The Blues Band head up a busy few days of music, dance and comedy at the Alban Arena when they appear next Thursday, November 5. The individual members of the band – Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher – were already hel

The Blues Band head up a busy few days of music, dance and comedy at the Alban Arena when they appear next Thursday, November 5.

The individual members of the band - Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher - were already held in high regard by generations of rhythm and blues fans when the band formed in 1979.

Almost two and a half decades and over 16 albums later, they continue to add to their growing army of followers.

The Blues Band have inspired numerous other bands and remained a popular fixture with only a modicum of help from the record business.

They come on stage at 7.30pm and tickets at �17.50 and �16 are available from the box office on 01727 844488 or go to www.alban-arena.co.uk

Abba - or at least one of their many later incarnations, Smackee - come to the Arena at 7.30pm next Friday, November 6.

Abba The Show features all the hits and more in a nostalgic show which takes the audience back to when flares and glitter were all the rage.

Smackee were formed in 1976 by Barry Walker and have been saying Thank You For The Music ever since.

Tickets are �16.50 with concessions �15.

After a sell-out tour earlier this year, Pete Hillier brings Boogie Pete Live to the Arena next Saturday morning, November 7.

A firm favourite with children of all ages, Boogie Pete promises some moves, some magic and some silliness in a fun-packed show.

He appears at 11am and tickets are �7.50 and �6.50.

Following his highly-acclaimed television series, comedian Stewart Lee comes to the Arena next Saturday evening, November 7.

He is returning to the live circuit with a brand-new show entitled If You Prefer a Milder Comedian, Please Ask for One.

He describes the show as using something which happened to him in a coffee shop as a convenient framing device for such diverse material as English Heritage, Top Gear, the Olympics, emigration, prawns, Bella Pasta, The National Trust, piglets, cathedrals and much more besides.

Stewart co-wrote and directed Jerry Springer The Opera for the National Theatre and has performed as a stand-up comedian all over the world, also releasing four DVDs.

The show begins at 8pm and tickets are �15.50.

Musical theatre comes to the fore next Sunday, November 8, when Gotta Sing Gotta Dance comes to the Arena stage at 7.30pm.

A brand-new show for 2009, it presents two hours of song and dance numbers from stage and screen performed by a cast of top West End performers accompanied by a live band.

The show features music from some of the greatest musicals ever written including Cats, Mary Poppins, Chicago. Crazy for You, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, Hairspray and many more.

Tickets for the show are �19.50 and �17.50

l A visit to the Arena from comedian Ed Byrne next Tuesday, November 3, is sold out.