Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

“Emma” , Sutton Arts Theatre, Sutton Coldfield.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by garylongden

Sutton Arts continue their policy of imaginative programming by presenting this production of Emma, an adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel. Such adaptations can be problematic. Aficionados of the novel can be critical of what is inevitably omitted, those … Continue reading →

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Bilston Voices, Metro Cafe, Church St, Bilston

Posted on April 26, 2013 by garylongden

Bilston Voices has had a weather interrupted start to the year with two of the four events snowed off. Thus a full house turned up in expectation, and relief , the show is back on the road. The pulling power … Continue reading →

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Cosi Fan Tutte, English Touring Opera,Grand Theatre Wolverhampton

Posted on April 15, 2013 by garylongden

English Touring Opera made a return to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with two ambitious titles for Spring 2013; Cosi Fan Tutte, and Simon Boccanegra performed on successive nights, Monday night’s performance was of the former opera. The music for Cosi Fan … Continue reading →

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Driving Miss Daisy, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on April 10, 2013 by garylongden

This play is held in high regard by actors because of the challenge it offers in two regards. Firstly, the two lead characters age 25 years in 90 minutes, secondly, the play is performed as a three hander, further intensifying … Continue reading →

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Boxed Set- Paul Francis

Posted on April 9, 2013 by garylongden

Paul is a retired teacher from Much Wenlock with a growing list of published credits. An accomplished and regular performer on the Midlands and Borders poetry circuit, his writing, and subject matter, is eclectic and diverse. Cross- fertilisation between cinema, … Continue reading →

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Lawn Lore- Nadia Kingsley

Posted on April 9, 2013 by garylongden

Lawn Lore is a wonderful poetry pamphlet borne out of a brilliant idea. Nadia lives in the countryside in a rural idyll in Shropshire, but with imperfect grass on her lawn. One day she was moved to ask a friend … Continue reading →

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Much Wenlock Poetry Festival Sunday 7th April 2013

Posted on April 8, 2013 by garylongden

This was my second visit to this festival, now in its fourth year. A product of the creative force of local bookshop owner, and poetry aficionado ,Anna Dreda, a strong and varied programme augured well, as did the crowds milling … Continue reading →

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Arthur and George by David Edgar, Sutton Arts Theatre Co @ Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on March 22, 2013 by garylongden

Modern day television and cinema enjoys crime thrillers as staple fare. Local author David Edgar has produced a stage play which taps into that contemporary interest whilst looking backwards a century to the story of George Edalji. Edalji was born … Continue reading →

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The Woman in White, Garrick Theatre, Lichfield

Posted on February 27, 2013 by garylongden

Period drama is enjoying a popular renaissance with Downton Abbey hugely popular on television, and Steampunk Victoriana gaining traction on the page. Garrick Artistic Director Adrian Jackson continues to have a keen eye for combining the artistically interesting ,with what … Continue reading →

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Spoken Worlds, Old Cottage Tavern, Burton upon Trent

Posted on February 18, 2013 by garylongden

Now in its fourth year Spoken Worlds continues to go from strength to strength. Tonight a strong roster of performers appeared with a typically diverse range of talent. Rather than simply report on the evening I think it is worth … Continue reading →

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