Monthly Archives: September 2026

Tom Bailey ( plays the Thompson twins)- Buxton Opera House 24/5/26

Posted on September 30, 2026 by garylongden

Tom Bailey  Buxton Opera house – 24/ 9/26 On 1/2/81 I saw the  original Thompson Twins support U2 at the London Lyceum and triumph. I have followed them ever since into the commercial success of Mk2 with Alannah Currie and … Continue reading →

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Pressure -Film Review

Posted on September 30, 2026 by garylongden

7/10 The most watchable weather forecast ever. This has received mixed reviews. Pay no attention to the naysayers- it is  a terrific film Directed by Anthony Maras,this  is a World War II drama regarding the final 72 hours before D-Day. … Continue reading →

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U2/ the Thompson Twins/ Delta 5/ Red Beat- London Lyceum 1/2/81

Posted on September 30, 2026 by garylongden

U2/ Thompson Twins/ red Beat/ Delta 5 – Lyceum ballroom, London 1/2/81 I had come to see U2, but it was the Thompson Twins with Perfect game and Politics who stole the show. Red Beat and delta 5 were instantly … Continue reading →

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Morecambe Poetry Festival 2026

Posted on September 28, 2026 by garylongden

Dear Mr Panesh I would like to complain about your poetry festival It is billed as a three day festival, yet it started on Thursday night and finished in the early hours of Monday morning, that is five days. Can … Continue reading →

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A Passionate Woman – Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield, by Kay Mellor

Posted on September 16, 2026 by garylongden

***** This 1993 play  is characterised  by dry northern wit, knowing ridiculousness and profound  sadness. A story of love, loss and relationships. It helps to know a little about Kay Mellor, the playwright’s background. Mellor was born in Leeds on … Continue reading →

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Holy, Holy- o2 Ritz, Manchester

Posted on September 14, 2026 by garylongden

This is the fourth time I had seen them on tour,  billed as the Final Tour.  I had mixed emotions, delight at hearing  Bowie songs played live, sadness that this is to be the last time, and a fin de … Continue reading →

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The Full Monty- Sutton Arts, Sutton Coldfield

Posted on September 12, 2026 by garylongden

The Full Monty- Sutton Arts ***** This is the stage play, not the musical. Although the musical has become contemporaneously  synonymous with  a hen night/ girl’s night out, its origins are darker,  more serious and profound. Sutton Arts, with Emily … Continue reading →

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Till the Stars Come Down – Nottingham Playhouse

Posted on September 7, 2026 by garylongden

***** A wonderful Abigail’s party style dive into the lives of ordinary people- this time at a Mansfield wedding. Caroline Steinbeis directs with style, verve and pace. The ceremony plays out in real time at Beth Steel’s Till The Stars Come Down, … Continue reading →

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