Front Doors Open: 6pm
Auditorium: 6.30pm
Show Starts: 7pm
To alleviate large queues we ask that you arrive in good time as there are bag searches in place. Where possible please bring small bags with you.
Hosted by Bob Golding
Joined by Phil Gallagher and Ian Kirkby
Starring :
Adam Hills
Gareth Gates
Shaun Williamson
Rita Simons
The 78 RPM Big Band
Pete Firman
Barry from Watford
The West End Gospel choir
Hats off To Led Zeppelin
Vicky Arlidge
Asha Banks
The Alban Arena dancers
… and introducing some stars of the future
Plus a very special surprise guest artist
Bob Golding
Our very own adopted Son, the newly appointed Patron of The Alban Arena Bob Golding will be hosting this wonderful event. St Albans’ Pantomime royalty, Bob has been here with us for 8 years now and he premiered the last tour of the brilliant play Morecambe here after three previous tours and a west end run … – ‘Morecambe’ is – A one man play celebrating comic legend Eric Morecambe, winning the Fringe first award, Lawrence Olivier award for Best Entertainment and an Olivier award Best actor nomination, Best solo performer at the Whats on Stage Awards & performed at the Royal Variety Performance 2010. As well as being in many plays and musicals on tour and West End runs, Bob has also graced our screens in Mr Selfridge (ITV1) Tommy Cooper Not Like That, Like This ( ITV1) Trying Again (SKY) Eastenders (BBC) Watson & Oliver (BBC) Hetty Feather (BBC) The Slammer (CBBC) Diddy Movies/ Diddy TV (CBBC) Hoopla (CBBC), Hetty Feather (CBBC) Peter Kay’s ‘Britain’s Got The Pop Factor 1&2 (Channel 4) Family Affairs (Channel 5) Me Before You (MGM Films) The Last Laugh (Evolution Films) winning him best actor at the Discover Film Awards , Best Actor in the St Albans Film Festival and Best Supporting actor at the Southampton Film Festival.
Phil Gallagher
The super lovely Phil has appeared as the title character Mister Maker since 2007 on Cbeebies for the BBC. In 2009, he was nominated for the BAFTA Children’s Awards as Best Presenter for his role in Mister Maker and has been well loved all around the world on multiple sell out tours. We love Phil here at The Alban Arena as he has been in 3 of our most successful pantomimes. He also appeared in 2 episodes of Bear Behaving Badly as the Robot Rat Catcher and the Mummy, he has also played the role of ‘Mr Liker Biker’ in Grandpa In My Pocket.
Ian Kirkby
Ian is a long serving and well loved member of The Alban Arena pantomime cast. His Panto roles have had audiences in fits of laughter and his on stage partnership with Bob Golding has proved legendary in the pantomime world, earning Ian a nomination in last years Great British Pantomime awards for best supporting actor. Other work includes Harry Batt on CBBC’s Dick and Dom in da Bungalow, including many series with dick n dom, he played the much loved role of Mr. Burgess in the CBBC talent programme The Slammer and numerous theatre and television roles since leaving R.A.D.A in 1992.
Adam Hills
Already a gold-plated star in Australia, Adam Hills has now taken the UK by storm with his own talk show on Channel Four – The Last Leg. Originally a one-off series for the 2012 London Paralympics, the poms loved him so it has been on air ever since!Dubbed as the nicest guy in comedy, when he is not conquering the small screen he is treading the boards as one of the finest stand-up comedians, selling out rooms around the country and around the world.
Gareth Gates
In 2002, Gareth was famously runner-up to Will Young in the UK’s first Pop Idol. Instead of disappearing into ‘pop oblivion’, he carved out a very successful career for himself, having hits and travelling worldwide. Gareth sold 5 million records worldwide, released three albums and had five UK number-one singles. He won record of the year in 2002 and with that had the second best-selling single of the ‘noughties’ with ‘Unchained Melody’. Outside of the UK, Gareth was awarded Best International Male in 2003/04 from MTV Asia, MTV China & Taiwan. Gary joined the cast of Legally Blonde on its UK tour, playing the role of Warner. In addition to this, he toured with a new production of Boogie Nights with The Osmonds, and even sang ‘Puppy Love’ to delighted crowds! He also appeared on the second series of the popular ITV2 show The Big Reunion, which saw him join other pop stars in creating a new boy band, Fifth Story, who appeared at a sold-out concert at the Hammersmith Apollo, London. This year Gareth has just finished touring the UK with Footloose the Musical, where he played the comedy role for the first time! He loved it.
