Author Archives: garylongden

Dracula – Derby Theatre

Posted on September 20, 2024 by garylongden

Dracula- Derby Theatre **** The phrase “landmark production” is much abused and  over used. For once, here, it is justified. One hundred years ago, on 15th May 1924, Hamilton Deane’s stage production of Dracula premiered  at the Grand Theatre Derby … Continue reading →

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Here You Come Again- Alexandra theatre Birmingham

Posted on September 11, 2024 by garylongden

Here you come again Alexanda Theatre, Birmingham *** Dolly Parton is a musical phenomena whose  star originally rose in America from Country and Western in the 1960’s. Thereafter, it has continued to rise in concerts, television, film, a theme park, … Continue reading →

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Dial M for Mayhem – Derby Theatre

Posted on September 4, 2024 by garylongden

This tour presents  a world premiere of  Middleground Theatre’s comic pastiche of the  Frederick Knott 1950’s classic  “Dial M For Murder”. Someone thinks that it would be a good idea to debut their play in the wilds of Scotland on … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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