Author Archives: garylongden

Kiss Me Stupid- Sutton Arts

Posted on January 26, 2024 by garylongden

This  play is not be confused with the  hit 1964 sex comedy film of the same name ( screenplay Wilder/ Diamond) starring Dean Martin and Kim Novak which drew on several sources for its material. – Instead it is written … Continue reading →

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Murder in the Dark- Derby Theatre

Posted on January 16, 2024 by garylongden

Murder in the dark- Derby Theatre **** This is the debut tour of playwright   Torben Betts’ latest drama. Although the material is new, the pedigree of those involved  is well established. Derby audiences have already savoured his work through previous … Continue reading →

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Napoleon

Posted on January 4, 2024 by garylongden

I visit the cinema infrequently these days,  however the Christmas break lured me to see Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon”. Firstly, it is loooong at two hours and thirty eight minutes. Incredibly, it is effectively an edited version of a mini series … Continue reading →

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Doing the 92- Wetherby Rd, Harrogate Town v Mansfield Town fc.

Posted on October 26, 2023 by garylongden

The motivation for “doing the 92” can vary from person to person, and even from season to season. This was my sixth new league ground of the season so far, from the 32,500 capacity PL standard Pride Park, to this, … Continue reading →

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Annie- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on October 11, 2023 by garylongden

Annie – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ***** Before leaving for the theatre I watched the Labour Party Conference highlights on the news. The signature song from Annie  “Tomorrow”  ( sung by Roosevelt’s 1930’s  cabinet in the Oval office!) could easily have … Continue reading →

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Ruby Wax – “I’m not as well as I thought I was” show, Winding Wheel Theatre Chesterfield

Posted on October 4, 2023 by garylongden

*** An extraordinary one woman show featuring a table, a chair and Ruby Wax. This is not her stand up comedy show, instead a stream of consciousness monologue about mental health in general, her mental health in particular with reflections … Continue reading →

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Brassed Off- Derby Theatre

Posted on October 4, 2023 by garylongden

***** Brassed Off  – Derby Theatre ***** I experienced a classic moment tonight. At the bar I made conversation with a fellow drinker now referred to as the man at the bar ( TMATB). “Have you seen this before? ” … Continue reading →

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Oh What a night !- Chesterfield Spinning Wheel Theatre

Posted on September 24, 2023 by garylongden

This is a hybrid between a  revue and Tribute concert featuring the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. This was their second booking , and on a Saturday night they had pretty much sold it out, a good … Continue reading →

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Frankenstein- Derby Theatre

Posted on September 20, 2023 by garylongden

**** This represents a new adaptation by director Sean Aydon from Titled Wig productions of the original Mary Shelley book, first published 205 years ago in 1818. Although often billed as a horror story, it also offers the credentials of … Continue reading →

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All my Sons- Sutton arts Theatre, Sutton Coldfield

Posted on September 15, 2023 by garylongden

Make no mistake, this  production was a big call by Sutton Arts. It is wordy, and worthy, and played out on a single set. Its themes of  the American Dream, the anatomy of truth, and fidelity are more fully realised … Continue reading →

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