Christmas Spectacular 2025 – A Truly Magical Afternoon
The 2025 Christmas Spectacular at Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society was a festive triumph, and what a way to kick off the season! This is the moment when Christmas truly begins for us… and this year, it began with music, laughter, and that unmistakable sense of togetherness that makes the holidays feel so special.
From the very first note, the atmosphere in the hall was electric. Our audience — a wonderful mix of familiar faces and new friends — joined us in celebrating the season, filling the space with warmth, cheer, and the kind of excitement that only a live performance can bring. It was a reminder of why we do what we do: to bring our community together, to share joy, and to make music that touches hearts.
The programme was a delightful mix of traditional carols, modern classics, playful festive moments, and some cheeky surprises. Highlights included the star-lit beauty of John Rutter’s Star Carol and Angel Carol, the velvet warmth of the sensational Stella performing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and the spirited Shepherd’s Pipe Carol from Lynn, Abigail, Gerard, and Barrie. The audience brought the house down singing classics like O Little Town of Bethlehem and O Come All Ye Faithful!
A special and memorable moment came when we celebrated Peter Miller’s 90th birthday (or 21st again, with a touch of extra experience!) — a rousing audience singalong of Happy Birthday that captured the sense of family and community at the heart of RPOS.
This success would not have been possible without our incredible team. Musical Director Jon Gibson led the performances with passion, patience, and joy. Lynn Lee’s careful planning and programme curation brought the afternoon together seamlessly. Elaine Marsden, Edward Rigg, Barrie Brailsford, and our wonderful flautist Anne Butterworth provided magical accompaniment that elevated every performance. Behind the scenes, Reggie, Christine, Hannah and, Laura kept Front of House running smoothly, Penny managed every ticket with style and grace, Andrew kept the Society humming along as Treasurer, and John Millward captured every grin and festive moment. Of course, our Chairman Steven Miller kept everything soaring, ensuring the Phoenix shone brightly throughout the day. In fact, if we were to list everyone who helped make Christmas Spectacular 2025 possible, the list would go on and on, because RPOS is truly a family effort. Everyone plays their part…on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience, and we are so proud of that. To be a part of RPOS is both a spectacle and a privilege, and it’s that spirit, that sense of community and shared joy, that sets us apart from other societies.
Most importantly, the success of Christmas Spectacular 2025 belongs to our audience. Your applause, participation, and joyous singing created the spirit of the afternoon. We are so grateful to each and every one of you for joining us, sharing in the magic, and helping us start the festive season in such style.
It was an afternoon full of music, memories, laughter, and community spirit, everything that makes the Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society what it is. We are already looking forward to welcoming you back in April 2026 for our next adventure with The Gondoliers.
Christmas has truly begun, and the memories of this afternoon will stay with us for a very long time.
