Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

Many theatregoers, and play Directors, have mentioned to me that although productions are well covered at the time of performance, previews are confined to often cursory summaries in brief advance publicity material. As a consequence, punters can find themselves making … Continue reading →

The pace of reviewing is such that one year can blend into the next. But January provides the occasion to reflect back on the previous twelve months and reflect on a year of Midlands theatre. The Midlands continues to be … Continue reading →

  **** This rarely produced play was a shrewd, but challenging choice by Director Stuart Goodwin. Written by Noel Coward, and first staged in 1924, it titillated, outraged and divided opinion at the time, almost a century later I regard … Continue reading →

  Playwright  Mike Leigh is best known for the television production of his play “ Abigail’s Party” and the film “Secrets and Lies”. His oeuvre is of making an art form out of the ordinary, ordinary conversations from ordinary people, … Continue reading →

Hairspray, Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company, Lichfield Garrick ***** Just occasionally, an amateur Musical Society can perfectly catch the zeitgeist of the spirit of a musical, injecting a zest and enthusiasm which breathes life into the original, taking it head … Continue reading →