Author Archives: garylongden

Club Tropicana – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on April 29, 2019 by garylongden

*** Name checking one of Wham!’s greatest hits, then not performing it, or any other George Michael composition is an inauspicious start. Fortunately, the 80’s spawned a plethora of toe tapping, finger snapping, hits, many of which appear in this … Continue reading →

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Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on April 19, 2019 by garylongden

  I have never seen a television episode of Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. But I do have two pre -school age grandchildren, May aged 3 and Solomon aged 4. As an Easter treat for them, I had the perfect … Continue reading →

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Jungle Book – Derby Theatre

Posted on April 10, 2019 by garylongden

    Jungle Book – Derby Theatre **** Derby Theatre has a fine tradition of excellent Christmas productions for the family. This year they are hoping to build on that audience by presenting a family show at Easter, inspired by … Continue reading →

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Les Miserables – Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on April 8, 2019 by garylongden

The Birmingham Hippodrome has a sense of occasion. A rarity, it combines modern, superb, front of house facilities, with a lavish, restored, traditional auditorium. It is ideally suited to Les Miserables, a tour which is modern in production and conception, … Continue reading →

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Dirty Dancing – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on April 1, 2019 by garylongden

The phrase “musical phenomenon” is oft used- and abused. But for “Dirty Dancing” it is apposite. Critics can be critical, yet the crowds keep on turning out to see it, and for so long as they do, it will survive. … Continue reading →

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Jerusalem – Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on March 24, 2019 by garylongden

**** “Fuck me, the committee have only gone and approved it!” “They didn’t mind that boring cunts would walk out?” “Nah, they can have a wank in the bogs for all I care” The above is an imagined exchange from … Continue reading →

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Derby Theatre – Avenue Q

Posted on March 19, 2019 by garylongden

  Avenue Q – Derby Theatre **** Avenue Q was premiered in 2003. Sixteen years on, this Tony Award Best Musical award- winning show has lost none of its freshness, or mischief. Its writing credentials are formidable. The music and … Continue reading →

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Derby Theatre – Avenue Q, A Preview

Posted on March 13, 2019 by garylongden

  It is cold, windy and still a bit dark in the evenings. Winter has not quite left us yet. Derby County’s promotion challenge is failing as Frank Lampard discovers that the team is not quite as good as Chelsea’s … Continue reading →

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Vietnam: An Epic Tragedy, 1945-1975 by Max Hastings – book review

Posted on March 12, 2019 by garylongden

  I was a young child living in America from 1965- 68. Although too young to make an informed judgement myself, nonetheless, the Vietnam War created an indelible impression on me. Every television and radio bulletin carried a butcher’s bill … Continue reading →

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The Band – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on February 27, 2019 by garylongden

***** Although not a fan club member,I have been always aware that Take That were “there”, and can recognise most of their songs. That is a good start point for a Juke Box Musical. The music needs to transcend the … Continue reading →

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