Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

Hansel and Gretel- WNO, Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on March 8, 2015 by garylongden

“Hansel and Gretel” is a Märchenoper (fairy tale opera) by nineteenth-century composer Engelbert Humperdinck, based on the eponymous Grimm brothers’ fairy tale . The first four rows of the stalls at the Hippodrome had been removed to accommodate a full … Continue reading →

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Solace of the Road- Derby Playhouse

Posted on March 2, 2015 by garylongden

Derby playhouse is fortunate indeed to be staging the world premiere of Siobhan Dowd’s novel of loss and homecoming which was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award 2009, the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2009 and the Bisto Children’s Book … Continue reading →

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“Avenue Q” Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield

Posted on February 27, 2015 by garylongden

I came to this production “cold”, knowing nothing about the show, having little regard for puppets, and a disregard for much American humour. Little did I know how much my theatrical spirit would be enriched and my views changed over … Continue reading →

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The Nutcracker, Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Wolverhampton Grand.

Posted on February 11, 2015 by garylongden

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia came to Wolverhampton on Sunday afternoon in the middle of an extended provincial tour showcasing four ballets. Although Wolverhampton is considerably warmer than Siberia at this time of year ( a good reason for … Continue reading →

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Boeing,Boeing, Grange Players, Grange Theatre, Walsall

Posted on January 8, 2015 by garylongden

**** France has produced some fine playwrights of weight and comedy – Molière, Racine, Yasmina Reza and Feydeau, to name but a few. But its most frequently performed playwright worldwide is Marc Camoletti, author of “ Boeing Boeing”, a farce … Continue reading →

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A Christmas Carol- Derby Theatre

Posted on December 9, 2014 by garylongden

There are a number of festive productions popular at Christmas time. Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a favourite, and with good cause. Its message of festive cheer and hope at the expense of parsimony and gloom is evergreen, its … Continue reading →

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The Full Monty, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on November 24, 2014 by garylongden

I recall when the film first came out, it was a huge success, in parts funny, poignant, sad and raucous, but always faithful to the time and place. Yet the alchemy of film and stage can be quite different, and … Continue reading →

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A Farewell to Arms – Birmingham Rep Studio

Posted on November 19, 2014 by garylongden

An adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s novel by innovative theatre group Imitating the Dog. The play is a multi-media, multi lingual, experience with cameras on stage and prose projected everywhere; It tells the story of American Frederic Henry, serving as a … Continue reading →

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Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Posted on November 8, 2014 by garylongden

**** ‘This is a brand new children’s stage show from the producers of Peppa Pig Live, Fiery Light! In Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure the entire crew of the Octonauts, led by intrepid explorer Captain Barnacles ( “aye,aye … Continue reading →

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“Thought Apples” Lichfield Launch

Posted on October 30, 2014 by garylongden

Lichfield Library had to add more chairs as Alrewas poet Bert Flitcroft packed out the venue for the launch of his second collection, Thought Apples. Offa’s Press, the publisher, will have been heartened by the response as they take their … Continue reading →

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