What's on in Watford this week, 11th to 15th November, 2019

OMD 40 Years – Greatest Hits

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark continue their 40th anniversary celebrations with the announcement of a special world tour. The band were formed in 1978 by teenage friends Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys. They quickly became electro-pioneers with a string of hit albums released throughout the 1980s, selling over 25 million singles and 15 million albums, establishing them as electronic synthesiser pioneers and one of Britain’s best-loved pop groups.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Wednesday, November 13, 7pm. Details: 01923 571102 watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Graham Smith’s Shades of Jazz

Shades of Jazz is an exciting and enjoyable band. The band has no restrictions or dedicated style, which allows the musicians to express themselves and demonstrate their own ideas freely. The popularity of this band now sees them playing all over the country.

Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Road, Watford, Thursday, November 14, 8.15pm. Details: pumphouse.info

Sister Act

The divine musical-comedy based on the hit movie. Set in 1970s Philadelphia, this feel-good show has dazzling dance routines and songs inspired by Motown, disco, soul and gospel music. Disco diva Deloris Van Cartier goes into hiding in a convent after she witnesses a murder. Disguised as a nun, Deloris helps the choir to find their funk but in doing so blows her cover. Curtis’ gang give chase but they didn’t count on the power of sisterhood.

Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, Tuesday, November 12, to Saturday, November 16, various times. Details: 01923 225671 watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Shakespeare Schools Festival

This annual festival is Shakespeare Schools Foundation’s flagship project and the world’s largest youth drama festival. Come along for an exhilarating evening, featuring a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools. See Shakespeare's timeless stories brought to life like you've never experienced before, and support young people from your local community as they take to the stage.

Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth, Monday, November 11, to Wednesday, November 13, 7pm. Details: 01923 711063 watersmeet.co.uk

The Gruffalo

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world.

The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, Thursday, November 14, and Friday, November 15, various times. Details: 01923859291 radlettcentre.co.uk

Lusitania

This is the sad and surprising story of Mabel Neville, a local lady who survived the sinking of the Lusitania. After her husband and children drowned she came back to Watford, then emigrated again. It is also a story of England and the Empire in the early 20th century. This will be told as an illustrated story, with an opportunity for questions.

The Cloisters Hall, High Street, Rickmansworth, Thursday, November 14, 8pm. Details: 01923 248581 rick.hist.soc@btinternet.com

Forbidden Nights

Forbidden Nights is a full production male variety show combining superlative circus and acrobatic skills with finely honed physiques. This unrivalled night of glamour, talent and torsos showcases sizzling new acts, stunt-orientated routines and explosive provocative choreography. Abandon your inhibitions at the door as the hugely entertaining cast of acrobats, fire acts, aerial artists and world-renowned circus performers flip and spin across the stage in a high-octane show.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Friday, November 15, 7.30pm. Details: 01923 571102 watfordcolosseum.co.uk

A Cheesemonger’s History of the British Isles with Ned Palmer

Every cheese tells a story, whether it’s a fresh young goat’s cheese or a big beefy 18-month-old cheddar. The flavour speaks to you about the place it was made, the season of its making and the craft of its maker. And each style of cheese reflects the culture of the people who first made it, and their place in history. Ned Palmer’s A Cheesemonger’s History of the British Isles tells the story of a people and their cheeses, from prehistoric Celts to postmodern foodies, and explains how key moments in our history are embodied by what we eat. Join Chorleywood Bookshop and Ned Palmer to celebrate the release of this new book. P.S. There will be samples on the night!

Chorleywood Library, Lower Road, Chorleywood, Wednesday, November 13, 7pm. Details: 01923 283566 chilternbookshops.co.uk

A Rock and Roll Moment in Time with Jo Wood

Welcome to Jo Wood, English model, television personality and entrepreneur. During her marriage to Ronnie Wood, she travelled all over the world with The Rolling Stones. Her new book showcases the pictures she took along the way. The pictures are a behind the scenes look at life of the road. Although they were never taken with the idea of a book in mind, Jo has made a beautiful book of stories and insights into the real people behind the public gaze.

Chorleywood War Memorial Hall, Common Road, Chorleywood, Monday, November 11, 7pm. Details: 01923 283566 chilternbookshops.co.uk