stalbanslife

Despite the allure of film and modern technology, nothing can beat the impact of a simple, live play!

Last week, I attended Playing Faustus, a play written and directed by local writer, Imogen de la Bere. Clever, funny and really well written, this ‘play within a play’ captivated me from start to finish.

It tells the story of a priest who looses faith in God, in himself and the careless life he lived. All sorts of moods and themes were carefully interwoven, with underlying morals to ponder on. The actors were incredibly talented and did the script great justice.

Best of all, we, the audience could enjoy a glass of wine while watching on!

Details ; OVO Theatre is relatively new to St Albans and based in Pudding Lane. Lots of information for you on www.ovo.org.uk.

James Hannaway, owner of the beautifully renovated Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted, is now in the final phase of purchasing The Alpha (previously the Odeon Cinema) in St Albans. It is hoped that the last £100 K will be pledged or donated in the coming week bringing it to a total of £1 million.

James states ‘ The best way to win the race to secure the site is through sponsored chairs. There are 500 seats ‘for sale’ at £1000 a seat! The best news is: we can buy the site with £1 million of real St Albans money, small and huge, and ALL extraordinary. This is a whole city putting its money where its heart is. So perhaps in return, I owe you the will and energy to make it work.’

James’s sensational, art-deco Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted is impressive in every aspect. The comfy red seating, table lamps, the bar, walls-of-great-glory; its elegance would truly suit the ambiance of  St Albans.

Local residents have been concerned that the needs of our teenagers are considered when renovating The Alpha. At present they have to travel to other cities to see movies. How wonderful it would be for the environment and for their finances, if they could stay in their own St Albans. For more information, email therexberkhamsted@googlemail.com or send your cheques to The Rex, High St, Berkhamsted HP4 2FG.

As you all doubtlessly know, there is a campaign, led by JamesHannaway of the Rex cinema in Berkhamstead. Here’s some useful info from James:

“So far in only three weeks since the bank account was opened you have paid in over £100,000. Still cheques only until we have card machines installed. Not long but more than a week. Cheques with full names addresses, emails and WHAT FOR to: The Alpha St Albans (address below). Watch allaboutstalbans.com for updates. A very big apology to those who have gone missing from our answering system. Please contact the Rex again therexberkhamsted@hotmail.co.uk.”

“If all fails before 15 February and the site is bought for development, all your money will be returned in full. Thanks to the extraordinary leap of faith from the one who sent a cheque for £25,000 with just the line: ‘Please acknowledge receipt’.”

Here’s what we’ve raised up to last week… 27 Jan

I 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.

My 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).

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.