WORLD-renowned Polar explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, comes to the Alban Arena to talk about his expeditions to the Eiger and Everest on Monday evening.

When he turned his attention from the great frozen wilderness of the Poles to the world’s highest and most testing mountains he faced several challenges. He was just entering his sixties and recovering from a very severe heart attack, had no climbing experience and suffered from vertigo.

Coaxing out the story of how he conquered those fears on stage will be photographer/cameraman Ian Parnell, who accompanied Sir Ranulph on both mountains, filming for television broadcasts.

The evening will be illustrated with footage – some unseen – and stills while Sir Ranulph will explain what it takes to finally stand on top of the world and raise well over a million pounds for Marie Curie.

Tickets are �18 with concessions �16, available from the box office on 01727 844488 or online at www.alban-arena.co.uk

The Gruffalo is Live On Stage at the Arena at 2pm and 4.30pm next Tuesday, June 19, and 11am and 2pm next Wednesday, June 20.

Tall Stories put on a musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler which has been voted the nation’s number one bedtime story by BBC Radio 2 listeners,

Suitable for children aged three and upwards, tickets are �11 with groups of 10-plus �8.50 each.

Celebrating timeless hits from the pop phenomenon Abba and hot on the heels of the huge success of the Broadway Musical Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen comes to the Arena at 3pm and 7.30pm next Saturday, June 23.

The musical extravaganza features Broadway Style production pieces, performed to wall-to-wall Abba hits, including Money Money Money, Fernando, Voulez Vous, Take a Chance and many more.

The show also features a medley of party classics from the 70s and a compilation of highlights from the film Saturday Night Fever. Tickets are �23.

Dave Gorman brings his PowerPoint Presentation to the Arena next Sunday, June 24.

Following a sell-out autumn 2011 tour, the man behind Are You Dave Gorman? and Googlewhack Adventure is coming to the Arena by popular demand.

For the brand new show he’s formed a double act – with a projector screen. Some bullet points will be used. Tickets are �20.

n American Pie gets another week of film at the Arena underway at 8pm on Saturday evening as well as 5pm on Thursday, June 21, and 8pm on Friday, June 22.

Over a decade has passed and the gang return to East Great Falls, Michigan for their high school reunion. How has life treated Michelle, Jim, Heather, Oz, Kevin, Vicky, Finch, Stifler, and Stifler’s mom?

Battleship starring Rihanna can be seen at 8pm tomorrow (Friday), 5pm on Saturday and 8pm next Thursday, June 21.

Based on the classic Hasbro naval combat game, Battleship is the story of an international fleet of ships as they come across an alien armada while on naval war games exercise.

Wrath Of The Titans screens at 5pm tomorrow (15), and 5pm next Friday, June 22.

Perseus braves the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus, captured by his son Ares and brother Hades who unleash the ancient Titans upon the world.

Tickets for films matinees are �5 and for evenings are �7 or �5 for concessions.