Rochdale's Cultural Scene: Theatre, Art, Music, and Film Events in March 2026
Rochdale is set to host a diverse array of cultural events in March 2026, showcasing everything from gripping theatre productions to immersive art installations, live music performances, and historical film screenings. These offerings highlight the town's rich artistic heritage and community spirit.
Powerful Macbeth Adaptation at Octagon Bolton
A new production of Shakespeare's Macbeth at the Octagon Bolton, directed by Mark Babych, transports the classic tragedy to a contemporary war-torn setting. Opening with sounds of bombing and gunfire, the play features modern military uniforms and stark scenery, making the story resonate with today's global conflicts. The original Shakespearean language is preserved with slight adjustments for clarity.
Oliver Alvin-Wilson delivers a compelling performance as Macbeth, portraying a man consumed by ambition yet haunted by guilt, while Jo Mousley shines as the ruthless Lady Macbeth, whose descent into madness is both believable and anguished. Supporting roles include Daniel Poyser as Banquo, whose ghostly appearance adds terror, and Colin Hurley, who provides comic relief as the Porter. The creative team enhances the dystopian atmosphere with impactful set design, costumes, lighting, and expertly choreographed fight scenes.
This thrilling production runs until March 28, 2026, and is sure to captivate even those skeptical of Shakespeare. Tickets and information are available on the Octagon Bolton website.
Immersive Art Exhibition: Queen of the Night
Rochdale-based artist Alina Akbar presents Queen of the Night (Raat Ki Raani), her first solo exhibition, transforming the historic Haji Cash and Carry warehouse into an immersive nocturnal installation. Developed from late-night car conversations among young Muslim women, the exhibition uses photography, sculpture, sound, and film to explore girlhood, folklore, and the gendered experience of navigating streets after dark.
The project reimagines the locally iconic building as a site of cultural memory, questioning what constitutes heritage and whose spaces are preserved. It blends humour and unease, superstition and lived reality, examining how imagined fears evolve into structural realities like surveillance, marriage, and responsibility. At its centre, a Nissan Micra serves as both sculptural object and private space, featuring audio from young South Asian Muslim women discussing freedom and rebellion.
This exhibition, part of Arts Council England's Creative People and Places programme, runs from Thursday, March 26 to Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Haji Cash and Carry in Rochdale.
Youth Music Showcase at Toad Lane Concerts
The Toad Lane Concerts series, held every Wednesday at St Mary in the Baum church, featured a special recital by students from Chetham's School of Music. Accompanied by award-winning pianist Gemma Webster, the young musicians delivered a dazzling performance that heralded the arrival of spring.
Highlights included 16-year-old Violet singing pieces by Handel, Pauline Viardot, and Andrew Lloyd-Webber with a clear, engaging tone. Erin, 17, showcased the viola with works by Bach and Hoffmeister, while cellist Will, 18, performed Sally Beamish's Gala Water and Brahms' Sonata with immense control and power. The concert, part of the 1,176th recital since 2001, demonstrated the exceptional talent fostered at Chetham's, a co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 8 to 18.
Entrance to these weekly concerts costs £6, with doors opening at 12 noon and performances from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. For more information, contact 01706 648872.
Historical Film Screening: Rochdale and District On Film
Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore Rochdale's history through film over the last 100 years. Presented by staff from The North West Film Archive, the event features a mix of newsreels and home movies, highlighting the industries, cultures, and traditions of the town and wider borough as it evolved.
This evening screening includes BSL interpretation and offers three pricing options to accommodate different needs: £8 for a lower price, £10 as a standard fair price, and £12 for those wishing to support the programme. It takes place on Thursday, April 2, at 7.30pm at Heywood Civic, with accessible viewing areas and wheelchair/pram access.
Community Events: Reading Groups and Lego Clubs
Rochdale also hosts regular community events for all ages. A monthly reading group at Smithy Bridge Library meets on the third Thursday of each month to discuss chosen titles and share a love of reading, with no booking required. Additionally, a Lego Club at Spotland Library offers themed building sessions for families with children aged five and above, held on Thursdays from 3.30pm to 5pm.
These events, along with others like music from Tonacliffe Primary School at Toad Lane Concerts on March 18, underscore Rochdale's commitment to fostering creativity and community wellbeing through the arts.
