Events coming up in February in St Albans and Harpenden...

Jason Donovan

The boy who made his name on Neighbours and became one of Britain’s biggest ever pop stars. Jason Donovan had four number one singles and took the lead role in Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

His successful move to the stage earned plaudits for The King’s Speech and The War Of The Worlds. Now, for the first time, fans can meet Jason Up Close. Appearing in An Audience With, Jason will talk about the highs and lows of his career. Expect previously untold stories and exclusive, stripped-back-and-acoustic versions of his biggest hits.

Tuesday, February 13. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden. Details: 01582 767525

Menopause The Musical

Menopause the Musical is heading out on another UK wide tour, this time starring Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Hilary O’Neil (ITV’s Copy Cats).

An all-singing, all-dancing comedy set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common, meet by chance and make fun of their woeful lives experiencing “The Change”. They soon bond as they realise that the menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage”, but an unavoidable stage in every woman’s life.

Tuesday, February 13. The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD. Details: 01727 844488

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Showdaddy

Showaddywaddy were formed in 1973 in Leicester, England, from two groups, ‘Choise’ and ‘Golden Hammers’. There have been more changes in the band’s personnel since 2008 than at any other time in Showaddywaddy’s history, culminating in the retirement of Dave Bartram in December 2011.

Original members Romeo Challenger and Rod Deas remain with the band and are on the road in a new Showaddywaddy line-up.

Saturday, February 17. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden. Details: 01582 767525

Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Formed in 1917, during the First World War, Grimethorpe’s diverse noted concert performances now include those at the FIFA World Cup, BAFTA Awards, BBC Proms, Eurovision and London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, together with a wealth of national and international television and radio appearances and professional recordings. The band has been the recipient of two gold discs, as well as a BAFTA nomination for its contributions to the global hit movie “Brassed Off” for which Grimethorpe was the focal point.

Sunday, February 18. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden. Details: 01582 767525

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Music at Stow

Fairport Convention

This year’s winter tour will feature a mix of long established Fairport favourites and new material from their most recent studio album 50:50@50 celebrating their Golden anniversary. The concerts will also feature an opening performance by the singer/songwriter duo Winter Wilson, who have become favourites on the folk scene in the UK and as far away as Australia.

Saturday, February 24. The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD. Details: 01727 844488

Faith: The George Michael Legacy

This show features international George Michael tribute artist Wayne Dilks together with his seven-piece band and backing singers. A musical journey of 35 years of hit records from Wham to George’s solo career, the show and production are based upon the George Michael 25 live tour (also known as the 25th anniversary tour). It uses actual video footage from the 25 live tour displayed on our unique video wall, this is a first for any UK theatre show.

Saturday, February 24. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden. Details: 01582 767525

Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert

Is life that bad or have we good reason to complain about it? Are we filled with righteous anger at a world gone wrong or are we all just a bunch of whiny little brats? In short, are we spoiled? Come and watch as Byrne takes this question, turns it upside down and shakes it until the funny falls out. Go on, spoil yourself.

Tuesday, February 27. The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD. Details: 01727 844488

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Paul Young

2016, saw Paul Young release his brand new album Good Thing. Paul has recorded a collection of Memphis Soul tunes and this will be Paul’s first soul album in 20 years. Paul regularly performs with his ongoing side venture, the Los Pacaminos too.

Wednesday, February 28. The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD. Details: 01727 844488