Author Archives: garylongden

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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The Bodyguard- Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on August 7, 2015 by garylongden

I came to this show neutral, but curious. Whitney Houston, upon whose music, the show depends, has always been an enigma for me. A fine singer for sure, but neither she, nor her music, ever touched me. She entertained, but … Continue reading →

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Grimm Up North- Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

Posted on August 4, 2015 by garylongden

The Second City on a Friday summer night is a vibrant thing. Brummies know how to have a good night out, and Colmore Row was buzzing with weekend revellers, England cricket fans celebrating a three day Ashes win, and England … Continue reading →

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Absent Friends – Derby Theatre

Posted on July 9, 2015 by garylongden

One of the lesser known of Ayckbourn’s seventy plus plays, London Classic Theatre Company have revived this classic gem as a 70’s period piece, rather than attempt to update it. First performed in 1974, it plays in real time as … Continue reading →

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Holy, Holy- The ultimate tribute band?- Birmingham Academy

Posted on June 30, 2015 by garylongden

When tribute bands first started to form, I was scornful. I began to watch a few, some were good, some were not. Then a friend pointed out that you don’t go along to a Beethoven concert and report: ” It … Continue reading →

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Buddy- The Buddy Holly Story, Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre, Garrick Theatre, Lichfield

Posted on June 3, 2015 by garylongden

“Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story ” has now been touring for twenty five years , celebrating the songs of an artist whose recording career lasted barely two years, but whose music endures some fifty six years after his untimely … Continue reading →

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Neville’s Island – Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on May 2, 2015 by garylongden

Neville’s Island was the first play penned by author Tim Firth in 1992 and was originally   commissioned by Alan Ayckbourn . Firth later found fame with Calendar Girls, and was a contemporary of Nick Hancock and David Badiel, and the … Continue reading →

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