Leisure

St Albans Operatic Society is proud to present Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Alban Arena, St Albans from Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th October 2009. For those of you who don't know the show, or haven't seen the Jonny Depp film, it is a dark tale of love and revenge that is thrilling, chilling and, in places, extremely funny. The show won many awards on its debut 30 years ago and has starred a number of musical legends from Angela Lansbury, Sheila Hancock, Julia Mackenzie in the Mrs Lovett role to George Hearns, Dennis Quilley, Alun Armstrong, Johnny Depp and Bryn Terfel in the Todd role.

On the Friday 21st March 2014 FLASH - a Tribute to Queen Live in Concert will be coming to The Radlett Centre, show starting 8pm. Tickets are £18.50 and £17.50 and you can book on 01923 859291. I interviewed Scott Maley, who plays Freddie Mercury, about the show, why a Queen tribute and and lots more. You can hear the interview below.

Are you looking to transform your environment to reflect your dreams and aspirations? This is what Eva Edery, fused glass designer, thrives to achieve with bespoke glass art from her studio in Edgware. She will be exhibiting her new glass collection at the Radlett Centre from 3-28th in February 2014.

The Beautiful South’s co-founder Dave Hemingway’s new band SUNBIRDS play HERTFORD – Corn Exchange on Friday 31st March / MILTON KEYNES – MK11 on Saturday 6th May & ST ALBANS – The Horn on Sunday 7th May 2023. The man who once told us he loved us from the bottom of his pencil case, founder Beautiful South member Dave Hemingway returns with his new band SUNBIRDS announcing their dates for 2023.

Run by a local family and opened in 2005, Big Space is a ten minute drive from St Albans. There are lots of seriously cosy sofas, a café with a big variety of hot drinks (even Maltesers Hot Chocolate), soft football area, wavy slide, drop slide (my kids' favourite), climbing wall, chill-out room,

A few years ago, I asked Imogen de la Bere what she would consider to be the essence of life. 'Truth' was her answer. Interestingly, the OVO philosophy of theatre is that the 'emotional truthfulness of the acting should supply everything.'

The next production by the Company of Ten will take audiences back to the 1970’s, with one of the best loved comedies of the time, Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh. Like most of Leigh’s projects, Abigail’s Party was devised by the cast developing their characters and the story through improvisation.

From The Jam, featuring former The Jam bassist Bruce Foxton and Russell Hastings, bring their acoustic tour to Hertford Corn Exchange on 15th March. Box Offcie 01992584322. Bruce and Russell will be performing a selection of songs from The Jam’s extensive back catalogue and songs from Bruce’s new album Back In The Room as well as handing over the microphone to the audience for a question and answer session.

Family relations don’t come much more painful than those depicted in Sophocles’ standout story of revenge Electra. And the two-and-a-half thousand year-old play about honour, justice and vengence will be the Company of Ten’s next production. This highly accessible version by Kenneth McLeish uses clear modern language and themes to ensure a rich theatrical experience for today’s audiences, who will recognise the idea of expedient, vengeful killing from current news stories.

February's weather is cold and dull but there is plenty on in this city for the family to get out and enjoy. Here are just a few examples but follow the links to find out lots more about each venue.