Entertainment

Regarded by many as one of the best live bands of the 80s, Sad Café are back. Original members Ian Wilson and bassist Des Tong are joined by long-time associate, singer/songwriter Sue Quin, the exciting vocal talent of Barry James Thomas and lead guitarist Dave Day along with multi-instrumentalist Neil Shaw-Hulme, keyboard player Matt Steele and drummer Bryan Hargreaves to once again perform their catalogue of great songs including the unforgettable Every Day Hurts, My Oh My, Strange Little Girl and many more. Support comes from Sunbirds. 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.

If there is any group that St Albans can be proud of, it's the St Albans Symphonic Orchestra. Last weekend, they performed four great orchestral pieces, with Bjorn Bantock as their new principal conductor. The church was filled...

Rooftop Theatre Company are delighted to be performing their next production, The Winter’s Tale, in the stunningly restored 14thC Kingsbury Barn, St Albans. Shakespeare’s compelling drama The Winter’s Tale is a moving story of the consequences of jealousy and tyranny and the power of remorse. Leontes, King of Sicilia is thrown into violent rage and jealousy at the perceived affair between his wife Hermione and best friend Polixenes. The results resonate through 16 years and across the seas to Bohemia. After this the redemptive effects of time, love and forgiveness bring a surprising and bittersweet conclusion.

Petty Criminals, the UK’s top Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers tribute band, are currently performing ‘THE TOM AND STEVIE SHOW’ a joint TOM PETTY and STEVIE NICKS greatest hits show, with slideshow and animations.

St. Albans is rapidly acquiring a reputuation as a good venue for comedy gigs. The Alban Arena frequently gets national names to visit and perform. We now even have our very own comedy 'festival' annually, with Laughs in the Park. Now I wouldn't say it is anywhere near Glastonbury's exalted position in the national psyche, but as it's only the second year of existence, it still has time.

Have you ever considered fostering a cat? I have just seen Poppy, a beautiful black cat who needs a loving home. Poppy has been rescued by the St Albans Cat Protection and is just one of many stray cats who need a caring family.

St Albans Festival 2010 has something very special to celebrate this year; the 'The Magna Carta'! Our city has played a central role in the drafting of this important document in 1215. This theme will be echoed in the Festival performances, museum activities and street events. The Rt. Hon.Lord Bingham and TV historian Dan Snow will be speaking and our own Mayor will lead the celebratory procession through the city centre.