Category Archives: Behind the Arras Reviews

David Walliams has cemented himself a position as  a favourite children’s author both with his books and plays. His writing covers an appeal to a variety of ages. Tonight I took a ten year old grandson and seven year old … Continue reading →

**** Sherlock Holmes novels and plays were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a celebrity in the English speaking world and a leading and influential Spiritualist.  “The Valley of Fear” … Continue reading →

***** Sutton Arts has  taken a risk performing an unknown play by  a local  actor turned playwright. However that risk is mitigated by two things. Firstly, the doyen of Midlands  comic Amdram Barrie Atchison directs, secondly an outstanding cast has … Continue reading →

**** In advance this was  one  of the most intriguing elements of the Grand’s  2024 programme, and so it proved to be  on the night. The Sao Paulo Dance Company is state sponsored ,  a government supported cultural gem and … Continue reading →

Orwell wrote this, his eponymous novel,  in 1944 when the UK and US were allies with the Soviet Union. It is a political satire on Communist totalitarianism , the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917, and then … Continue reading →

2.22  A Ghost story – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre **** 2.22 is a rarity, a brand new  ghost/ thriller story , written by Danny Robins  creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist.  It skilfully conflates the traditional Ghost Story … Continue reading →

This is a much heralded revamp of a story which has endured both on stage and screen. You cannot beat a good courtroom drama. It is the best live straight play production  I have seen on stage for many years. … Continue reading →

This  play is not be confused with the  hit 1964 sex comedy film of the same name ( screenplay Wilder/ Diamond) starring Dean Martin and Kim Novak which drew on several sources for its material. – Instead it is written … Continue reading →

Murder in the dark- Derby Theatre **** This is the debut tour of playwright   Torben Betts’ latest drama. Although the material is new, the pedigree of those involved  is well established. Derby audiences have already savoured his work through previous … Continue reading →

Annie – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ***** Before leaving for the theatre I watched the Labour Party Conference highlights on the news. The signature song from Annie  “Tomorrow”  ( sung by Roosevelt’s 1930’s  cabinet in the Oval office!) could easily have … Continue reading →