Author Archives: garylongden

Jack and the Beanstalk-Lichfield Garrick Theatre, 10/12/24

Posted on January 13, 2025 by garylongden

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 and … Continue reading →

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David Bowie Blackstar album- a retrospective

Posted on January 12, 2025 by garylongden

I feel unease about both the album itself, and listening to it nine years on from release. – I am aware of no other major musical composer ( popular or classical) who composed and recorded his own epitaph, and then … Continue reading →

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BBC Northern Soul orchestra tour – the Halls, Wolverhampton, 23rd April 2024

Posted on January 9, 2025 by garylongden

From an idea debuted at ghe Royal Albert hall forf the proms a reimagining of the classic soul sound with production values unlown and unheard of at the time of its inception, hosted by Stuart Maconie. The first of five … Continue reading →

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Lloyd Cole – Buxton Opera House, 27th oct 2023

Posted on January 7, 2025 by garylongden

I first saw Lloyd with the Commotions at Wembley Arena when they were at the height of their fame. Beloved by the indy crowd and pushing into the Mainstream, but not quite cementing a place there. His status as a … Continue reading →

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Toyah/ Fripp- Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 22/12/24

Posted on December 28, 2024 by garylongden

Essentially this is the same tour, with the same setlist as I saw at Buxton Opera House last year. Meanwhile Toyah has been busy with live work, not least at Glastonbury, a tribute and testament to her stamina, ability and … Continue reading →

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Toyah and Fripp -Buxton Opera House, 25/10/23

Posted on December 22, 2024 by garylongden

The Buxton Opera House is one of my favourite UK music venues. Grand, large enough to create an atmosphere, but small enough to offer intimacy. The Sunday lunch has given the careers of Toyah and Fripp, as a couple, and … Continue reading →

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Marc Almond Live

Posted on December 19, 2024 by garylongden

Marc Almond Birningham Symphony Hall 16th Sept, 2024 /Leeds Grand Theatre Marc is one of the great pop singers of the pop era, and following George Michael’s demise our greatest torch singer. Although a fine songwriter himself this was a … Continue reading →

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Conclave – film review

Posted on December 15, 2024 by garylongden

**** A film for grown us. There will be no video game spin offs for this one. Based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, Conclave takes the viewers inside the Vatican during the College of Cardinals’ process of selecting the new … Continue reading →

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Chicago- Regent theatre Stoke

Posted on November 29, 2024 by garylongden

Starring Faye Brookes, Sinitta Malone and Kevin Clifton in this new production of the sexy sizzler that is Chicago some fifty years after the show debuted on Broadway in 1975. Please note that as the tour progresses nationwide, the lead … Continue reading →

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A Christmas Carol – Derby Theatre

Posted on November 28, 2024 by garylongden

 A Christmas Carol- Derby Theatre **** An all new production written  and adapted from the Dickens original by Mike Kenny and directed by Tom Bellerby. A clever set  (  by Jess Curtis who also designed the costumes) features the separate … Continue reading →

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