Author Archives: garylongden

Dracula 2024/25 Tour, Blackeyed theatre company , the centenary production- premier at Derby theatre 17/9/24 -20/924

Posted on August 21, 2024 by garylongden

Blackeyed theatre were last in Derby six months ago for a fabulous revival of : “Oh What a lovely war”. They return for a very special occasion the centenary of the first ever stage production of Dracula which played at … Continue reading →

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

101 Dalmations, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on August 21, 2024 by garylongden

This is a  new production of the classic children’s story featuring the seminal Cruella de Vill as fiendish  villainous villainess  and, unsurprisingly, 101 dalmations. The tour alternates between Kym Marsh of Coronation St fame, and Faye Tozer of  pop group … Continue reading →

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

Heaven 17, Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton 18/8/24

Posted on August 20, 2024 by garylongden

I first saw Martyn and Glen perform as part of the Human League in 1978 at the Rainbow Theatre London supporting Siouxsie and the Banshees. they were terrific. 46 years later had any of that magic evaporated? No, And they … Continue reading →

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

Wizard of Oz – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on August 2, 2024 by garylongden

***** I first saw the iconic film  in West Virginia, America, as a child, with snow surrounding our house on  Christmas 1966. I was captivated, enthralled and enchanted, even if I didn’t understand it all,  and have loved the show … Continue reading →

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

Steve Miller Band, Hammersmith Odeon, London- July 21st, 1982

Posted on July 30, 2024 by garylongden

Miller arrived with the successful “Fly like An eagle” album in his back pocket from six years ago and the UK music scene  adjusted to the reset that punk, New wave, Ska and the New Romantics. He was almost 40 … Continue reading →

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

Nile Rodgers and Chic – Wolverhampton Civic Halls, 9/7/24

Posted on July 17, 2024 by garylongden

Nile Rodgers and Chic- Wolverhampton   Civic hall Fifty five years ago Nile played his first concert outside of the United States, taking in Stoke, Hull and Poole too. And tonight Good Times were back. Nile is not shy about his … Continue reading →

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

Hamilton- Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on July 3, 2024 by garylongden

Hamilton- Birmingham Hippodrome **** Highly unusually I attended Tuesday’s performance in the first week of a ten week run drawn by the hype and publicity only. I did not know the story. I knew none of the songs. The set, … Continue reading →

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

In the Land of Saints and Sinners- Film review

Posted on June 28, 2024 by garylongden

Land of Saints and sinners Terrific Liam Neeson thriller- his best work for years. The plot unfolds slowly, at its own pace, in a carefully crafted modern western which suits the Troubles perfectly. The ’70s Irish setting is faithfully recreated, … Continue reading →

Posted in Films | Leave a comment

Under Paris (Sous La Seine) – Film Review

Posted on June 28, 2024 by garylongden

***  A truly bizarre  shark caper. The first shock is that this is a dubbed English language version on Netflix , not sub -titled, stripping out much needed Gallic charm. Furthermore the plot has been anglicised with the cops wearing … Continue reading →

Posted in Films | Leave a comment

Wicked Little Letters- Film review

Posted on June 27, 2024 by garylongden

A film that delivered more than I was expecting. I was anticipating a kitchen sink, period British quirky comedy. What I found was that, and much more. The ensemble cast, are without exception, superb. The premise is that in post … Continue reading →

Posted in Films | Leave a comment