Monthly Archives: January 2025

A Complete Unknown

Posted on January 31, 2025 by garylongden

I approached this film with considerable trepidation. Most Rock bio pics are rubbish and shameless exercises in cashing in on the artist’s fame. But while most rock and pop stars forge a living out of image and artifice, Dylan has … Continue reading →

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The Bowie Show-Royal Opera House, Buxton 28/1/25

Posted on January 29, 2025 by garylongden

This review should be read as a companion piece to yesterday’s Nottingham review. And so for the 46 mile yet meandering rural 90 min drive through the beautiful Peak District. A treat in itself.  “Sometimes I get the urge to … Continue reading →

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The Bowie Show- Nottingham Royal Court & Concert hall 27/1/25

Posted on January 28, 2025 by garylongden

The Bowie Show- Nottingham Royal Court and Concert hall, anonymous dancers! Created and directed by Simon Gwilliam. Produced by John Dalston and Simon Gwilliam This was the second date on the show’s nine date  soft opening provincial tour prior to … Continue reading →

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Lloyd Cole- Buxton opera house 22/1/25

Posted on January 26, 2025 by garylongden

Lloyd Cole – Buxton Opera house 22nd jan 2025 The  home town gig of a British isles mini tour comprising Aberdeen, Buxton  Glasgow Manchester, London and Dublin. He played in Buxton barely a year ago in Oct 23. Having grown … Continue reading →

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The Magic of Motown 20th Anniversary Tour 17/1/25

Posted on January 18, 2025 by garylongden

The Magic of Motown  20th Anniversary Tour – A feel good revue featuring one of the most prolific  hits factories in popular music featuring classic songs , glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines produced with a live band on stage – … Continue reading →

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Dick Whittington- Stoke Regent theatre 15/12 /24

Posted on January 13, 2025 by garylongden

***** This was my first visit to Regent panto- it will not be my last I review professionally taking in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Derby and Lichfield so have much to compare. this was the best panto of the season! Kai Owen … Continue reading →

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Jack and the Beanstalk-Lichfield Garrick Theatre, 10/12/24

Posted on January 13, 2025 by garylongden

The safe option. A traditional panto, at a traditional panto theatre, performed by an experienced traditional theatre company albeit with untraditionally climbing ticket prices. – Firstly, a disclaimer, I have known the star, Dame Sam Rabone for fifteen years and … Continue reading →

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David Bowie Blackstar album- a retrospective

Posted on January 12, 2025 by garylongden

I feel unease about both the album itself, and listening to it nine years on from release. – I am aware of no other major musical composer ( popular or classical) who composed and recorded his own epitaph, and then … Continue reading →

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BBC Northern Soul orchestra tour – the Halls, Wolverhampton, 23rd April 2024

Posted on January 9, 2025 by garylongden

From an idea debuted at ghe Royal Albert hall forf the proms a reimagining of the classic soul sound with production values unlown and unheard of at the time of its inception, hosted by Stuart Maconie. The first of five … Continue reading →

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Lloyd Cole – Buxton Opera House, 27th oct 2023

Posted on January 7, 2025 by garylongden

I first saw Lloyd with the Commotions at Wembley Arena when they were at the height of their fame. Beloved by the indy crowd and pushing into the Mainstream, but not quite cementing a place there. His status as a … Continue reading →

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