Author Archives: garylongden

Solace of the Road- Derby Playhouse

Posted on March 2, 2015 by garylongden

Derby playhouse is fortunate indeed to be staging the world premiere of Siobhan Dowd’s novel of loss and homecoming which was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award 2009, the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2009 and the Bisto Children’s Book … Continue reading →

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“Avenue Q” Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield

Posted on February 27, 2015 by garylongden

I came to this production “cold”, knowing nothing about the show, having little regard for puppets, and a disregard for much American humour. Little did I know how much my theatrical spirit would be enriched and my views changed over … Continue reading →

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The Nutcracker, Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Wolverhampton Grand.

Posted on February 11, 2015 by garylongden

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia came to Wolverhampton on Sunday afternoon in the middle of an extended provincial tour showcasing four ballets. Although Wolverhampton is considerably warmer than Siberia at this time of year ( a good reason for … Continue reading →

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A Doll’s House, Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on February 7, 2015 by garylongden

This production is the latest example of the bold programming by Sutton Arts Theatre. Straight plays always have to work harder to win an audience than other theatrical genres, and period writing has to work harder still. Yet “ A … Continue reading →

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You Tube Channels- Sarah Collins

Posted on January 18, 2015 by garylongden

As a poet, I regularly watch the You Tube postings of poets, famous, and not so famous, yet no poster has fascinated me more recently than Sally Collins, a singer. I don’t know much about Sally. She seems to come … Continue reading →

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Boeing,Boeing, Grange Players, Grange Theatre, Walsall

Posted on January 8, 2015 by garylongden

**** 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 “ Boeing Boeing”, a farce … Continue reading →

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A Christmas Carol- Derby Theatre

Posted on December 9, 2014 by garylongden

There are a number of festive productions popular at Christmas time. Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a favourite, and with good cause. Its message of festive cheer and hope at the expense of parsimony and gloom is evergreen, its … Continue reading →

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The Full Monty, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on November 24, 2014 by garylongden

I recall when the film first came out, it was a huge success, in parts funny, poignant, sad and raucous, but always faithful to the time and place. Yet the alchemy of film and stage can be quite different, and … Continue reading →

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A Farewell to Arms – Birmingham Rep Studio

Posted on November 19, 2014 by garylongden

An adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s novel by innovative theatre group Imitating the Dog. The play is a multi-media, multi lingual, experience with cameras on stage and prose projected everywhere; It tells the story of American Frederic Henry, serving as a … Continue reading →

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King William 4th Pub Alrewas

Posted on November 14, 2014 by garylongden

I was fortunate to be invited to perform at a Staffordshire acoustic music event in Alrewas on Wednesday. The host was Barry Hunt, an Elford based professional musician with a formidable reputation as a guitar teacher, songwriter and performer. Like … Continue reading →

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