Shaun Williamson
Shaun is an English actor, singer, media personality, and occasional presenter, best known for his role as Barry Evans in EastEnders and as a satirical version of himself in the BBC/HBO Ricky Gervais sitcoms Extras and Life’s too short. He competed in Celebrity Big Brother 20, and became the eighth housemate to be evicted on day 23. In 2009, Williamson toured the UK playing habitual criminal Norman Stanley Fletcher in a stage version of the classic TV comedy Porridge to great acclaim and in 2012, he toured in a stage revival of the Ealing Studios film The Ladykillers. Also played the roles of Baron Bomburst and Lord Scrumptious in the UK tour production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well as countless Pantomimes including here at the Alban Arena. We love Shaun.
Rita Simons
Our Rita is an English actress, singer, and model from Hertfordshire,who is known for playing Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2007 to 2017, when her character was killed off. For her performance on the show Rita received many accolades, including the 2008 National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer.nShe’s a loved regular on the pantomime circuit playing gutsy baddies and she was a huge success here at The Alban Arena in Snow White two years ago. She’s just completed a long national tour in the hit musical ,Legally Blonde.
The 78 RPM Big Band
Formed in 1990, the 78 RPM Big Band dominates the jazz, blues and funk scene in Cambridge. Its lively and versatile approach has quickly established it as one of the most popular bands in the Eastern Region and beyond. With their showmanship and energetic style, performances are definately not to be missed. The individual musicians have impressive credentials with varied and interesting backgrounds. They have a wealth of experience in live performing, coming from the QE2 and the Canberra, have featured in numerous radio and TV broadcasts and have played with Mark Rattray, Luke Goss, Bernie Marsden and Colin Blunstone, The Drifters, Shakatak and Katrina and the Waves.
Pete Firman
Pete is the UK’s leading comedian/magician and a TV regular. Recent appearances include ‘The Generation Game‘ (BBC1), ‘The Next Great Magician’ (ITV1), ‘Tonight at the London Palladium’ (ITV1), ‘Let’s Sing & Dance for Comic Relief’ (BBC1) and ‘Tommy Cooper Forever‘ (ITV1). He is the funniest and by far the most accomplished performer on the New Magic scene… funnier than most comedians and more magical than Dumbledore on a good day. ‘This guy is a complete star’ – TIME OUT‘The new poster-boy for British comedy magic’ – THE TELEGRAPH‘Scintillating magic tricks from an ebullient comedy mind’ – THE INDEPENDENT
Barry From Watford
Barry is the 82 year old lifestyle guru from Steve Wright’s BBC Radio 2 show and Noel Edmond’s short lived C4 game show Cheap Cheap Cheap. Never one to hark on about the old days, he is a redoubtable ex cockney who moved out to the suburbs during the war who believes the ills of the world can be solved with some no nonsense 1950s short sharp shocks. He is to the point but endearingly hilarious.“A comedic genius” – Matthew Parris (Radio Times)
The West End Gospel Choir
The West End Gospel choir in its 11th year is a Dynamic, Theatrical Gospel Choir Under The Artistic Direction Of Nathaniel Morrison. It is made up of 25+ West End and Industry Performers with a wide and varied range of musical genres in their repertoire from Gospel, Musical Theatre, Soul, Classical, Pop… you name it. The Choir is excited and humbled to be celebrating 50 successful years at The Alban Arena and with the love they also have for Theatre and music look forward to sharing their distinctive, rich and undeniably unique sound with all attending the 50 year celebration Gala Show.
Hats Off to Led Zeppelin
Hats Off to Led Zeppelin has received many accolades over the years, most recently winning BEST LED ZEPPELIN tribute for the third year running at the National Tribute Awards and BEST TRIBUTE BAND IN THE UK 2017 as voted for by the AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN. Having played with QUEEN, Ray Davies, Edwin Starr, Iron Maiden, Gerry & the Pacemakers, PJ Proby, Shaun Ryder & the Seahorses as well as appearing in some of the West End’s most enduring show including WE WILL ROCK YOU, Tommy, Thriller LIVE!, American Idiot, Jersey Boys, Dancing in the Streets & Buddy, these guys are a truly professional outfit guaranteed to give you a night that you won’t forget in a hurry!
Vicky Arlidge
Vicky fell into comedy in 2011 after her song “Mum, can you wipe my bum?” went viral on youtube. 60,000 Youtube hits later she has taken two one-woman shows to the Edinburgh Festival, been nominated for the Funny Women Best Show Award and has performed twice at Glastonbury. She has also been short listed for the BBC New Comedy Award and reached the semi-finals of the Golden Jester, Funny Women and Musical Comedy Awards.“Haven’t laughed so much since my husband died!” – Pamela Humphreys.“She’s quite good, but not as funny as a man” – Donald Trump.”
