Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

The Wizard of Oz- Nonentities, Rose Theatre , Kidderminster

Posted on December 1, 2015 by garylongden

“The Wizard of Oz” is the greatest English language fairy story of the 20th century, and the best ever to come out of America. Its appeal is pan-generational, with those who enjoyed it as children now sharing the magic with … Continue reading →

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Write Me a Murder- Grange Players, Grange Playhouse, Walsall

Posted on November 19, 2015 by garylongden

**** Author Frederick Knott is best known for “Dial M for Murder” (1952)which was successfully portrayed in the cinema by Alfred Hitchcock, and “Wait Until Dark” (1966) which appeared both on Broadway, and in the cinema, starring Audrey Hepburn. In between, … Continue reading →

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Last Night a DJ Saved My Life

Posted on November 19, 2015 by garylongden

The credentials and ingredients for this show have merit. Director Jon Conway is a seasoned impresario for jukebox musicals, David Hasselhoff is an instantly recognisable name, Stephanie Webber looked strong as a finalist in The Voice playing Hoff’s stage daughter, … Continue reading →

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Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, Derby Playhouse

Posted on November 19, 2015 by garylongden

The eponymous protagonists are much loved characters in the canon of English literature. Their comic escapades have delighted generations. This comedy, based on the 1938 novel by P.G, Woodhouse, The Code of the Woosters, was created by David and Robert … Continue reading →

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And Then There Were None – Derby Playhouse

Posted on November 12, 2015 by garylongden

The history of this Agatha Christie mystery story, ranked by many to be amongst her best, is a fascinating one. It was first published in the United Kingdom by the Collins Crime Club on 6 November 1939 after the British … Continue reading →

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Peter Pan – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre, Lichfield Garrick

Posted on October 30, 2015 by garylongden

**** JM Barrie’s timeless children’s classic was an excellent choice for half term week in Lichfield. The libretto is unusually strong for a musical, and although the score is less familiar, it is instantly accessible, and works with the story, … Continue reading →

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Blood Brothers- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on October 27, 2015 by garylongden

An elite clutch of theatrical productions have a momentum of their own, selling out houses- because they do. Blood Brothers is one such production filling the Grand on a late autumnal Monday night. The audience was encouragingly mixed with a … Continue reading →

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Mindgame – Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on October 22, 2015 by garylongden

***** Author Anthony Horowitz is one of the most prolific and successful multi- media writers around, writing books, TV series, films, and plays . His best known work includes the bestselling teen spy series Alex Rider , and TV series … Continue reading →

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The Hound of the Baskervilles- Lichfield Garrick, Studio Theatre,

Posted on October 16, 2015 by garylongden

The Fired Up Theatre Company are starting to define the word versatile. From the rock opera’s of The Wall and Quadrophenia, and the thriller-scape of The Fell Walker, they now tackle this traditional murder mystery classic. Much played in numerous … Continue reading →

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The Glenn Miller Story – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on October 16, 2015 by garylongden

Glen Miller is a name that resonates amongst the second world war time generation. His music has endured to delight the generations that have followed. Born in 1904, Miller was an American big band musician, arranger, composer, and bandleader in … Continue reading →

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