Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

Here You Come Again- Alexandra theatre Birmingham

Posted on September 11, 2024 by garylongden

Here you come again Alexanda Theatre, Birmingham *** Dolly Parton is a musical phenomena whose  star originally rose in America from Country and Western in the 1960’s. Thereafter, it has continued to rise in concerts, television, film, a theme park, … Continue reading →

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Dial M for Mayhem – Derby Theatre

Posted on September 4, 2024 by garylongden

This tour presents  a world premiere of  Middleground Theatre’s comic pastiche of the  Frederick Knott 1950’s classic  “Dial M For Murder”. Someone thinks that it would be a good idea to debut their play in the wilds of Scotland on … Continue reading →

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Dracula 2024/25 Tour, Blackeyed theatre company , the centenary production- premier at Derby theatre 17/9/24 -20/924

Posted on August 21, 2024 by garylongden

Blackeyed theatre were last in Derby six months ago for a fabulous revival of : “Oh What a lovely war”. They return for a very special occasion the centenary of the first ever stage production of Dracula which played at … Continue reading →

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101 Dalmations, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on August 21, 2024 by garylongden

This is a  new production of the classic children’s story featuring the seminal Cruella de Vill as fiendish  villainous villainess  and, unsurprisingly, 101 dalmations. The tour alternates between Kym Marsh of Coronation St fame, and Faye Tozer of  pop group … Continue reading →

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Wizard of Oz – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on August 2, 2024 by garylongden

***** I first saw the iconic film  in West Virginia, America, as a child, with snow surrounding our house on  Christmas 1966. I was captivated, enthralled and enchanted, even if I didn’t understand it all,  and have loved the show … Continue reading →

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Hamilton- Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on July 3, 2024 by garylongden

Hamilton- Birmingham Hippodrome **** Highly unusually I attended Tuesday’s performance in the first week of a ten week run drawn by the hype and publicity only. I did not know the story. I knew none of the songs. The set, … Continue reading →

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Alice in Wonderland – Derby Theatre

Posted on June 26, 2024 by garylongden

**** Derby theatre have been trailblazers in the provision of BSL performances over the past several years, performances  which  have  drawn out some of their best work. Alice  in Wonderland is theatrical gold. A phantasmagorical  construct where anything and everything … Continue reading →

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What the Butler Saw – Derby theatre

Posted on June 12, 2024 by garylongden

London Classic Theatre brought their revival  of Joe Orton’s classic farce, ‘What The Butler Saw’, to Derby this week as part of a nationwide tour which recently took in Ipswich, where  Orton secured his first job as a  theatre stage … Continue reading →

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The Importance of Being Earnest? – Derby Theatre

Posted on May 29, 2024 by garylongden

***** This show has been garnering scintillating reviews ever since its Edinburgh Fringe debut , plaudits and subsequent tour, which continues. – `I had been expecting improvised chaos. Instead  we were treated to a meticulously crafted comedy which was skilfully … Continue reading →

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Sister Act – Birmingham Hippodrome

Posted on May 14, 2024 by garylongden

*** My introduction to this  story was via the 1992 film, starring Whoopi Goldberg  as  undercover nun Deloris, whose acting, comic and singing abilities defined the story. For this production Landi Oshinowo fills those FM boots. The musical differs significantly … Continue reading →

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