Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

See How They Run- Grange Players, Walsall

Posted on January 23, 2016 by garylongden

This is a welcome revival of a less well known, but very funny, farce written by Phillip King. King was serving as conscripted aircrew based in London when See How They Run made its West End debut in 1945. The … Continue reading →

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The Elves and the Shoemakers – Derby Theatre Studio

Posted on December 21, 2015 by garylongden

**** This lovely little Christmas production is inspired by the Grimm fairy tale written just over a hundred years ago in 1806. Performed in the intimate 100 seater studio, it is aimed at 3-7 year olds but particularly suits pre-school … Continue reading →

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Cinderella, RWP,Sutton Town Hall

Posted on December 21, 2015 by garylongden

*** Cinderella is one of the strongest pantomimes, and RWP have assembled a strong team to deliver it. A big turn- out for the opening night augured well, and from the opening curtain, the cast threw themselves into the evening’s … Continue reading →

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Cinderella, Derby Theatre, Derby

Posted on December 8, 2015 by garylongden

The Derby Theatre once again eschews the predictable seasonal appeal of pantomime by putting on Mike Kenny’s adaptation of Grimm’s fairy tale “Cinderella” ,following last year’s hugely successful production of “ A Christmas Carol”.   Director Sarah Brigham likes her … Continue reading →

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Aladdin, Sutton Arts Theatre, Sutton Coldfield

Posted on December 6, 2015 by garylongden

  Aladdin is one of the best traditional pantomimes, and the most popular, as a full house on the opening performance, a Saturday matinee, demonstrated. Panto is as integral a part of the festive season as Father Christmas, turkey and … Continue reading →

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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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