Leisure

The Abbey Theatre's Christmas production, A Christmas Carol, opened on Saturday to capacity audiences. Many performances are already sold out, with availability largely limited to the end of the run. Charles Dickens’ tale was first told in 1843 has been adapted many times for the stage and screen. This colourful version is designed for all the family, featuring music, comedy and a young cast that shows great versatility, with many of them playing several roles.

I never got round to seeing David Bowie live and of course I never will now, so the opportunity to see a highly-rated tribute act on my doorstep was not to be missed. The sound at the Harpenden Halls has been pretty ropey in the past, but from the first notes it was clear that this band had their own PA and had made an effort to get the sound right. The show consisted of two sets, with the first one comprising of songs from his great period in the early seventies - Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane. The costumes and sound was pretty much spot on. The band were note perfect and classic after classic followed.

A St Albans-based theatre director and magician has spoken of the ‘tremendous success’ of his latest endeavour, which appeared on Primetime TV on Saturday night.

Verulam Golf Club, which prides itself as a thriving Par 72 course and home of the Ryder's Cup, is situated to the south of St Albans. Next month, they are holding two open days for ladies

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).

The top UK tribute to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is coming to the Alban Arena on the 11th March 2023. The band are based locally, in St. Albans and have been performing since 2018. For this show, as well as all the greatest songs of Tom Petty, such as Freefallin’, I Won’t Back Down, American Girl, Refugee, Learning To Fly, Mary Jane’s last Dance, Breakdown, Don’t Come Around Here No More and Running Down a Dream, the show will also feature some of the best Stevie Nicks songs, including Landslide, Dreams, Gold Dust Woman and Edge of Seventeen.

The New Year is almost upon us! If you have eaten too much pud and want to get out and about experiencing St Albans life, consider these events;

Blue skies and melodious childrens' voices greeted Bishop Stack and the Ss Alban & Stephen parish priests as they celebrated the opening of the new Prayer Garden at St John Fisher Catholic Primary school.

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.....

Radio Verulam is Hertfordshire's first community radio station. They have been broadcasting from their Victoria Street premises since 2007 but will move to new premises on Hatfield Road after Easter. The reception will be much better and reach a wider area.