Leisure

Kenneth Grahame’s enduring tale of Mole, Ratty, Badger, Mr Toad, and their many friends, comes to the Abbey Theatre this Christmas. This stage version of The Wind in the Willows, by Alan Bennett, with additional lyrics and music by Jeremy Sams, caused a popular sensation when it first appeared at The National Theatre in 1990. It has since become a classic in its own right.

I still have strong memories of watching Abigail's Party on the BBC back in 1977. I was a young teenager and alternately bemused, amused and appalled at what I saw and heard. It left a lasting impression and I have followed the work of Mike Leigh and Alison Steadman ever since. It is not the safest of choices for a local theatre, although it can be hilarious in places, the characterisation is very strong and the reputation of the original production is so strong that any new production has a lot to live up to.

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.

Inequality and sexual politics in the workplace are common themes in the theatre today, but not something you would expect from a 1930’s play. However, London Wall, at the Abbey Theatre from next week, is set in a City solicitor’s office at that time. It’s a fascinating and touching play that strongly evokes the atmosphere of the time, and the concerns of working women.

Holly Road Productions (Ben Hill and St Albans local Alex Bell) are presenting 6 new short plays written in response to theme of "White Lies" which will premiere over two weekends in August. The plays will be directed by Stanley Walton (another St Albans local) and star just 4 actors. The actors Tom Crowhurst, Liam Hynes, Daisy May Parsons and Sarah Cullum will have one day to rehearse each play and will be playing all characters. The entire production will be designed by Wimbledon College of Arts graduate Lauren Woodward and will feature original music composed by Henry Mitton.

Following the recent success enjoyed by Becky O’Brien in Britain’s Got Talent, when she made the papers for making Simon Cowell cry with her touching rendition of “Over The Rainbow”, she now joins Britain’s original and longest running Rat Pack show in a brand new production – THE RAT PACK AND JUDY which is coming to The Radlett Centre on Sunday 19th June at 7.30pm.

Introducing Waterloo - The Best of Abba Tribute show presented by Sweeney Entertainments and Produced and Directed by James Baker. This brand new show celebrates the music of one of the best-selling music artists of all time - Abba. In 1974 the little known Swedish pop group Abba swept to superstardom with their Eurovision winning ‘Waterloo’, and four decades later the song and the band remain as popular as ever.

On Saturday 28th March 2015 , Elio will be performing the 'The Billy Joel Songbook' at The Radlett Centre, Radlett. With Billy Joel's reluctance to tour the world anymore, there are many fans out there that have never had the opportunity to hear his music live. This UK & Ireland tour will give everyone a fantastic opportunity to hear his wonderful songbook played and sung by the brilliant Elio Pace and his magnificent 6-piece band. The VERY FIRST EVER UK Billy Joel Songbook theatre tour has been booked to play at over 70 venues so far this year all over the UK & Ireland.

The summer of 2014 offers a real treat for cyclists in and around London – whether it’s a gentle amble through the great British countryside, or a more intense sprint with a competitive edge, Bike Events has something for everyone. Bike Events are the UK’s biggest organiser of recreational and sponsored bike rides and they’ve been organising events for over 20 years now. The 2014 calendar is well underway and this year over 50 rides were scheduled to take place.

After the success of last year’s event, the Grove House Herts Cycle Challenge is back! Join them on Sunday 6th July 2014 and cycle your choice of two fantastic routes – 25 miles or 50 miles – through the scenic Hertfordshire countryside.