Music

To celebrate their 10th year anniversary and 30 years since The Beautiful South released ‘Song For Whoever’, The South are back this Spring, with a March 2019 - UK Tour playing shows up and down the whole of the UK. The South are an impressive 9 piece band who feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles.  Since Dave Hemingway, the original singer, left the group at the end of 2016, Gaz has moved across to front the band with Alison and taken on vocal duties. They play the songs made famous by The Beautiful South and bring back the full flavour and arrangements with this exciting live band.

Petty Criminals - the UK's top Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Tribute Band come to Harpenden Public Halls 2nd November 2019 to bring you an evening of classic rock in the shape of an American icon – one of the greatest songwriters and greatest bands of our time, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. The “Criminals” dig deep into the life, the music and the incredible influence of the man. You will experience Tom Petty’s legendary career through authentic performances and a huge catalogue of his music spanning four decades. From deep cuts to greatest hits, you’ll journey through early songs like American Girl, Breakdown & Refugee, through the ‘80s and early ‘90s with classics like Freefallin’, Runnin’ Down A Dream, I Won’t Back Down & Learning To Fly, with highlights from the seminal album “Wildflowers” and his later albums. This show is an unforgettable musical journey through the life and works of one of the greatest and much missed rock stars of our time.

There was a real family affair at the Alban Arena on January 20th. Friends, family and fans of the late great rock musician Jim Rodford gathered at the theatre to pay tribute to a local hero. At the side of the stage under a spotlight was a poignant reminder of the musician who had died in St Albans 12 months earlier – his bass guitar and hat.

Broadway's golden age of musical theatre wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredibly talented Jewish composers and lyricists of the 20th century. Together they created an enduring legacy that is enjoyed by millions of people across the world every year.

This is one of those Christmassy weekends where we are spoilt for choice in St Albans. From Peter Pan, Jingle Bell Jog to family carols and Handel's Messiah, it's all happening.....

The latest production by the Radlett Musical Theatre Company is one of the first amateur productions of the hugely popular musical ‘Cats’. The RMTC seem to be making a habit of choosing an eclectic range of material for their shows. Their recent staging of ‘The Producers’ was an inspired choice, with the emphasis on slapstick comedy and well-defined lead characters, with a great plot and spectacular set pieces. ‘Cats’ is a very different beast (no pun intended).

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.

Jackson Live in Concert, presented by Sweeney Entertainments, brings the hugely talented ‘CJ’ to theatres across the UK, recreating the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs. Michael Jackson is not only remembered as one of the most influential artists of all time, but many of today’s artists have been inspired by his iconic style. His career spanned nearly five decades of music, and he was continually at the forefront of popular music. Alban Arena, St. Albans – Friday 26th October 7.30pm.

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.

Join Rich Hall and his virtuoso musical mates for a mash-up of music, comedy and gratuitous coloration as they return this spring with a UK tour of Rich’s infamous ‘Hoedown’ in spring 2017. In addition to two nights at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (17th - 18th March) and four nights at London’s Leicester Square Theatre (5th - 8th April), Rich’s Hoedown will be touring the UK from March until July this year. The floor will reek of liquor and spent dreams.