1. Vortex

The play which made Noël Coward’s name, Vortex is a witty but dark glimpse into the lives of self-destructive rich people. Florence Lancaster, an attractive socialite, is basking in the attentions of her current beau. She’s deeply perturbed when her son Nicky returns from France with his feisty fiancée, but Nicky has a more challenging secret.

The Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, July 3 to 11, except Monday, July 6, a variety of times. Details: 01727 857861, abbeytheatre.org.uk

2. American Jazz at St Paul’s

Celebrate American Independence Day with St Albans Chamber Choir this Saturday. The programme includes jazz classics by the likes of George Gershwin and lesser-known pieces by F J Brown.

St Paul’s Church, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Saturday, July 4, 7pm. Details: 07570 454744, stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk

3. St Albans Organ Festival

A fortnight of fantastic live music is about to kick off in St Albans. A host of large-scale choral and instrumental music is lined up alongside solo recitals, a percussion ensemble, some dance and the haunting sound of Northumbrian pipes. This year’s Organ Festival is accompanied by a Fringe Festival which presents street entertainment from the likes of The Dragon and Balloonatic along with the chance to learn an instrument with harmonica, didgeridoo and one octave organ workshops.

The festival runs across various venues in St Albans from July 4 to 18. Details: 01727 844765, organfestival.com

4. Inky One: Original Ink Creations

Quirky pieces of work come together for this exhibition based around the medium of ink. It will be an exciting display by both emerging and well-established artists, including Secretary Bird by Baz Morris (above). As part of the exhibition, St Albans artist Joel Brown will present a psychedelic slide show in the gallery on Thursday, July 9 at 7pm. The show was originally created for a Pink Floyd concert in 1966.

Nude Tin Can Gallery, Hatfield Rd, St Albans, until July 12. Details: 07870 941158, nudetincan.gallery

5. The Tringe Festival

A week longer than usual and, as always, packed with a fantastic array of outstanding comics, magicians, sketch groups and wonderful variety including such gems as Arthur Smith sings Leonard Cohen. This year’s star-studded line-up features well-known artists such as Jenny Eclair, Ed Byrne, Josh Widdicombe, Sara Pascoe, Mark Thomas and Patrick Kielty.

The Court Theatre, Station Road, Tring until July 25, various times. Details: 07973 291821, tringefestival.co.uk