ONCE described as the most sophisticated drugs baron of all time, Howard Marks is coming to Harpenden Public Halls on Saturday evening.

Busted in 1988 by the American Drug Enforcement Agency, he was sentenced to 25 years in America’s toughest penitentiary. But in 1996, he released his autobiography Mr Nice which remains an international best seller and was recently adapted into a film with Rhys Ifans as Marks himself.

He comes on stage at 8pm and will be chatting about his life. Tickets at �16.50 are available from the box office on 01582 767525 or visit www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Elmer the Elephant packs his trunk and arrives at the Public Halls for two performances next Monday, October 17.

Blunderbus Theatre are bringing patchwork Elmer to the theatre in a tale of how the elephant is unable to sleep for thinking he is tired of being different. So he sets off in search of the elephant-coloured berry bush.

Based on the best-selling children’s book by David McKee, the show features jungle characters, catchy songs and hand-crafted puppets.

Performances are at 11am and 3.30pm and tickets are �8 for adults and �6 for children.