Author Archives: garylongden

Dave Formula/ Noko play Magazine- Hairy Dog Derby, 7/8/26

Posted on August 14, 2026 by garylongden

This was a warm up gig for the band’s appearance at the Rebellion festival in Blackpool the following day. This was my second gig of the mini tour, the fifth overall. They have a core of gems which carry the … Continue reading →

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Highbury Theatre, Boldmere, Sutton Colfield 2026/27 programe preview

Posted on August 12, 2026 by garylongden

A Passionate Woman,by Kay Mellor15th– 26th Sept 2026 Summary: a period  kitchen sink drama. Bogged down by a 30-year listless marriage, on the morning of her son’s wedding she takes refuge in the attic of her home where she relives … Continue reading →

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The Odyssey – film Review

Posted on July 27, 2026 by garylongden

Yes it is long, very long. But it is an epic so what do you expect? Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon and Tom Holland star in Christopher Nolan’s Homeric adaptation . / At a time when cinema has apeared artificial and … Continue reading →

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Emma Clowsley – Midland Fringe Festival, Lych gate tavern, Wolverhampton, 26/7/26

Posted on July 27, 2026 by garylongden

Securing Emma was a coup for the Midlands Fringe, a stalwart of the Brighton and Ledbury festivals she had come to  promote her new show and book ,”Mid Life Lesbian” – Emma Clowsley  is a Queer, neurodivergent writer,  bringing rural … Continue reading →

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The Market Deeping Model Railway Club – Playhouse Nottingham 6/7/26

Posted on July 20, 2026 by garylongden

**** It is not often that I am able to see a World Premiere, but that is what happened this evening for the debut of William Ivory’s new play . Ivory’s previous popular offering was the screen play for “Made … Continue reading →

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The Bodyguard- Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

Posted on July 20, 2026 by garylongden

Rumour is that Nigel Farage sponsored the show for £5m *** This was my third visit to the show over the yeard, the two previously had featured Alexandra Burke in the starring role. The billed star attraction was Sidonie Smith, … Continue reading →

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Elvis Costello and the Imposters- Palace Theatre Manchester

Posted on July 19, 2026 by garylongden

This was my second gig of the tour. I approached it with trepidation. The first one at Birmingham Symphony Hall ten days previously was dreadful . The sound was awful, as was the mix. Charlie Sexton’s guitar was barely discernible … Continue reading →

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Bowie Experience- Lichfield Garrick

Posted on July 19, 2026 by garylongden

This was the third time I has seen Bowie Experience, this night also clashing with the England  V Norway World Cup quarter final clash precipitating a 10pm sharp finish. Confusingly the band’s name still intentionally clashes with that of The … Continue reading →

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Elvis Costello and the Imposters- Birmingham Symphony Hall

Posted on June 21, 2026 by garylongden

*** A full band concert  after several solo excursions with material drawn from the early years. Elvis pretty much defines the phrase “musically prolific” embracing different styles, formats and genres at a whim. I first saw him 49 years ago … Continue reading →

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Kraftwerk – Nottingham Royal Concert hall

Posted on June 8, 2026 by garylongden

On Monday evening, legendary electronic outfit Kraftwerk arrived in Nottingham as part of their first UK tour since 2017, their last gig being also at the same venue some nine years ago. Before that their only previous appearance in the … Continue reading →

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