Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

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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Relatively Speaking, Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on October 23, 2014 by garylongden

This is where it all started for Sir Alan Ayckbourn, his first hit play. Originally entitled “Meet Your Father” it premiered in Scarborough in 1965, as was to become Ayckbourn’s custom, before becoming a hit in London’s West End in … Continue reading →

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Dreamboats and Miniskirts, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Posted on October 13, 2014 by garylongden

This jukebox musical is a sequel to “Dreamboats and Petticoats”, shifting the musical spotlight from fifties rock and roll to sixties pop, but retaining the same winning formula. Once again, the formidable Bill Kenwright production machine is behind the show, … Continue reading →

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Blockbuster, the Musical- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Posted on September 23, 2014 by garylongden

It’s Neat- We Really Love Your Tiger feet The component parts of this brand new jukebox musical are impressive. No-one listening to the radio in the 1970’s could have escaped the song writing of Chinn and Chap, Nicky Chinn and … Continue reading →

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Open All Hours- Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Posted on September 21, 2014 by garylongden

F-f-fantastic show Open All Hours started life as a BBC television sitcom created, and written, by Roy Clarke for the BBC. It ran for 26 episodes in four series from 1976 to 1985 and regularly features in the Top Ten … Continue reading →

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AC/DCUK – Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Posted on September 20, 2014 by garylongden

High Voltage Rock n Roll Although I am a rock fan whose tastes were forged in the vintage years of the 1970’s, somehow AC/DC passed me by. I saw all of their illustrious contemporaries live, but whilst being aware of … Continue reading →

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