Monthly Archives: December 2025

Ice Road – film review 2021

Posted on December 18, 2025 by garylongden

Enjoyable Hokum starring Liam Neeson set in Manitoba Canada There are plenty of ice road jeopardy moments- will they go through the ice or won’t they? Of course there are truck and snow mobile chases. This is ice road truckers … Continue reading →

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Downton Abbey- the Grand Finale, Film review

Posted on December 18, 2025 by garylongden

The final instalment of the film trilogy. Languid, and with a fin de siècle air. Writer Julian Fellowes is now almost 76 years old himself. There is an inescapable sense that he is writing not simply about Downton Abbey but … Continue reading →

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Aladdin- Sutton Arts theatre

Posted on December 13, 2025 by garylongden

Panto returns to Sutton Arts after a three year break with  a record breaking sold out run. Harriet Gordon stars as Aladdin giving the role, style, pizzazz , and a fine singing voice. – This is on of my favourite … Continue reading →

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Cinderella- Lichfield Garrick

Posted on December 13, 2025 by garylongden

Cinderella 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 … Continue reading →

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Gary’s Oscars- my theatrical Midlands best of 2025

Posted on December 12, 2025 by garylongden

We are so fortunate in the Midlands to have such a diverse range of theatres. I have been equally fortunate to see so many good productions over the year As is traditional ,as the year draws to a close, I … Continue reading →

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Oliver Twist- Derby Theatre

Posted on December 5, 2025 by garylongden

**** Christmas?  Bah humbug!  This is not the musical, instead an adaptation by Deborah McAndrew, directed by Sarah Brigham, of Dickens’ classic tale incorporating traditional tunes and original songs, played   and performed onstage by the cast, Eliza Waters realises it … Continue reading →

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