Author Archives: garylongden

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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Write Me a Murder- Grange Players, Grange Playhouse, Walsall

Posted on November 19, 2015 by garylongden

**** Author Frederick Knott is best known for “Dial M for Murder” (1952)which was successfully portrayed in the cinema by Alfred Hitchcock, and “Wait Until Dark” (1966) which appeared both on Broadway, and in the cinema, starring Audrey Hepburn. In between, … Continue reading →

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Last Night a DJ Saved My Life

Posted on November 19, 2015 by garylongden

The credentials and ingredients for this show have merit. Director Jon Conway is a seasoned impresario for jukebox musicals, David Hasselhoff is an instantly recognisable name, Stephanie Webber looked strong as a finalist in The Voice playing Hoff’s stage daughter, … Continue reading →

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Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, Derby Playhouse

Posted on November 19, 2015 by garylongden

The eponymous protagonists are much loved characters in the canon of English literature. Their comic escapades have delighted generations. This comedy, based on the 1938 novel by P.G, Woodhouse, The Code of the Woosters, was created by David and Robert … Continue reading →

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And Then There Were None – Derby Playhouse

Posted on November 12, 2015 by garylongden

The history of this Agatha Christie mystery story, ranked by many to be amongst her best, is a fascinating one. It was first published in the United Kingdom by the Collins Crime Club on 6 November 1939 after the British … Continue reading →

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Us and Them – The War on Terror (in error) – Paul Francis

Posted on November 3, 2015 by garylongden

This is the third publication in three years from Paul, who is prominent on the Midlands and Borders poetry circuit. A retired schoolteacher from Shropshire, he attends, and performs, at Slams , festivals , and conventional readings , as well … Continue reading →

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Peter Pan – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre, Lichfield Garrick

Posted on October 30, 2015 by garylongden

**** JM Barrie’s timeless children’s classic was an excellent choice for half term week in Lichfield. The libretto is unusually strong for a musical, and although the score is less familiar, it is instantly accessible, and works with the story, … Continue reading →

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