Author Archives: garylongden

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 →

Posted in Classic Gigs | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Classic Gigs | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Fawlty Towers- Nottingham Royal Theatre

Posted on June 5, 2026 by garylongden

Fawlty Towers- Nottingham Royal Theatre Enjoying the soubriquet ‘Greatest British Sitcom of All Time’ (Radio Times), Fawlty Towers is back is back – this time on stage! 50 years since it first graced our TV screens, it morphs into a … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Little Shop of Horrors- Derby Theatre

Posted on June 3, 2026 by garylongden

**** Any revival of this 1982  ( and 1960) cult classic has two alternatives, to reimagine and embrace  the absurdist original source material , or go 2026 digital. This production takes option one with an innovative exception- the use of … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Dave Formula and Noko play Magazine- the Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

Posted on May 24, 2026 by garylongden

Dave Formula and Noko play Magazine- Rescue Rooms, Nottingham For the die hard fans of the era. The original line up of the Magnificent magazine is now represented by only Dave Formula on keyboards. Bassist  Barry Adamson is now a … Continue reading →

Posted in Classic Gigs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blood Brothers- Garrick theatre , Lichfield

Posted on May 17, 2026 by garylongden

Photo Jack Merriman **** – A production which seems omnipresent on the regional theatre circuit and one I have seen many times – Willy Russell’s tale has endured for a reason. Superficially it is the tale of twin brothers separated … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Frankie Goes to Bollywood – Derby Theatre

Posted on May 13, 2026 by garylongden

**** As 1980’s pop recedes into ancient history so the  play with the playful Spoonerism title based around  the almost eponymous Eighties  hit band embarks on a nationwide tour. – All Photos Richard Lakos Bollywood style has been first a … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Tony Nominations 2026

Posted on May 6, 2026 by garylongden

Tony Nominations If you are reading this in New York the Tony awards nominations  have been announced . The magnificent Giant, which originally opened at London’s Royal Court, is in the running for best play. American star John Lithgow is … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged | Leave a comment

Disenchanted! – Lichfield Garrick Theatre 29/4/26

Posted on April 30, 2026 by garylongden

***** ( all photos Pamela Raith photography) In a remarkable coup for the Garrick  this is the Uk professional premiere of the off Broadway hit musical Disenchanted. – The 2022 Disenchanted film  was an American  Walt Disney live-action/animated musical fantasy … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Barnum- Birmingham Hippodrome, 24/4/26

Posted on April 26, 2026 by garylongden

*** The story is that of Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810-91) who ‘humbugged’ his way through life, written by Mark Bramble, Michael Stewart and Cy Coleman. It premiered on Broadway in 1980, where it starred Jim Dale as Barnum, it came to … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment