Rochdale Community Performers

TALES OF THE DALE

“It brings out the best in Rochdale and proves to people what kind of town we really have.” – Audience Member

21 local people joined a cast of 4 professional actors for Tales of the Dale, The FestiDale’s headline show. Working with award-winning director Nickie Miles-Wildin and Oliver Hurst,  recipient of the Hodgkiss Award 2024, they brought to life a script woven from over 200 people’s stories of Rochdale.

“The whole production was a bit nerve racking at first but so stimulating. I felt that I achieved something out of my comfort zone and completely new.” – Community Cast Member

“I met new people, new community, new life, it just felt valuable for me to be there. Every meeting can be a source of joy, to take my mind away from worries and fully immerse myself in a story.” – Community Cast Member

As part of the show, 5 Ambassadors led a call out for creative writing from local people age 50+, they received 47 submissions and curated two sharings of 16 people’s creative work.

So many wanted to share their writing and embraced the opportunity to read to an audience. We received nearly 50 stories! There’s so much undiscovered talent out there. I stepped out of my comfort zone […] it was emotionally challenging but fulfilling too. – Rochdale Ambassador

TALES OF THE DALE was a brand-new Royal Exchange Theatre production, 4 unique performances voiced by the people of Rochdale, created by the award-winning team of director Nickie Miles-Wildin, curator Shahid Iqbal Khan and audio producer Polly Thomas.

COCONUT

COCONUT was programmed by our Local Exchange Ambassadors as an important and exciting chance to hear local voices.

This hour-long conversation between 8 local people of Global Majority heritage was an exploration of the experience of being othered in the UK. Led by artist Ria Phatarphekar-Karmarkar, it took place in front of a live audience.

“COCONUT made me wonder whether I embraced my Chinese culture as much as my Rochdale upbringing. Do I fit in as much as I think I do?” – Participant

“I felt happy knowing that I’m not alone in the way I’m sometimes treated, [COCONUT] made me feel valued, listened to, appreciated and empowered.” – Participant

“It was a fantastic opportunity to hear discussions on cultures and how that looks like for that individual. It was enlightening as someone who lives in a predominantly white rural town.” – Audience Member

Simultaneously joyful, humorous and heart-felt, the conversation ranged from the meaning of names, home, and food – the meaning of which so often translates across countries and cultures. In the wake of the riots, COCONUT offered a reminder of the importance of truly listening to one another and the care and connection such recognition brings.

“It was amazing to see hear from so many different perspectives, shared experiences and ultimately what unites us.” – Audience Member