Asha Banks
St Albans very own rising star Asha recently Played Pandora Braithwaite in The musical of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, aged 13 ¾ at the Menier Chocolate Factory, London. She has also played major roles in west end musicals and tours including the part of Violet In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Les Miserables and Annie. Watch this space for a very exciting career in Show Business.
The Alban Arena Dancers
The finest dancers seen here at the Alban Arena;Natalie wrightJoe CrickJess AdamsRyan ToussaintEmily Barnett SalterJack Warren
To alleviate large queues we ask that you arrive in good time as there are bag searches in place. Where possible please bring small bags with you.The Alban Arena is extremely proud to present an evening of entertainment, music, comedy and more as we celebrate our 50th anniversary as Hertfordshire’s Premier Entertainment VenueOur very own adopted Son, the newly appointed Patron of The Alban Arena Bob Golding will be hosting this wonderful event. St Albans’ Pantomime royalty, Bob has been here with us for 8 years now and he premiered the last tour of the brilliant play Morecambe here after three previous tours and a west end run … – ‘Morecambe’ is – A one man play celebrating comic legend Eric Morecambe, winning the Fringe first award, Lawrence Olivier award for Best Entertainment and an Olivier award Best actor nomination, Best solo performer at the Whats on Stage Awards & performed at the Royal Variety Performance 2010. As well as being in many plays and musicals on tour and West End runs, Bob has also graced our screens in Mr Selfridge (ITV1) Tommy Cooper Not Like That, Like This ( ITV1) Trying Again (SKY) Eastenders (BBC) Watson & Oliver (BBC) Hetty Feather (BBC) The Slammer (CBBC) Diddy Movies/ Diddy TV (CBBC) Hoopla (CBBC), Hetty Feather (CBBC) Peter Kay’s ‘Britain’s Got The Pop Factor 1&2 (Channel 4) Family Affairs (Channel 5) Me Before You (MGM Films) The Last Laugh (Evolution Films) winning him best actor at the Discover Film Awards , Best Actor in the St Albans Film Festival and Best Supporting actor at the Southampton Film Festival. The super lovely Phil has appeared as the title character Mister Maker since 2007 on Cbeebies for the BBC. In 2009, he was nominated for the BAFTA Children’s Awards as Best Presenter for his role in Mister Maker and has been well loved all around the world on multiple sell out tours. We love Phil here at The Alban Arena as he has been in 3 of our most successful pantomimes. He also appeared in 2 episodes of Bear Behaving Badly as the Robot Rat Catcher and the Mummy, he has also played the role of ‘Mr Liker Biker’ in Grandpa In My Pocket.Ian is a long serving and well loved member of The Alban Arena pantomime cast. His Panto roles have had audiences in fits of laughter and his on stage partnership with Bob Golding has proved legendary in the pantomime world, earning Ian a nomination in last years Great British Pantomime awards for best supporting actor. Other work includes Harry Batt on CBBC’s Dick and Dom in da Bungalow, including many series with dick n dom, he played the much loved role of Mr. Burgess in the CBBC talent programme The Slammer and numerous theatre and television roles since leaving R.A.D.A in 1992.Already a gold-plated star in Australia, Adam Hills has now taken the UK by storm with his own talk show on Channel Four – The Last Leg. Originally a one-off series for the 2012 London Paralympics, the poms loved him so it has been on air ever since!Dubbed as the nicest guy in comedy, when he is not conquering the small screen he is treading the boards as one of the finest stand-up comedians, selling out rooms around the country and around the world.In 2002, Gareth was famously runner-up to Will Young in the UK’s first Pop Idol. Instead of disappearing into ‘pop oblivion’, he carved out a very successful career for himself, having hits and travelling worldwide. Gareth sold 5 million records worldwide, released three albums and had five UK number-one singles. He won record of the year in 2002 and with that had the second best-selling single of the ‘noughties’ with ‘Unchained Melody’. Outside of the UK, Gareth was awarded Best International Male in 2003/04 from MTV Asia, MTV China & Taiwan. Gary joined the cast of Legally Blonde on its UK tour, playing the role of Warner. In addition to this, he toured with a new production of Boogie Nights with The Osmonds, and even sang ‘Puppy Love’ to delighted crowds! He also appeared on the second series of the popular ITV2 show The Big Reunion, which saw him join other pop stars in creating a new boy band, Fifth Story, who appeared at a sold-out concert at the Hammersmith Apollo, London. This year Gareth has just finished touring the UK with Footloose the Musical, where he played the comedy role for the first time! He loved it.Shaun is an English actor, singer, media personality, and occasional presenter, best known for his role as Barry Evans in EastEnders and as a satirical version of himself in the BBC/HBO Ricky Gervais sitcoms Extras and Life’s too short. He competed in Celebrity Big