring a pen and your imagination.

Cost: Free. Time: 10am-12 noon. Phone: Eileen Earnshaw 07514 671283. Address: Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU.

●●A CENTURY of Swing (April 26)

Join the UK’S hardest swinging band Down for the Count All-stars for “one helluva celebration of vintage music” (Timeout London) as they celebrate A Century of Swing.

Described as “a breath of fresh air on the swing scene”, Down for the Count are regularly found in jazz clubs across

the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott’s London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals including London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio.

Now they are bringing the sounds and feels of the best jazz clubs to theatres around the country - with an electrifying show full of incredible energy, musicianship, and their own signature wry wit and humour.

Down for the Count’s 2022-23 show celebrates A Century of Swing. The band take you on a whistle-stop tour of the best swing music, tracing the origins of the style from 1920s America through to the genre’s heyday in the 30s, 40s and 50s. The band will also perform their own original arrangements of classic jazz standards featured on their new album, Just You, Just Me, bringing swing music right up to date.

You’ll hear instrumental songs from the likes of Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller and vocal classics from singers such as Nat ‘King’ Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, all presented with

Down for the Count’s own unmistakable witticisms.

Cost: Tickets from £15. Time: 7.30pm. Phone: Middleton Arena 0300 303 8633. Address: Middleton Arena, Lcpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG.

●●AN Intimate Gig with Chris Helme (former front man of The Seahorses) (April 26)

Performing an intimate solo gig at The Engine House at Lodge Mill with special guest Cost: £20. Time: Doors open 7pm. Phone: Martin Cove 07775660072. Address: Engine House at Lodge Mill, Lodge Mill, Townley Street, Middleton M24 1AT.

●●LOVE In The Title (Until April 27)

A gentle and lyrical play portraying the lives of three generations of women. When they meet in the fields of Corcamore in Ireland to paint a watercolour, Katie is accompanied by the youthful versions of her mother, Triona, and her grandmother, Cat.

Caught out of time they swap experiences of their lives.

A play infused with Irish irony family myths, laughter with a flashes of comedy in the blink of an eye.

Phone: Danny Groves 01706 642 008. Address: The Curtain Theatre , 47 Milkstone Road, Rochdale OL11 1EB.

●●VISIT Fireground Museum (April 25-27)

Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester’s firefighting story. Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the Fireground Cafe, and souvenirs from the fantastic gift shop, with a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.

Cost: Under 4s are free, Children (aged 4-15) and Concessions £5, Adults £7 and Family (4 people) £20.

Time: Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am - 4pm. Phone: Fireground 01706 341219. Address: Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN.

●●ONE Night In Dublin (April 27)

The ultimate feel-good Irish music tribute show! Receiving rave reviews for its incredible musicians and great song choices, Middi and his awardwinning tribute band cover all of your favourite sing-along Irish classics including ‘Galway Girl’, ‘Tell Me Ma’, ‘The Irish Rover’, ‘Dirty Old Town’, ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, ‘The Wild Rover’, ‘Black Velvet Band’ and many many more.

Performed by “the best Irish band to never come from Ireland”, the Wild Murphys are a seven-piece band with fiddle, banjo and accordion. Let them take you to ‘Murphy’s Pub’ for two hours of music, songs and humour.

With songs by The Pogues, The Saw Doctors, The Dubliners, the Fureys,

Flogging Molly, The Dropkick Murphys and more, One Night in Dublin is a must see for anyone who loves Irish music. It’s like St Patrick’s Day every night!

Cost: Tickets from £23.50. Time: 7.30pm. Phone: Middleton Arena 0300 303 8633. Address: Middleton Arena, Lcpl Joel Halliwell VC Way Middleton M24 1AG.

●●TOGETHER in Concert (April 27)

Together in Concert with Boro Brass and The Good Vibes Choir.

Cost: £6 for adults and £4 for 12 and under plus booking fee. Time: 1pm. Phone: Sue Hampshire 07791 124726. St Mary in the Baum, St Mary’s Gate, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ.

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