Author Archives: garylongden

Mother Goose – Mulberry Theatre, Doveridge Village Hall

Posted on February 1, 2016 by garylongden

The pantomime season traditionally draws to an end as January closes. Mulberry Players squeezed their Mother Goose run in with hours to spare in this amateur, village hall production. Pantomime is unique to Great Britain and performs a number of … Continue reading →

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Death by Design – Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on January 29, 2016 by garylongden

*** 1/2 Sutton Arts produce several productions a year. Inevitably that swallows up the well- known plays at a rate of knots. So a pleasing by-product of their prolific performance schedule is that they have to unearth lesser known plays … Continue reading →

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Rocky Horror Show- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Posted on January 26, 2016 by garylongden

Rocky Horror Show – New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham **** Birmingham on a cold January Monday night evening is largely eschewed by those seeking a night out. As we approached the theatre the streets were quiet, with many pubs and bars … Continue reading →

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See How They Run- Grange Players, Walsall

Posted on January 23, 2016 by garylongden

This is a welcome revival of a less well known, but very funny, farce written by Phillip King. King was serving as conscripted aircrew based in London when See How They Run made its West End debut in 1945. The … Continue reading →

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The Elves and the Shoemakers – Derby Theatre Studio

Posted on December 21, 2015 by garylongden

**** This lovely little Christmas production is inspired by the Grimm fairy tale written just over a hundred years ago in 1806. Performed in the intimate 100 seater studio, it is aimed at 3-7 year olds but particularly suits pre-school … Continue reading →

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Cinderella, RWP,Sutton Town Hall

Posted on December 21, 2015 by garylongden

*** Cinderella is one of the strongest pantomimes, and RWP have assembled a strong team to deliver it. A big turn- out for the opening night augured well, and from the opening curtain, the cast threw themselves into the evening’s … Continue reading →

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Aynt Skynyrd – Before, and After

Posted on December 15, 2015 by garylongden

It was different back then. Pre internet and social media, the music press was the sole source of information and gig news, none of the nationals had entertainments sections which covered rock music. NME and Melody maker were the musical … Continue reading →

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Cinderella, Derby Theatre, Derby

Posted on December 8, 2015 by garylongden

The Derby Theatre once again eschews the predictable seasonal appeal of pantomime by putting on Mike Kenny’s adaptation of Grimm’s fairy tale “Cinderella” ,following last year’s hugely successful production of “ A Christmas Carol”.   Director Sarah Brigham likes her … Continue reading →

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Aladdin, Sutton Arts Theatre, Sutton Coldfield

Posted on December 6, 2015 by garylongden

  Aladdin is one of the best traditional pantomimes, and the most popular, as a full house on the opening performance, a Saturday matinee, demonstrated. Panto is as integral a part of the festive season as Father Christmas, turkey and … Continue reading →

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The Wizard of Oz- Nonentities, Rose Theatre , Kidderminster

Posted on December 1, 2015 by garylongden

“The Wizard of Oz” is the greatest English language fairy story of the 20th century, and the best ever to come out of America. Its appeal is pan-generational, with those who enjoyed it as children now sharing the magic with … Continue reading →

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