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The Alban Arena

The 800-seat Alban Arena is the most visited arts venue in St Albans. It hosts a varied programme of national touring shows, concerts, comedy, films, exhibitions and pantomime. Drinks, ice cream and confectionary available. Free parking after 6.30pm. Pick up an events brochure, view a seating plan, or join the priority mailing list.

Funded by St Albans City and District Council

Overview

Facilities:	Free parking, Parking (£), Disabled access, Disabled toilets, Licensed bar, Venue for hire
Activities:	Drama, Music, Poetry, Film, Comedy
Dates & Times:	Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-8pm. Open until 6pm on non-performance days.
Hire information:	Contact venue for hire information.

Contact details

Business Name:The Alban Arena
Address:Civic Centre
Town:St Albans
County:Herts
Postcode:AL1 3LD
Telephone:01727 844488
Email:alban.arena@leisureconnection.co.uk
Email:aatechnical@leisureconnection.co.uk
Web:www.alban-arena.co.uk
Map: View Map

Recent reviews

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Blockheads and Boomtown Rats (11 June 10)

'Oi, oi!' shouted The Blockheads. 'Oi, oi!' responded St Albans, somewhat embarrassed, but relatively enthusiastically. Following on from a steady Boomtown Rats support act, The Blockheads rocked, or, perhaps more accurately, jazz-funked the Alban Arena. Theirs was a barnstorming set, combining much loved old favourites with more recent compositions, proving that they are very much a living entity rather than a blast from the past.

Norman Watt-Roy's slapping, melodic basslines come to the fore in 'What a Waste' and 'Inbetweenies', while Chaz Jankel and Mick Gallagher's creative keyboard playing and Dylan Howe's rock-solid drumming complete as tight and talented a rhythm section as you'll find anywhere.

Gilad Atzmon skulks around the sidelines like a menacing bouncer but is then transformed when he plays his saxophone, even two at once at one point, and his semi-improvised interaction with lead guitarist John Turnbull is particularly inventive. On lead vocals, Derek the Draw lurks behind his CND shades looking like a cross between Phil Daniels and Albert Steptoe, entertains the crowd between songs, builds numerous references to St Albans into the already fine lyrics, and plays a tough role – replacing the irreplaceable – with charisma and panache. And the encore of 'Sweet Gene Vincent', 'Reasons To Be Cheerful', and 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' had the Arena bouncing in its seats, with a few dancing in the aisles – not bad for a St Albans' music crowd on World Cup night. Verdict:

King of Herts (4 out of 5)

by Herts Critic

fair play

OK so it's a bit sixties on the outside, and a bit schoolhall on the inside, but they do get some good acts in, now and again. [Nov 09]

by RnK

WOW!

My GF and I came to the Ice Show and it was awesome! When are they coming back! [Jun 09]

by freake1

Not for drinkers

The Arena is only a place for a drink in desperate emergencies - maybe at half time in a show. Limited choice and slow service. Need I say more? [Apr 09]

by Richard8

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