Author Archives: garylongden

Punch- Nottingham Playhouse, 21/3/26

Posted on March 21, 2026 by garylongden

 ***** A play about violence, forgiveness and   redemption –  Punch  returns to Nottingham Playhouse, following its remarkable simultaneous openings on Broadway and in the West End.  After its premiere in 2024, this powerful account of Jacob Dunne’s story sparked discussions … Continue reading →

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Operation Mincemeat – Wolverhampton Grand theatre 21/3/26

Posted on March 21, 2026 by garylongden

Operation Mincemeat ***** As a keen historian I knew the story. This was my first opportunity to catch up with the show itself replete with hyperbole . It’s a good story- but a musical? – The first 20 minutes I … Continue reading →

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Noises Off – Highbury Theatre

Posted on March 19, 2026 by garylongden

Noises off **** A play about sardines and doors. A favourite with amdram companies because if things go wrong the audience think it is part of the play. – Noises Off was written in 1982  by artistic polymath Michael Frayn, … Continue reading →

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Hamlet by RSC – Royal theatre, Nottingham 17/3/26

Posted on March 18, 2026 by garylongden

Hamlet, RSC, Nottingham Royal Theatre To sea or nor to sea- that is the question Shakespearean traditionalists should give this a wide berth, the Court of Elsinore is now to be found on a ship.under  Rupert Goold’s  Captainship as director. … Continue reading →

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Northern Soul Orchestrated- Civic hall Wolverhampton 14/3/26

Posted on March 15, 2026 by garylongden

Almost exactly two years ago I attended the same venue to see this event which had been premiered at the Royal Albert hall in London do a Provincial tour. That tour, with the BBC Symphony orchestra is back. This sis … Continue reading →

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Dear England- Birmingham Hippodrome, 13/3/26

Posted on March 15, 2026 by garylongden

This was my second visit to this production having attended the opening night in Nottingham in Autumn 2025. The link to that review follows:Dear England – Nottingham Royal Court Theatre, 24/09/25 | Garyswordz I had enjoyed it so much first … Continue reading →

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My ten favourite one hit wonders. – what are yours?

Posted on March 10, 2026 by garylongden

A cracking combination of the opening T Rex “get it on” groove, and a glorious chorus. irresistible The only song to glorify female genital stimulation 3, Ram jam band – Black Betty A poor man’s “Radar love” The apogee of … Continue reading →

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Top Hat – Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on March 10, 2026 by garylongden

Spring is upon us . The cold of winter is starting to recede – surely a cue for some old-style, Hollywood glitz? If you like song and dance, particularly tap dance, then this is your show. Visually it is a … Continue reading →

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Buddy

Posted on March 3, 2026 by garylongden

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story- Lichfield Garrick Theatre ***** “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story ” has now been touring for thirty five years , celebrating the songs of an artist whose recording career lasted barely two years, but … Continue reading →

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Zuihitsu- Poetry Form

Posted on February 26, 2026 by garylongden

I suspect that this Japanese form is as new to many as it is to me. I enclose a copy of an excellent explanation from the equally excellent Verve Poetry team in Birmingham This article features the winning and shortlisted … Continue reading →

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