Author Archives: garylongden

The Inbetweeners Movie

Posted on December 28, 2011 by garylongden

I should declare my interest as a huge fan of the television series which surely ranks as one of the best comedies in recent years. Its skill lies in the writing . Although it is set in the present, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Films | Leave a comment

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Posted on December 24, 2011 by garylongden

I thoroughly enjoyed the first Sherlock Holmes and approached this sequel with optimistic anticipation- only to be very disappointed. A budget that had doubled, multiple locations, and the confidence of a well received first instalment should have proved a solid … Continue reading →

Posted in Films | Leave a comment

Smoke & Mirrors, Malvern

Posted on December 18, 2011 by garylongden

The vibrancy of poetry events around the Midlands is well documented in Behind the Arras, but nowhere does the poetic muse flourish more healthily than at Smoke and Mirrors in Malvern. Organised by Dee Davidson and Caitlin Belgard. This year … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Where You Will Find Me In December

Posted on December 8, 2011 by garylongden

Fri 9th Smart Poets Open Mic Poetry Party Vegd out, 7 Fletchers walk, Birmingham,B3 3HJ.: 7.30pm Guest poet…………..me! Thur 15th Three Poets walk into a Pub, at Ye Olde White Hart, Kinver,7.30pm, free in, with Theo Theobald , Simon Lee … Continue reading →

Posted in Calendar of Appearances | Leave a comment

Word Up – The Drum, Aston

Posted on December 6, 2011 by garylongden

THIS was Behind the Arras’s ridiculously belated first visit to The Drum, which is dedicated to developing and promoting contemporary art and culture of British African, Asian and Caribbean communities. Its ambitions are bold, as it strives to become a … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Midlands Poetry 2011- A Personal Retrospective Perspective

Posted on November 27, 2011 by garylongden

The arrival of December heralds not only Christmas, but the impending year end. A year in which I have had the pleasure of attending several dozens of poetic events in the Midlands both as a performer, and an audience member, … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog | 2 Comments

Spoken Worlds, Old Cottage Tavern, Burton Upon Trent

Posted on November 26, 2011 by garylongden

The last in this year’s series of Spoken Worlds went out on a high tonight with a guest poet, a luxury not normally indulged in, Ash Dickinson playing to a full house. It was a fitting climax to a year … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | 1 Comment

Poetry Bites, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings Heath

Posted on November 26, 2011 by garylongden

Another full house turned out to see a contrasting headlining duo tonight. Joseph Horgan hails from Cork now, but grew up in Bordesley, whilst Bobby Parker is a veteran of the mean streets of Kidderminster. A failing voice meant that … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Oats and Desserts

Posted on November 22, 2011 by garylongden

This is the last in a trilogy of call and response poems, inspired by the work of Amy Rainbow, to whom I am indebted: Oats- by Amy Rainbow I met him when I was working In a greasy spoon cafe … Continue reading →

Posted in Poems | 1 Comment

British Female 60’s Pop Stars

Posted on November 22, 2011 by garylongden

By a quirk of historic symmetry many of the female pop stars whom I became aware of as a little boy in the 1960’s are now in their 60’s. The joy of You Tube now offers the opportunity to revisit … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments