Author Archives: garylongden

The Wedding – Derby Theatre

Posted on February 9, 2018 by garylongden

**** This show is produced by the Gecko theatre company who specialise in physical theatre and whose director, Amit Lahav, has an international reputation in the form. I had tried to do some research beforehand, but uncovered precious little. Now, … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Wedding – Gecko Theatre, Preview

Posted on February 8, 2018 by garylongden

“The Wedding” , a physical theatre piece,by Gecko theatre, who are based in Ipswich is touring nationwide, and this week comes to Derby Theatre. Highly acclaimed, I am not entirely sure what to expect, which is probably a good thing. … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Cinderella – Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on February 7, 2018 by garylongden

***** Over a decade ago I was a balletphobic theatre goer. Traditional ballet and dance simply did not connect with me. I had tried, and failed, or maybe the shows had failed? Then I went to see Sir Mathew Bourne’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Private Lives – Derby Theatre

Posted on January 30, 2018 by garylongden

**** Written by Noel Coward some 88 years ago in 1930, “Private Lives” is a comedy of manners showcasing his trademark wordplay, badinage and wit. Performed by the London Classic Theatre Co, this is Director Michael Cabot’s first foray into … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Perfect Murder – Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on January 26, 2018 by garylongden

**** The Perfect Murder is a recent stage adaption by award – winning writer Shaun McKenna of the book by internationally- renowned, best-selling crime novelist Peter James. A comic thriller, it drew a full house for the opening night, reflecting … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Boeing, Boeing – Highbury Theatre

Posted on January 24, 2018 by garylongden

Boeing, Boeing – Highbury Theatre **** France has produced some fine playwrights of weight and comedy – Molière, Racine, Yasmina Reza and Feydeau, to name but a few. But its most frequently performed playwright worldwide is Marc Camoletti, author of … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Rebecca Watts v The In Crowd

Posted on January 21, 2018 by garylongden

It is unusual for  a poetry article to annoy me. A piece by Rebecca  Watts did just that. This is my response. Links to the offending article and associated material are to be found at the bottom of my piece. … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Gallowglass- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on January 19, 2018 by garylongden

  *** It is not often that a theatre -goer witnesses a world premiere production. But that is what happened in Wolverhampton (where else would you choose?) at the Grand on a wintry Thursday night. Written by Ruth Rendell, writing … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , | Leave a comment

From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads – Derby Theatre

Posted on January 16, 2018 by garylongden

**** David Bowie bestrides late 20th Century pop culture like few others. He left a mark with his music, fashion, films, acting, stage production and artistic alchemy. On the one hand he has left much to work with. On the … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Grange Theatre Walsall Closed for Urgent Repairs

Posted on January 13, 2018 by garylongden

All at Behind the Arras were saddened to learn of the Grange Players problem with their home, the Grange Playhouse, Broadway North, Walsall, adjacent to the Arboretum. Routine checks unearthed £60,000 worth of essential repairs, a sum way beyond the … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog | Tagged , | Leave a comment