Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

The Public, West Bromwich THE Public has had a fairly rough ride since opening with criticism both of structure, and purpose. Fortunately, as time progresses, that identity is being found. The theatre and performance space is particularly impressive and was … Continue reading →

Little Venice, Worcester LAST month’s event was a resounding success with a strong contingent of imported Birmingham talent. This month, promoter Lisa Ventura focused on local talent, and produced a diverse and equally entertaining show. Parole Parlate prides itself on … Continue reading →

Victoria Pub, Birmingham The “Hit the Ode” soubriquet name-checks in parody a 1960’s hit made popular by Ray Charles. But maybe event impresario Bohdan Piasecki should think about re-branding it after Peter Frampton’s 1970’s hit “Something’s Happening” ? Because the … Continue reading →

Old Cottage pub, Burton-on-Trent This was the debut of the new venue for “Spoken Worlds” at the Old Cottage Public House, and very agreeable it was too. Organiser, MC, and Poet, Gary Carr had previously defied conventional wisdom by holding … Continue reading →

The Western Pub, Leicester SHINDIG is a collaborative venture between Crystal Clear Creators, represented at the gig by Jonathan Taylor, and Nine Arches Press, represented by Jane Commane and Matt Nun. Recently relocated to “The Western”, the venue is one … Continue reading →

Little Venice, St Nicholas St, Worcester THIS monthly event has been attracting an increasing level of interest in recent months. A combination of a strong bill, curiosity, and a personal invitation from organiser Lisa Ventura moved me to check it … Continue reading →

  Patrick Kavanagh Public House, Moseley NEW theatre company, Don’t Go Into the Cellar specialise in Period theatre. This show, a sister to “Gothicana”, has a bawdy theme, as the show title suggests, but is still presented in a Victorian … Continue reading →

 Shakespeare Memorial Room, Birmingham Central Library DON’T Go Into the Cellar is a new Theatre Company with a growing reputation for period performance. The creative invention of Jonathan Goodwin and Rachel Green, tonight’s presentation was of Gothic horror with “Gothicana”. … Continue reading →

The  hall of this famous, landmark Church is now a fine venue in its own right with excellent public address and lighting  as well as a bar, cafe, formal and informal seating. Compere  Penny Hewlett, leader of Smart Poets did … Continue reading →

Spoken Worlds, Rangemore House,Burton-on-Trent  THIS was a valedictory occasion for the last “Spoken Worlds” to be held at this venue. The unavailability of Rangemore House going forwards has prompted a move to the Old Cottage Tavern, just a few hundred metres … Continue reading →