TWO musicians recreating the album Tubular Bells live on stage can be seen at the Alban Arena next Sunday, July 14.

Tubular Bells ‘for Two’ has sold out seasons at the Sydney and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals and the New Zealand International Arts Festival and can be seen at the Arena at 7.30pm.

Forty years after the Mike Oldfield album was original released the duo, old schoolfriends Daniel Holdsworth and Aidan Roberts, set out to capture the soul of the folk-rock epic which became an all-time bestseller.

After arranging the music by ear on acoustic guitars, more instruments started to be added from friends and rubbish skips – with the first set of tubular bells fashioned from fence posts.

Among the vast collection of instruments they have onstage are keyboards, umpteen guitars, bass, mandolin, glockenspiel and loop pedals as well as tubular bells.

In order to recreate the seamless transitions the duo have to leap between guitars and pianos and drums – sometimes all three at once – recording and overdubbing loops live on the spot.

Tickets are £22.50, available from the Arena box office on 01727 844488 or go to www.alban-arena.co.uk

n Local talent is being sought to star in Cinderella, the Christmas pantomime at the Alban Arena.

This year the Arena is staging Cinderella starring Gareth Gates and Andy Day of Cbeebies and Evolution Productions, which is producing the pantomime in conjunction with the venue, is looking to cast the juvenile ensemble.

An audition will take place in the Arena via the main theatre door from 11am next Sunday, July 14.

Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes and soft/dance shoes and will be taught a routine on the day. To audition youngsters must be between eight and 15 inclusive on September 1 this year.

Auditions will end approximately two hours after the start time but successful applicants may need to stay longer.

Total commitment to the pantomime is required through the rehearsal period to the full run of the performance from Saturday, November 23, to January 5.