Author Archives: garylongden

Bowie Experience- Lichfield Garrick Theatre, 14/5/23

Posted on May 15, 2023 by garylongden

Two months after the originally scheduled show was postponed  at short notice due to illness,  the “Bowie Experience” appeared to a 500 seat sell out at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre on a Sunday night. I am a die hard Bowie … Continue reading →

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John Mainwaring as “The Jean Genie” – the Flowerpot PH, Derby.

Posted on April 10, 2023 by garylongden

Tribute acts continue to be a contentious subject  on this site. I had seen The Jean Genie fifteen years ago and had enjoyed his show very much, but I was intrigued to discover what my reaction would be now in … Continue reading →

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Robin Hood & the Major Oak

Posted on March 29, 2023 by garylongden

Robin Hood & the Major Oak- Derby Theatre ***** A fine new Easter production for all the family written by Deb McAndrew who has rebooted the classic tale  for a 21st century audience in a seamlessly integrated BSL production, signed … Continue reading →

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Like Some Cat from Japan

Posted on March 13, 2023 by garylongden

David Bowie’s love affair with  Japan,  and Japanese style, underpinned his early career. He sold 1,000,771 Albums in a country whose western tastes otherwise were dominated by Maria Carey and Michael Jackson. This feature is intended as a reminder that … Continue reading →

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The Kinks, Aston Villa Leisure Centre, Birmingham, England Mar 24th 1994

Posted on March 7, 2023 by garylongden

There are good times to  catch bands, bad times, and times when you are just grateful to have seen them at all. This gig falls into that  latter category, thirty years after their inception, this was their last full tour, … Continue reading →

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A Virtual Future for David Bowie?

Posted on March 1, 2023 by garylongden

The Abba Voyage revenues are jaw dropping. Average £70 a ticket, 3000 capacity, seven shows a week two dark days, two with matinees equals £1.47m a week before merchandise/ refreshments. That is £76.44m per annum. Production costs, exclusive of live … Continue reading →

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Mother Goose – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on February 22, 2023 by garylongden

What’s this? Panto in Wolverhampton at  the end of February?  Oh yes it is. Having stormed the normal panto  season first in Brighton, then  the Duke of York’s Theatre in London, the audience response was too positive for  it to … Continue reading →

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Shinrin- yoku

Posted on February 12, 2023 by garylongden

From Japan comes the Shinrin-yoku: the “forest bath” . In the 6th century BCE, Cyrus the Great planted  gardens in the middle  of cities in the Persian Empire   to improve  human health. In the 16th century ,  the Swiss philosopher … Continue reading →

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Poems 2023

Posted on February 12, 2023 by garylongden

Going Equipped The officer stopped me, fairly, but firmly Could you open your bag please? What do we have here? Alliteration Assonance Onomatopoeia Metaphor Simile Personification Repetition Hyperbole Enjambment Anaphor Epistrophe Caesura Couplets Refrains Rhythms I Suspect  you of Going … Continue reading →

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Wodehouse in Wonderland – Derby Theatre , 13th-15th Feb 2023

Posted on February 11, 2023 by garylongden

**** Touring theatrical companies are having a tough time as costs escalate everywhere. This production by the Cahoots theatre Company, has the answer, reduce your company to one. – Robert Daws brings Wodehouse in Wonderland to  Derby  in a single-hander … Continue reading →

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