Author Archives: garylongden

Ice Road – film review 2021

Posted on December 18, 2025 by garylongden

Enjoyable Hokum starring Liam Neeson set in Manitoba Canada There are plenty of ice road jeopardy moments- will they go through the ice or won’t they? Of course there are truck and snow mobile chases. This is ice road truckers … Continue reading →

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Downton Abbey- the Grand Finale, Film review

Posted on December 18, 2025 by garylongden

The final instalment of the film trilogy. Languid, and with a fin de siècle air. Writer Julian Fellowes is now almost 76 years old himself. There is an inescapable sense that he is writing not simply about Downton Abbey but … Continue reading →

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Aladdin- Sutton Arts theatre

Posted on December 13, 2025 by garylongden

Panto returns to Sutton Arts after a three year break with  a record breaking sold out run. Harriet Gordon stars as Aladdin giving the role, style, pizzazz , and a fine singing voice. – This is on of my favourite … Continue reading →

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Cinderella- Lichfield Garrick

Posted on December 13, 2025 by garylongden

Cinderella The safe option. A traditional panto, at a traditional panto theatre, performed by an experienced traditional theatre company albeit with untraditionally climbing ticket prices. – Firstly, a disclaimer, I have known the star, Dame Sam Rabone for fifteen years … Continue reading →

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Gary’s Oscars- my theatrical Midlands best of 2025

Posted on December 12, 2025 by garylongden

We are so fortunate in the Midlands to have such a diverse range of theatres. I have been equally fortunate to see so many good productions over the year As is traditional ,as the year draws to a close, I … Continue reading →

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Oliver Twist- Derby Theatre

Posted on December 5, 2025 by garylongden

**** Christmas?  Bah humbug!  This is not the musical, instead an adaptation by Deborah McAndrew, directed by Sarah Brigham, of Dickens’ classic tale incorporating traditional tunes and original songs, played   and performed onstage by the cast, Eliza Waters realises it … Continue reading →

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Gary Numan- Telekon 45th Anniversary Tour, Rock City Nottingham 25/11/25

Posted on November 29, 2025 by garylongden

Gary Numan- rock city, Nottingham 25/10/25 – This was a double first for me. My first visit to Rock city , and  my first Gary Numan gig. – Bowie’s contemporaneous put down – Same old thing in brand-new drag comes … Continue reading →

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Nuremberg – Film review

Posted on November 27, 2025 by garylongden

*****  Essentially a big budget double hander between Russel Crowe as Goering and  the psychiatrist detailed to profile him. Crowe is magnificent as Goering and physically  almost unrecognisable. – The  film which is visually Hollywood glossy at times, interspersed with … Continue reading →

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D.A.M tribute Tour – Sheffield Octagon Centre

Posted on November 26, 2025 by garylongden

My start point is that I bought The Ziggy album on release, subsequently bought every one of Bowie’s records on release, saw him several times live, and have seen several tribute acts all of whom I have enjoyed, but  to … Continue reading →

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The Choral- Film review ( 2025)

Posted on November 24, 2025 by garylongden

A fey Alan Bennett penned homage to being British in a very British Film: Amusing, touching and well-crafted. I left feeling sad, elated, enriched and uplifted.  Some reviews have been lukewarm- ignore them. This is superb , poignant ,  a … Continue reading →

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