Side-by-Side: Four Rochdalians
Produced and written by the Side-by-Side Drama Group
Loosely inspired by Monty Python’s iconic Four Yorkshiremen sketch, Four Rochdalians brings together four characters from Rochdale’s past and present — a plague-stricken villager from the 1300s, a hard-working mill hand from the 1850s, a resilient housewife from the post-World War 2 era, and a tech-savvy teenager from today.
Each insists their life was the hardest, sparking a humorous battle of one-upmanship across the centuries. Their stories unfold through lively discussion and vivid flashback scenes, brought to life by a supporting cast. Expect laughter, a dash of local history, and a playful reminder that every generation has its own struggles.
About the Side-by-Side Drama Group
The Side-by-Side Drama Group, formed through the Side-by-Side project in April 2024, is a community-led creative group based at Higher Blackley Community Centre in partnership with Bolton at Home Regional Team and Touchstones. Made up of tenants and the wider surrounding area of South Middleton the group supports local residents through regular creative-based sessions. Building confidence, friendships, and pride, the group has co-produced performances, written original music, and created a welcoming space for collective wellbeing and local action. The group is facilitated by ‘Creative Activators’ Jacqui Carrol and Terry Egan who also run REELMCR.
About the Writer
Kat Burke was born in Blackley, Manchester in 1974, and has been involved in various creative endeavours from a young age – from playing musical instruments, conducting ensembles, teaching and composing music, to writing poems and plays and in recent years acting. Although her life changed dramatically in September 2021 due to a disabling illness, she has recently joined the prestigious Hallé Choir and continues to enjoy being a creative soul.
Pay What You Can
All our bookable events are Pay What You Can. Free tickets are there for those who need them, or you can choose to pay £2.50, £5 or £7.50 per ticket. Any income generated from these tickets will go towards further community-led work with Touchstones.
Loosely inspired by Monty Python’s iconic Four Yorkshiremen sketch, Four Rochdalians brings together four characters from Rochdale’s past and present — a plague-stricken villager from the 1300s, a hard-working mill hand from the 1850s, a resilient housewife from the post-World War 2 era, and a tech-savvy teenager from today.
Each insists their life was the hardest, sparking a humorous battle of one-upmanship across the centuries. Their stories unfold through lively discussion and vivid flashback scenes, brought to life by a supporting cast. Expect laughter, a dash of local history, and a playful reminder that every generation has its own struggles.
About the Side-by-Side Drama Group
The Side-by-Side Drama Group, formed through the Side-by-Side project in April 2024, is a community-led creative group based at Higher Blackley Community Centre in partnership with Bolton at Home Regional Team and Touchstones. Made up of tenants and the wider surrounding area of South Middleton the group supports local residents through regular creative-based sessions. Building confidence, friendships, and pride, the group has co-produced performances, written original music, and created a welcoming space for collective wellbeing and local action. The group is facilitated by ‘Creative Activators’ Jacqui Carrol and Terry Egan who also run REELMCR.
About the Writer
Kat Burke was born in Blackley, Manchester in 1974, and has been involved in various creative endeavours from a young age – from playing musical instruments, conducting ensembles, teaching and composing music, to writing poems and plays and in recent years acting. Although her life changed dramatically in September 2021 due to a disabling illness, she has recently joined the prestigious Hallé Choir and continues to enjoy being a creative soul.
Pay What You Can
All our bookable events are Pay What You Can. Free tickets are there for those who need them, or you can choose to pay £2.50, £5 or £7.50 per ticket. Any income generated from these tickets will go towards further community-led work with Touchstones.
Location:
Temporary Touchstones (Rochdale Town Hall Square)
Duration:
1h
Tickets from £2.50
