Author Archives: garylongden

Top Hat – Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on March 10, 2026 by garylongden

Spring is upon us . The cold of winter is starting to recede – surely a cue for some old-style, Hollywood glitz? If you like song and dance, particularly tap dance, then this is your show. Visually it is a … Continue reading →

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Buddy

Posted on March 3, 2026 by garylongden

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story- Lichfield Garrick Theatre ***** “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story ” has now been touring for thirty five years , celebrating the songs of an artist whose recording career lasted barely two years, but … Continue reading →

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Zuihitsu- Poetry Form

Posted on February 26, 2026 by garylongden

I suspect that this Japanese form is as new to many as it is to me. I enclose a copy of an excellent explanation from the equally excellent Verve Poetry team in Birmingham This article features the winning and shortlisted … Continue reading →

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Birmingham Verve poetry festival cancelled

Posted on February 26, 2026 by garylongden

I am sorry to report that the BirmingamVerve Poetry festival has been cancelled due to loss of Arts Council Funding. https://vervepoetry.substack.com/p/moving-at-the-speed-of-community Dear poets It is with a heavy heart that I write to let you know that for the first … Continue reading →

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Glorious! – Derby Theatre

Posted on February 24, 2026 by garylongden

Glorious! – Derby theatre A welcome revival of Peter Quilter’s play,  starring Wendi Peters of East Enders fame. It premiered at the Birmingham Rep 21 years ago before transferring to the West End for 200 shows and showing internationally. – … Continue reading →

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Constellations- Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield

Posted on February 17, 2026 by garylongden

Constellations – The Studio, Highbury theatre, Sutton Colfdield **** “Constellations” is a bold, brave production, proof positive that amateur theatre can take on challenging work- and win. – Written by Nick Payne , a British playwright , Constellations premiered  in … Continue reading →

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The Sun is a Heart Far off- Rosemary Drescher

Posted on February 14, 2026 by garylongden

There is a lazy belief abroad that there is no good modern poetry. This collection, published by Big White Shed, written by Rosemary Drescher, confounds that. – Her start point is that the sun predates mankind and our planet and … Continue reading →

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H is for Hawk – film Review

Posted on February 6, 2026 by garylongden

A slow paced lachrymose, laconic melodrama   based upon a true story about a grief consumed young woman, played by Claire Foy whose father, played by Brendan gleeson has died and a Goshawk ( in reality two!) . A tale of … Continue reading →

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A Kick in the Baubles – Sutton Arts

Posted on February 1, 2026 by garylongden

A kIck in the Baubles Sutton Arts have rekindled a little known gem with this production. – It is a family, domestic, one set,  melodrama which borrows from Alan Aykbourn’s  “seasons’ greetings” and Mike Leigh’s “ Abigail’s Party”. – Written … Continue reading →

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Forever Clapton – Nottingham Royal Theatre

Posted on January 20, 2026 by garylongden

As the tribute genre matures so some acts are emerging into pre eminence. The likes of the Australian Pink Floyd now  fill large venues in their own right. One glance at the tour schedule for Forever Clapton shows an act … Continue reading →

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