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Entertainment

littlem1I was rather hesitant about going to this year’s Christmas Pantomime at the St Albans Arena. For the past few years, I paid over £100 to see the pantomimes with my family and had not come away feeling satisfied. Last night, however, my child and I were enthralled by The Little Mermaid from start to finish. I spoke to other parents who were equally as awed by this show.

Sarah Jane Honeywell was as professional as ever. Her strong voice and pretty looks were perfect for the part of Mermaid. I didn’t anticipate enjoying the 3D effects but as advertised, the technology used is seriously groundbreaking! It was scary, credible, moving and captivating. The experience of being brought through the bottom of the ocean (by Cecil the Seahorse), encountering characters that almost grab you, had me on the edge of my seat.

littlem2My favourite character was Long John Silver (also known as Buster). He was engaging and charismatic from the minute he walked on stage. Throwing mischievous glances frequently to the audience, Buster included us from the very start. He has that ‘Michael McIntyre’ sort of wholesomeness about his character and he was so relaxed in the funniest way possible. It came as a complete surprise that this is his first Pantomime!

This show has comedy to suit everyone, outstanding performers with dazzling costumes, incredible 3D effects and top musical entertainment; I would recommend you see this. It does give great value for money especially as you experience good quality on your own doorstep.

A word of warning: Some younger children may find parts a little frightening. It is perfect for ages 5 – 95. And, OH YES, watch out for dear old Churchill!

Extra information;

For tickets and more information, click on www.alban-arena.co.uk or phone 01727 844488.

The show runs twice daily until January 3rd 2010 (except Christmas and New Years Day)

Prices vary from £15 to £20 (group discounts available).

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Town-Centre-smWe all know that Christmas is a magical time of year, everyone is more relaxed and full of good cheer. Well there are lots of things to see and do in St. Albans, so there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy a bit of stalbanslife!

1) Wednesday 9th December 8pm

St Albans Ghost Walk, meet outside the Town Hall.
Tel; 01727 864511 (tickets £3 per adult, half price for children)
www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

2) Saturday 12th December 3pm

Annual Family Carol Concert in St Albans Cathedral (St Albans Bach Choir and Alberti Brass). Tickets £10 per adult or £5 concession, sold at door. Highly recommendable!
Tel; 01727 890 256 or www.stalbansbachchoir.org.uk/concerts

3) Saturday 12th December (daily until 3rd January 10)

Family Pantomine ‘The Little Mermaid’ at the Alban Arena. Civic Centre.
Tel; 01727 844488 or www.albanarena.co.uk

4) Monday 14th December, 4pm

Mayor’s Carol Concert outside the Alban Arena and refreshments afterwards in the Council Chamber. A fun evening for the community! Tel; 01727 819544

5) Wednesday 16th – Sunday 27th December, various times

‘Treasure Island’ performed at the Abbey Theatre, St Albans. Very good value for money!
Tel; 01727 857861 Tickets £5 – £9.50 or www.abbeytheatre2.org.uk

6) Saturday 19th December, 11am – 4pm

Carols performed every hour at St Albans Abbey Cathedral; 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Free and festive, this is worth attending.
Tel; 01727 890256

7) Saturday 19th – 23rd December, 2pm every day

Family Christmas Show ‘Giraffes Cant Dance’ by the Blunderbus Theatre Company at Trestle Arts Theatre Base, Russet Drive, St Albans. Lovely setting and affordable fun.
Tel; 01727 850950 Tickets £8 per adult, Concs £6, Family £25
www.trestle.org.uk

8) Monday 28th December, 11am

St Albans City Walks ‘Historic St Albans’ covers 1200 years of people, buildings and events in the city. Meet outside the Old Town Hall, Market Place, St Albans. Not to be missed! Tel; 01727 864511 Tickets £1 -£3 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

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23 Nov, 2009. Posted by: Nigel

New hope for the Odeon on London Road

Click on the image to read more!

After years of stalled plans and failed planning applications,  St Albans Odeon is now in the hands of James Hannaway – the person who restored the wonderfully successful Rex cinema in Berkhamsted. If the money can be found, there is a fighting chance that we could have the Odeon up and running in similar style. There is nothing the people of St Albans would like better than simply to have their cinema back and this is the chance to do it. Please come to the meeting at the Rex 12:30 pm on Sunday 29 November to find out more and get involved in this great local endeavour.

Click on the image  above to open in a new window and read the full details of the flyer.

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Xmas-PosterIt’s official, the Christmas lights of St Albans are switched on! Entertainment and fun started yesterday at noon.By the afternoon, the town centre was filled with hundreds of happy little faces who were all set for the countdown with Santa, Elvis Schmelvis, Sarah-Jane Honeywell and The Little Mermaid Pantomine Stars. At exactly 5.30pm the canon went off shooting glitter into the sky and the lovely lights of St Albans were switched on. This officially starts the shopping season!

Another event worth attending this Christmas, is the Festival of the Trees (05-06 December 2009), organised by The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.This is a new event and hopes to be a major fundraiser.It will be held in the Town Hall and 50 decorated trees will be on display. Each tree is exhibited by a charity or group.  Children can vote for their favourite tree (the People’s Tree Award). Entertainment will be laid on all weekend and the money raised will go towards the trust’s work. Entry for the weekend is £2.
Email Danielle.porteous@hmwt.org
Phone 01727 858901

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I love fireworks, sfireworks4imple as that. I can’t get enough of them and the annual display at Verulamium Park is always excellent. Luck favoured the brave and the evening was still and crisp. The rain held off till later in the evening allowing for one of my favourite displays for some years. Here is an image to give a flavour of what we enjoyed. See you there next year…..

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Since 21st July 2009

Entertainment

There are numerous entertainment venues scattered around the city. From arts, to theatre, to nightclubs and pub rock, there is plenty to enjoy. Entertainment on the streets (buskers) creates a unique atmosphere on weekends.

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