Author Archives: garylongden

The Glenn Miller Story – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on October 16, 2015 by garylongden

Glen Miller is a name that resonates amongst the second world war time generation. His music has endured to delight the generations that have followed. Born in 1904, Miller was an American big band musician, arranger, composer, and bandleader in … Continue reading →

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Midlands Poetry Choice – October 2015

Posted on October 16, 2015 by garylongden

For several years I produced a monthly poetry listing for the Midlands. It started out as a dozen or so events, then ballooned into upwards of two hundred in festival season, all with organisers, venue and admission details, and times, … Continue reading →

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Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders – Burton, Brewhouse, 11/10/15

Posted on October 14, 2015 by garylongden

I first encountered Andy Fairweather Low when I was ten, watching top of the pops, and singing along to “If Paradise is Half as Nice”. Forty seven years later I managed to see him live for the first time. AFL … Continue reading →

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Hound of the Baskervilles – Coming to the Lichfield Garrick on Friday 17th/Sat 18th October 2015

Posted on October 11, 2015 by garylongden

The latest production from the Fired Up Theatre company, who have produced a string of recent successes including productions of The Wall, Quadrophenia ,and The Fell Walker ,is Hound of the Baskervilles. Deep in darkest Dartmoor, stands Baskerville Hall, a … Continue reading →

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Jodi Ann Bickley, Level Up, Birmingham Rep

Posted on September 25, 2015 by garylongden

Level Up, Season Four, Episode One- Birmingham Rep **** Some eight years ago I stumbled into the Old Crown at Digbeth on a January evening to take part in a poetry slam. The usual suspects were there, the usual topics … Continue reading →

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Brassed off- Derby Theatre

Posted on September 22, 2015 by garylongden

Some question the relevance of modern theatre to the world around it. Those doubters should take a trip along to the Derby Theatre to watch “Brassed Off”, a play about a closing colliery, and its brass band. Derbyshire was a … Continue reading →

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Noises Off- Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on September 7, 2015 by garylongden

Noises Off was written in 1982 play by artistic polymath Michael Frayn, a journalist, philosopher, and novelist as well as playwright. It was inspired in 1970, when Frayn was watching from the wings a performance of his own The Two … Continue reading →

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Derby Demo 6 Friday Night, 11th December 2015

Posted on August 20, 2015 by garylongden

The opening night offers a trio of tribute bands whose music still endures and whose legacy has shaped the sounds of other bands for years to come. Take a look at who will be on stage, not listed in order … Continue reading →

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Derby Demo 6 Saturday 12th December 2015

Posted on August 19, 2015 by garylongden

Having savoured the best sounds from Status Quo, Free/Bad Company and Thin Lizzy, Saturday night offers a four course helping of music as follows, not listed in order of appearance. Rock Buffet comprise Vocals, Steve “the vicar” Fletcher,Drums, Phil “the … Continue reading →

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Derby Demo 6 – Dec Fri 11th/Sat 12th 2015 ,7.30pm start

Posted on August 19, 2015 by garylongden

For the sixth consecutive year midlands rock promoter Goldie Rox is holding the Derby Demo over two nights at the Hairy Dog , 1 Becket St, Derby DE1 1HT. Offering seven bands over the two evenings, tickets are just £20 … Continue reading →

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