Author Archives: garylongden

Two Trains Running – Derby Theatre

Posted on October 23, 2019 by garylongden

  Two Trains Running – Derby Theatre **** This was a bold production for Derby Theatre to show. Two Trains Running is written by American playwright August Wilson, the sixth in his ten-part series The Pittsburgh Cycle. The play premiered … Continue reading →

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Kyrenia Castle, Cyprus

Posted on October 13, 2019 by garylongden

  I love castles. I love their physical solidity, even when ruined. They endure over the centuries. Their stone is steeped in power, domination, unexpected frailty, bravery, treachery, betrayal and the elements. They were built as statements, to control, protect, … Continue reading →

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Barrie Masters -Eddie and the Hot Rods

Posted on October 11, 2019 by garylongden

As a young man I became accustomed to rock stars dying, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and Ronnie Van Zandt ( the latter of whom I saw play live) most notably. It seemed distant, and there was … Continue reading →

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The Lady Vanishes – Derby Theatre

Posted on October 8, 2019 by garylongden

  *** The play is synonymous with the 1938 British mystery thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave. The film itself was #based on the 1936 novel The Wheel Spins by Ethel Lina White. This … Continue reading →

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One Man, Two Guvnors -Derby Theatre

Posted on September 11, 2019 by garylongden

***** This comedy, written by Richard Bean in 2011, performed to unanimous acclaim by the National Theatre in London, now starts a regional run in Derby, where it is playing for the first time ever. Bean is a prolific playwright … Continue reading →

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Cabaret – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on September 4, 2019 by garylongden

***** Once in a while, a show catches you off guard, it surprises you, and delights you. This is such a show. Sumptuously staged, it veers from burlesque, to grotesque, from bright lights, to dark alleyways.   “Cabaret” is synonymous … Continue reading →

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Too Petty – Flowerpot, Derby

Posted on September 3, 2019 by garylongden

The age of the tribute band is upon us. As the greats from the classic rock era grow old, infirm, or die, the demand for their music remains. No-one goes to a Beethoven concert, then complains that Beethoven wasn’t playing, … Continue reading →

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Hair – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on July 24, 2019 by garylongden

Hair – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre *** Passers- by on Wolverhampton Broad Street may have mistaken the billboards for “Hair” as an immediate tribute to our new Prime Minister’s legendary tousled locks. They would have been disappointed. Instead this is a … Continue reading →

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How Steep is Steep?

Posted on July 20, 2019 by garylongden

    Laser dots Ten metres apart Were the start Of when it happened Baldwin Street Dunedin Was flattened By the Men of Harlech Whose angle was more acute On the Welsh route At Forde Pen Llech Thirty five degrees … Continue reading →

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Serendipity

Posted on June 27, 2019 by garylongden

I have flown on many occasions. The thrill now dulled by the snaking airport queues for check in, passport checks, security checks, and boarding checks, before being herded into seats so rigid and short of legroom, that there must be … Continue reading →

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