stalbanslife

Last year, an ambitious new opera came to St Albans, premiering in the Abbey, the opera told the little known story of Alban himself, the first English martyr. After a sell out run, Alban the Opera is travelling to London for four nights only in October this year before heading to the US in 2011. A community opera mixing top professionals with enthusiasts and amateurs, Alban was written deliberately to include a large adult chorus. There are still a few places available in the group chorus for the London performances – a fantastic chance to share the stage with the likes of top opera professionals Louise Mott and Philip Salmon in the beautiful environs of St Alban the Martyr in Holborn. The performances are from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd October and the time commitment for rehearsals is very reasonable.
Hazel Ireson, producer of Alban, said: “This really is a once in a lifetime’s experience – it is such an exciting project working with professionals with the highest artistic standards. The choruses are a vital part of the fast moving story and we’re really looking forward to welcoming new singers to be part of this fantastic event.”
The opera tells the story of Alban, a doctor and family man, living in Roman occupied Verulamium (later St Albans) when, one night, he is interrupted by a knock on his door. The decision Alban makes that fateful night begins a chain reaction ending in the destruction of a man and the heartbreak of his family. The dramatic and fast moving story is told using intimate scenes of family life interspersed with great crowd choruses in market places and court rooms, with the audience joining in at the climax of the opera.
Those who are interested in taking part are invited to visit www.albanopera.org.uk, email Hazel directly on admin@albanopera.org.uk or phone 01582 832312

Alban is performed nightly at 7.30pm at St Alban the Martyr, Brooke Street, London EC1N 7RD from Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 October.

Tickets cost £16 and £8 for children under 16 and can be booked over the telephone on 0844 412 4317 or online at www.albanopera.org.uk .

Tickets can also be purchased in person from the Peacock Theatre, WC2.

There is no doubt that St Albans commuters have had their patience tested by First Capital Connect in recent months. But for those who would like a day out in London and don’t desire the delays of FCC to be part of it, is there an alternative?

Yes, there sure is! It’s the 712 Green Line Express Coach service from St Albans to Marble Arch (Oxford St) or Victoria Station.

I came across the Green Line team in December 09 when they were doing a promotion near the Town Hall. I managed to secure some £1 return tickets to London! Soon after, I undertook this bus journey with my kids. Even if it I paid the normal fare of £5 return, it really is good value.

The journey was pleasant, the coach in good order and we were in London within 80 minutes; no waiting on platforms, no squashing in trains and no underground changes….just good-old-fashioned sitting on one’s seat!

The evening return journey went as per the timetable and we were unaffected by traffic congestion, thanks to bus lanes. So I would suggest to St Albans commuters, that if you are tired of train cancellations and high costs, remember that there is pleasant alternative available in your own city. Even if you are not a bus fan, give it a try.

Notes for St Albans commuters; Green Line Express coaches run from 7am on weekdays. There are seasonal tickets, saver tickets, off peak and student tickets. Green Line also runs a service to Heathrow and Luton Airport. Their website is
www.greenline.co.uk and Tel 08448004411.