Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

Punch- Nottingham Playhouse, 21/3/26

Posted on March 21, 2026 by garylongden

 ***** A play about violence, forgiveness and   redemption –  Punch  returns to Nottingham Playhouse, following its remarkable simultaneous openings on Broadway and in the West End.  After its premiere in 2024, this powerful account of Jacob Dunne’s story sparked discussions … Continue reading →

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Operation Mincemeat – Wolverhampton Grand theatre 21/3/26

Posted on March 21, 2026 by garylongden

Operation Mincemeat ***** As a keen historian I knew the story. This was my first opportunity to catch up with the show itself replete with hyperbole . It’s a good story- but a musical? – The first 20 minutes I … Continue reading →

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Noises Off – Highbury Theatre

Posted on March 19, 2026 by garylongden

Noises off **** A play about sardines and doors. A favourite with amdram companies because if things go wrong the audience think it is part of the play. – Noises Off was written in 1982  by artistic polymath Michael Frayn, … Continue reading →

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Hamlet by RSC – Royal theatre, Nottingham 17/3/26

Posted on March 18, 2026 by garylongden

Hamlet, RSC, Nottingham Royal Theatre To sea or nor to sea- that is the question Shakespearean traditionalists should give this a wide berth, the Court of Elsinore is now to be found on a ship.under  Rupert Goold’s  Captainship as director. … Continue reading →

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Dear England- Birmingham Hippodrome, 13/3/26

Posted on March 15, 2026 by garylongden

This was my second visit to this production having attended the opening night in Nottingham in Autumn 2025. The link to that review follows:Dear England – Nottingham Royal Court Theatre, 24/09/25 | Garyswordz I had enjoyed it so much first … Continue reading →

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Top Hat – Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on March 10, 2026 by garylongden

Spring is upon us . The cold of winter is starting to recede – surely a cue for some old-style, Hollywood glitz? If you like song and dance, particularly tap dance, then this is your show. Visually it is a … Continue reading →

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Buddy

Posted on March 3, 2026 by garylongden

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story- Lichfield Garrick Theatre ***** “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story ” has now been touring for thirty five years , celebrating the songs of an artist whose recording career lasted barely two years, but … Continue reading →

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Glorious! – Derby Theatre

Posted on February 24, 2026 by garylongden

Glorious! – Derby theatre A welcome revival of Peter Quilter’s play,  starring Wendi Peters of East Enders fame. It premiered at the Birmingham Rep 21 years ago before transferring to the West End for 200 shows and showing internationally. – … Continue reading →

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Constellations- Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield

Posted on February 17, 2026 by garylongden

Constellations – The Studio, Highbury theatre, Sutton Colfdield **** “Constellations” is a bold, brave production, proof positive that amateur theatre can take on challenging work- and win. – Written by Nick Payne , a British playwright , Constellations premiered  in … Continue reading →

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A Kick in the Baubles – Sutton Arts

Posted on February 1, 2026 by garylongden

A kIck in the Baubles Sutton Arts have rekindled a little known gem with this production. – It is a family, domestic, one set,  melodrama which borrows from Alan Aykbourn’s  “seasons’ greetings” and Mike Leigh’s “ Abigail’s Party”. – Written … Continue reading →

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