INTERNATIONALLY-acclaimed, Amnesty Award shortlisted playwright and performer Richard Fry is putting on a tour-de-verse about a group of young people who changed the world forever when he appears at Harpenden Public Halls tonight (Thursday).

The Ballad of Unbeatable Hearts is the final event in the current Lights Up Season of fringe theatre and sticks true to Fry’s trademark style.

Focusing on the themes of young gay suicide and the importance of life, it tells how a lucky young man’s narrow escape leads to the founding of a pro-activist group who raise awareness and engender hope in vulnerable lost young adults.

The performance starts at 8pm and tickets are �9 with concessions �6, available from the box office on 01582 767525 or go to www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Still touring the globe after a career spanning five decades, The Searchers are appearing at the Public Halls at 7.30pm next Thursday, April 26.

The band behind such classic hits as Sweets For My Sweet, Needles and Pins, Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Sugar and Spice and When You Walk In The Room, The Searchers have contributed enormously to establishing the UK as the world’s leading nation in the music industry.

They have devised a special solo concert for UK touring, which combines anecdotes and reminiscences as well as their famous hits plus many of their original album recordings, B-sides and a selection of other favourites.

Tickets are �19 with concessions �18.

Comedians Josh Widdecombe and Seann Walsh are appearing at the Public Halls from 8pm next Friday, April 27.

Josh opens the doors to how his upbringing in a tiny village in rural Devon didn’t prepare him for the realities of life and relationships. With his observations and dilemmas everyone can relate to, he is a rising star of comedy.

Seann Walsh made his debut at last year’s sold-out Brighton Comedy Festival and will be putting on an hour of razor-sharp observational comedy. Tickets are �12.

Even though Ian Dury has died, The Blockheads live on and they are appearing at the Public Halls from 8pm next Saturday, April 28.

Formed in 1977 to promote Ian Durys’ album New Boots and Panties on the first Stiff Records tour of the UK, Chaz Jankel, Norman Watt-Roy, Charlie Charles, John Turnbull and Mick Gallagher became known as The Blockheads.

A year later, Chaz composed Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick with Ian, and in 1979 had a number one hit record with it in the UK.

In 1982 Ian Dury and The Blockheads disbanded and were not to play together again until 1987 when they went out to Japan to play three shows, disbanding again until 1990 when they played two benefit gigs following the death of Charlie Charles that year.

The band, now including Dylan Howe and Gilard Atzmon, decided to continue making albums and touring after Ian Dury’s death in 2000 and play all over the world.

Tickets are �18 in advance and �20 on the door.