Author Archives: garylongden

Inspirational Writing Workshop – Longton Church

Posted on August 9, 2016 by garylongden

  I have run writing and poetry workshops in a wide variety of venues to a wide variety of audiences, including children,  prisoners, and pensioners, to the committed, and curious. This was my first workshop at Longton, it was open to Church … Continue reading →

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Back to Bacharach – Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Posted on July 15, 2016 by garylongden

Jukebox musicals have become increasingly popular in theatres around the country, presented in a variety of guises. Some construct a biographical narrative (Buddy), others a story (Mama Mia), some eschew all peripheral options and go for a straight concert style … Continue reading →

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Stornowords – Artizan Cafe, Stornoway

Posted on June 16, 2016 by garylongden

I have been to, and continue to attend, many poetry events. When I started out, I wanted to read as many of my poems as possible. As time wore on I wanted to listen to as many poems, and poets, … Continue reading →

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Hairspray – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company

Posted on June 1, 2016 by garylongden

Hairspray, Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company, Lichfield Garrick ***** Just occasionally, an amateur Musical Society can perfectly catch the zeitgeist of the spirit of a musical, injecting a zest and enthusiasm which breathes life into the original, taking it head … Continue reading →

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Hamlet – Derby Theatre

Posted on May 28, 2016 by garylongden

  ****   There can be no more apposite piece for Behind the Arras to review than “Hamlet” ! Most would have it amongst the finest plays ever written, it is certainly the play about which most has been written. … Continue reading →

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Two – Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on May 27, 2016 by garylongden

This play, written by Jim  Cartwright in 1989,  is to actors what the Olympic Decathlon is to athletes. It requires two actors to assume fourteen different characters, as a night in a Northern pub unfolds. As such it is hugely … Continue reading →

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Priscilla Queen of the Desert- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on May 3, 2016 by garylongden

An unseasonably cold, drab Monday evening in Wolverhampton, metamorphosed into the warmth and colour of the Australian desert drag and transgendered scene, as Priscilla rolled into town as part of a very successful nationwide tour. Spare seats were at a … Continue reading →

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All Star Stand Up Tour- Derby Theatre

Posted on May 2, 2016 by garylongden

  Derby Theatre’s diverse 2016 took another turn on Sunday night for a one night stop for the biggest comedy tour of the year, the “All Star Stand Up Tour”. Featuring double Sony Award winner and star of Mock The … Continue reading →

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Flare Path- Derby Theatre

Posted on April 20, 2016 by garylongden

  Anyone watching this play can be forgiven for a sense that it should be being performed in black and white as part of a double bill at the local Odeon cinema, such is the impact that the film version, … Continue reading →

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The Cat in the Hat – Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Posted on April 18, 2016 by garylongden

  This poem has had pan- generational appeal since it was written in 1957 by Dr Theodore Seuss. Its combination of rhyme, rhythm, fun and mischief captivating children, and their parents. Adapting the original poem has been a labour of … Continue reading →

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