Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

Highbury Theatre, Boldmere, Sutton Colfield 2026/27 programe preview

Posted on August 12, 2026 by garylongden

A Passionate Woman,by Kay Mellor15th– 26th Sept 2026 Summary: a period  kitchen sink drama. Bogged down by a 30-year listless marriage, on the morning of her son’s wedding she takes refuge in the attic of her home where she relives … Continue reading →

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The Odyssey – film Review

Posted on July 27, 2026 by garylongden

Yes it is long, very long. But it is an epic so what do you expect? Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon and Tom Holland star in Christopher Nolan’s Homeric adaptation . / At a time when cinema has apeared artificial and … Continue reading →

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Emma Clowsley – Midland Fringe Festival, Lych gate tavern, Wolverhampton, 26/7/26

Posted on July 27, 2026 by garylongden

Securing Emma was a coup for the Midlands Fringe, a stalwart of the Brighton and Ledbury festivals she had come to  promote her new show and book ,”Mid Life Lesbian” – Emma Clowsley  is a Queer, neurodivergent writer,  bringing rural … Continue reading →

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The Market Deeping Model Railway Club – Playhouse Nottingham 6/7/26

Posted on July 20, 2026 by garylongden

**** It is not often that I am able to see a World Premiere, but that is what happened this evening for the debut of William Ivory’s new play . Ivory’s previous popular offering was the screen play for “Made … Continue reading →

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The Bodyguard- Royal Concert Hall Nottingham

Posted on July 20, 2026 by garylongden

Rumour is that Nigel Farage sponsored the show for £5m *** This was my third visit to the show over the yeard, the two previously had featured Alexandra Burke in the starring role. The billed star attraction was Sidonie Smith, … Continue reading →

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Fawlty Towers- Nottingham Royal Theatre

Posted on June 5, 2026 by garylongden

Fawlty Towers- Nottingham Royal Theatre Enjoying the soubriquet ‘Greatest British Sitcom of All Time’ (Radio Times), Fawlty Towers is back is back – this time on stage! 50 years since it first graced our TV screens, it morphs into a … Continue reading →

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Little Shop of Horrors- Derby Theatre

Posted on June 3, 2026 by garylongden

**** Any revival of this 1982  ( and 1960) cult classic has two alternatives, to reimagine and embrace  the absurdist original source material , or go 2026 digital. This production takes option one with an innovative exception- the use of … Continue reading →

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Blood Brothers- Garrick theatre , Lichfield

Posted on May 17, 2026 by garylongden

Photo Jack Merriman **** – A production which seems omnipresent on the regional theatre circuit and one I have seen many times – Willy Russell’s tale has endured for a reason. Superficially it is the tale of twin brothers separated … Continue reading →

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Frankie Goes to Bollywood – Derby Theatre

Posted on May 13, 2026 by garylongden

**** As 1980’s pop recedes into ancient history so the  play with the playful Spoonerism title based around  the almost eponymous Eighties  hit band embarks on a nationwide tour. – All Photos Richard Lakos Bollywood style has been first a … Continue reading →

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Tony Nominations 2026

Posted on May 6, 2026 by garylongden

Tony Nominations If you are reading this in New York the Tony awards nominations  have been announced . The magnificent Giant, which originally opened at London’s Royal Court, is in the running for best play. American star John Lithgow is … Continue reading →

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