Brother 20, and became the eighth housemate to be evicted on day 23. In 2009, Williamson toured the UK playing habitual criminal Norman Stanley Fletcher in a stage version of the classic TV comedy Porridge to great acclaim and in 2012, he toured in a stage revival of the Ealing Studios film The Ladykillers. Also played the roles of Baron Bomburst and Lord Scrumptious in the UK tour production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well as countless Pantomimes including here at the Alban Arena. We love Shaun.Our Rita is an English actress, singer, and model from Hertfordshire,who is known for playing Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2007 to 2017, when her character was killed off. For her performance on the show Rita received many accolades, including the 2008 National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer.nShe’s a loved regular on the pantomime circuit playing gutsy baddies and she was a huge success here at The Alban Arena in Snow White two years ago. She’s just completed a long national tour in the hit musical ,Legally Blonde.Formed in 1990, the 78 RPM Big Band dominates the jazz, blues and funk scene in Cambridge. Its lively and versatile approach has quickly established it as one of the most popular bands in the Eastern Region and beyond. With their showmanship and energetic style, performances are definately not to be missed. The individual musicians have impressive credentials with varied and interesting backgrounds. They have a wealth of experience in live performing, coming from the QE2 and the Canberra, have featured in numerous radio and TV broadcasts and have played with Mark Rattray, Luke Goss, Bernie Marsden and Colin Blunstone, The Drifters, Shakatak and Katrina and the Waves.Pete is the UK’s leading comedian/magician and a TV regular. Recent appearances include ‘The Generation Game‘ (BBC1), ‘The Next Great Magician’ (ITV1), ‘Tonight at the London Palladium’ (ITV1), ‘Let’s Sing & Dance for Comic Relief’ (BBC1) and ‘Tommy Cooper Forever‘ (ITV1). He is the funniest and by far the most accomplished performer on the New Magic scene… funnier than most comedians and more magical than Dumbledore on a good day. ‘This guy is a complete star’ – TIME OUT‘The new poster-boy for British comedy magic’ – THE TELEGRAPH‘Scintillating magic tricks from an ebullient comedy mind’ – THE INDEPENDENTBarry is the 82 year old lifestyle guru from Steve Wright’s BBC Radio 2 show and Noel Edmond’s short lived C4 game show Cheap Cheap Cheap. Never one to hark on about the old days, he is a redoubtable ex cockney who moved out to the suburbs during the war who believes the ills of the world can be solved with some no nonsense 1950s short sharp shocks. He is to the point but endearingly hilarious.“A comedic genius” – Matthew Parris (Radio Times)The West End Gospel choir in its 11th year is a Dynamic, Theatrical Gospel Choir Under The Artistic Direction Of Nathaniel Morrison. It is made up of 25+ West End and Industry Performers with a wide and varied range of musical genres in their repertoire from Gospel, Musical Theatre, Soul, Classical, Pop… you name it. The Choir is excited and humbled to be celebrating 50 successful years at The Alban Arena and with the love they also have for Theatre and music look forward to sharing their distinctive, rich and undeniably unique sound with all attending the 50 year celebration Gala Show.Hats Off to Led Zeppelin has received many accolades over the years, most recently winning BEST LED ZEPPELIN tribute for the third year running at the National Tribute Awards and BEST TRIBUTE BAND IN THE UK 2017 as voted for by the AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN. Having played with QUEEN, Ray Davies, Edwin Starr, Iron Maiden, Gerry & the Pacemakers, PJ Proby, Shaun Ryder & the Seahorses as well as appearing in some of the West End’s most enduring show including WE WILL ROCK YOU, Tommy, Thriller LIVE!, American Idiot, Jersey Boys, Dancing in the Streets & Buddy, these guys are a truly professional outfit guaranteed to give you a night that you won’t forget in a hurry!Vicky fell into comedy in 2011 after her song “Mum, can you wipe my bum?” went viral on youtube. 60,000 Youtube hits later she has taken two one-woman shows to the Edinburgh Festival, been nominated for the Funny Women Best Show Award and has performed twice at Glastonbury. She has also been short listed for the BBC New Comedy Award and reached the semi-finals of the Golden Jester, Funny Women and Musical Comedy Awards.“Haven’t laughed so much since my husband died!” – Pamela Humphreys.“She’s quite good, but not as funny as a man” – Donald Trump.”St Albans very own rising star Asha recently Played Pandora Braithwaite in The musical of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, aged 13 ¾ at the Menier Chocolate Factory, London. She has also played major roles in west end musicals and tours including the part of Violet In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Les Miserables and Annie. Watch this space for a very exciting career in Show Business.
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