A concert in aid of the Odyssey Cinema is being given by The Overtures at the Alban Arena next Friday, January 17.

The band, first choice of rock stars at their parties, have performed five times with Elton John and been called on by the likes of Ringo Starr, Sting and Elvis Costello.

All profits raised will go towards the restoration of the former Odeon Cinema – now the Odyssey – in London Road, St Albans, which is currently being refurbished.

The gig starts at 8pm and tickets at £18 are available from the box office on 01727 844488 or online at www.alban-arena.co.uk

The following evening, Saturday, January 18, the Arena is given over to All-Star Superslam Wrestling with a line-up of top talent from around the world taking on the best of British.

The last wrestler standing will earn himself a match with one of wrestling’s most iconic stars, America’s hell-raiser and former WWE legend Gangrel, who starts an extended British tour during February.

The event features a strong force of home talent headed by Dean Allmark who is looking to extend his reign as Superslam title and belt holder.

The evening gets underway at 7.30pm and tickets are £15 with under-16s £10 and families £45.

n BAFTA-nominated film Philomena, based on the true story of St Albans woman Philomena Lee, is being shown at the Arena from next Tuesday to Thursday, January 14-16.

When teenage Philomena has a baby out of wedlock, she is forced to give up her little boy who is sold to a family in America. After years of living in shame, she gets a job in Hill End Hospital, St Albans, marries, and has two children.

After meeting BBC reporter Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), Philomena, played by Judi Dench, decides to start searching for her long lost son, Anthony.

Philomena can be seen at 7.30pm on all three nights with a matinee at 1.30pm on Wednesday. Tickets for the matinee are £5 and £7 with £5 concessions for the evening showing.