Leisure

Passing our Fire Station on London Rd, St Albans last week, I noticed three large signs enticing me to get ready for upcoming active events in the area. Although, I am proudly partaking in the easiest one (see last post!),

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.

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;

ABBA – Forever, presented by Sweeney Entertainments, is one of the UK’s leading International tribute shows and theatre audiences from across Great Britain and Sweden have long enjoyed this superb recreation of possibly the world‘s greatest pop band.

I have seen many tribute acts over the last several years, in various venues. Generally they try to look and sound like the original artist and give the audience the greatest hits. Totally Tina certainly did this, with clips of Tina herself at times, as well as stories of Tina during her career and the artists she sang duets with and the songs she chose to cover.

Jackson Live in Concert brings the hugely talented ‘CJ’ back to The Radlett Centre, recreating the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs. CJ is one of the most experienced, dedicated and well-respected Michael Jackson Tribute artists in the world today, and he perfectly captures the electrifying energy of Michael’s live performances with 100% Live Vocals. He’s got the look, the moonwalk and the voice!

The Alban Arena is a venue with a rich history of welcoming touring acts, some of which have gone on to world-wide fame - such as Dire Straits, who played there in 1978. I saw the legendary Rory Gallagher there in 1988, more recently The Waterboys and The Gorillaz have graced the stage. It is maybe a sign of the times that more tribute bands than original artists perform there these days. So when two of the UKs most respected musical artists were coming to the Alban Arena it was likely to be an evening not to be missed!

Featuring three sets and one MC per show, you're all set for an evening of entertainment! The November line up is DYLAN MORAN: Black Books, Shaun of the Dead, Run Fatboy Run and multiple stand up specials.

Jerusalem, the anthem of the Women’s Institute, and popular hymn, is a symbol of England and its “Green and Pleasant Land”. Jerusalem the play, written by St. Albans local Jez Butterworth, is a completely different kettle of fish. First performed at The Royal Court in 2009, to great acclaim, it is set in the archetypal English village of Flintock, in the heart of Wiltshire, and covers twenty four hours in the life of Johnny “Rooster” Byron.

It's springtime again in our beautiful city and there are plenty of events going on in the theatres and other venues for you to get out and enjoy! Here are a few for you to choose from: