Greater Manchester is set to host a diverse and exciting programme of cultural events this winter, offering residents and visitors a rich tapestry of entertainment, art, and community engagement. From renowned comedy performances to innovative art installations and interactive theatre, there is something to captivate every interest.
An Evening with Comedy Legend Crissy Rock
Middleton Arena will welcome the iconic Crissy Rock for a special one-woman show on Friday, 30 January 2026. Best known for her memorable roles in television series such as Benidorm, I'm A Celebrity, and Celebrity Masterchef, Rock has also established herself as one of the most outstanding and outrageous stand-up comedians of her generation.
This brand-new show celebrates over three decades since her film debut in Ken Loach's acclaimed Ladybird Ladybird. The performance is divided into two distinct halves. The first act delves into the personal journey of Christine Murray transforming into the beloved Crissy Rock, featuring humorous anecdotes that promise to evoke laughter, tears, and affection. Following the interval, the second half showcases her world-famous stand-up comedy routine, guaranteed to have audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter.
Tickets for this unforgettable evening start from £21, including a £1 commission fee. The event will take place at Middleton Arena, located on LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way in Middleton.
Innovative Art Exhibition at Ebor Studio
Art enthusiasts should mark their calendars for Powdered Wings and Other Intangibles, an upcoming exhibition by sculptor Kara Lyons at Ebor Studio in Littleborough. Opening on Friday, 20 February with a viewing from 6pm to 8pm, this exhibition presents semi-narrative works rooted in personal symbolism, automatism, and abstraction.
Kara Lyons is a versatile artist whose practice spans installation, live performance, public commissions, and gallery exhibitions. Drawing is a fundamental component of her creative process, serving both as a developmental tool and a standalone medium. Her latest series of drawings draws inspiration from folkloric tales and archetypes, using them as metaphors to reflect on contemporary events and psychological states.
A key theme in her work is the re-examination of the human body within sculptural traditions, often incorporating her own physique into the artistic process. Additionally, Lyons collaborates with Paul Haywood on the Guns to Goods project, creating artworks from recycled firearm metals. An artist talk is scheduled for Thursday, 5 March from 7.30pm to 9pm. No booking is required for the exhibition.
Thought-Provoking Theatre at HOME Manchester
HOME in Manchester will host the critically-acclaimed one-woman show Golden Time (and Other Behavioural Management Strategies) from Thursday, 26 February to Saturday, 28 February. Created and performed by Kate Ireland, this innovative production explores profound questions about joy, productivity, and the ways we earn our leisure time.
The narrative follows Kate as she begins working in a primary school and encounters the Golden Time reward system—a method that grants free time and play for good behaviour—as an adult. As the week unfolds and pressures intensify, she grapples with the standardised nature of education alongside her own internal rules.
Blending interactive performance, spoken word, and gig-theatre, this show offers a compelling critique of the education system and societal standards of productivity. Following a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe and a weekend at The Roundhouse in Summer 2025, this performance is not to be missed. Each show is creatively captioned for accessibility. Please note that it contains strobe lighting, audience participation, flashing images, and references to mental health conditions including ADHD and anxiety.
Community Art Project for Oldham Coliseum's Reopening
Residents are invited to participate in Tentacles, a colourful textile installation and workshop designed to engage the community in the reopening of the Oldham Coliseum. This initiative tours various venues across Oldham to foster creativity, dialogue, and community spirit.
Attendees can contribute their own piece to the installation and share their visions for the theatre's future. The launch event will take place on Wednesday, 18 February from 10am to 5pm at Spindles Shopping Centre on George Street in Oldham. Admission is free, and no booking is required—simply turn up and be part of this exciting artistic endeavour.
An Evening with Dame Arlene Phillips
Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester will present a special evening with the legendary Dame Arlene Phillips, hosted by acclaimed writer Russell T. Davies on Friday, 27 March at 7.30pm. This event will trace Phillips' remarkable career, from her early years growing up in Manchester and creating the dance group Hot Gossip to working with icons like Whitney Houston.
Her extensive portfolio includes roles on the Strictly Come Dancing panel and choreographing hit movies and musicals. The evening will feature special performances and footage celebrating her glittering legacy, all in support of Hope Mill Theatre's new community hub and dance rehearsal room. Tickets are available in two bands: Band A at £32 plus transaction fee and Band B at £22 plus transaction fee.
Regular Community and Library Events
For those seeking ongoing cultural engagement, several regular events are scheduled across Rochdale and Middleton:
- Reading Group at Middleton Library: Held on the last Saturday of each month from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, this friendly group invites adults to discover new authors and discuss books in a relaxed setting. No booking is required, and attendance is free.
- Monthly Lego Club at Langley Library: Taking place on the last Saturday of every month from 10.30am to 12pm, this club offers different themes each session. Creations are displayed in the library until the following month, with Duplo available for younger children. Aimed at families with children aged four and over, booking is required by 4pm the day before via email or phone.
- Kids' Club at Wardle Library: Occurring on the last Saturday of each month from 10am to 12.30pm, these sessions include themed crafts, activities, and challenges for families with children aged four and over. No booking is necessary, and participation is free.
- Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum: This weekly lunchtime concert series continues on 28 January with a performance by the Roth Guitar Duo. Doors open at noon, with the concert running from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Tickets cost £6, and the series, which has been running since 2001, was honoured with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
These events collectively highlight Greater Manchester's thriving cultural scene, offering ample opportunities for entertainment, artistic appreciation, and community involvement throughout the winter months.
