Nans, storms and one too many gooch jokes as Rochdale’s first comedy festival is a hit in Middleton

Sunday, 5 October 2025 10:13

By David Murphy

Credit: David Murphy / Roch Valley Radio

Middleton’s Engine House plays host to a night of belly laughs during Rochdale’s Town of Culture year.

Rochdale’s first-ever comedy festival this year, as part of the Town of Culture 2025, lit up The Engine House in Middleton last night, Saturday, 4 October, delivering a storm of laughs, quite literally, during a night that marked another milestone in the borough’s Town of Culture celebrations.

Despite battling the wind and rain brought by Storm Amy, dozens packed out the venue for a two-act comedy showcase featuring Britain’s Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell and seasoned stand-up Lou Conran, both bringing big laughs and even bigger personalities.

“I fully thought I’d be shouting into the abyss this evening,” Mitchell told Dean from Roch Valley Radio after coming off stage. “But people came out in the storm and made the effort. It’s been brilliant.”

The Rochdale Comedy Festival marks the borough’s first official comedy event of its kind, with strong audience turnout supported across each of the Comedy venues this past week, and a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.

“Bring your nan to comedy!”

Mitchell, who reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2023, reflected on his unexpected journey into stand-up during a candid interview after his set. “I was going to lose my job, and I thought, one last go at comedy. It kind of worked. Now I’m gigging around the country, coming to beautiful places… and Rochdale,” he joked.

His on-stage performance, described by audience members as “hilarious” and “brilliant”, saw the comic playfully interact with attendees of all ages, including the nan of our very own reporter.

“We played to all audiences. Bring your nan to comedy, I say,” said Mitchell.

Lou Conran brings ‘Gooch’ to Middleton

Headliner Lou Conran, who kicked off her current UK tour in Rochdale with her show Gooch, brought her usual mix of observational humour, self-deprecation and bold asides, explaining for the benefit of the audience what a ‘gooch’ actually is (spoiler: it’s also called the perineum).

“It’s that bit between… your bottom area and whatever you’ve got at the front. The no-man’s land,” she said with a smirk.

Speaking to Roch Valley Radio, Conran revealed she has long-standing ties to the borough. “One of my mates is from Rochdale, her dad used to be CEO of Rochdale Football Club. I’ve been here many times… though usually inebriated.”

The crowd were in stitches throughout, and audience members Colette and Kim praised the entire evening, singling out both acts for their humour and warmth.

“I’d definitely come again and watch Lou wherever she goes,” said Colette. “And the lad that was on before, Alex, absolutely brilliant.”

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Credit: David Murphy

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