THE NOSTALGIA and romance of the Viennese festive season is recaptured at a gala evening at the Alban Arena next Thursday, Valentine s Day. The Viennese Strauss Gala is now in its fifth successful year and introduces audiences to a bygone age of glamorous

THE NOSTALGIA and romance of the Viennese festive season is recaptured at a gala evening at the Alban Arena next Thursday, Valentine's Day.

The Viennese Strauss Gala is now in its fifth successful year and introduces audiences to a bygone age of glamorous soirees and Strauss waltzes.

It comprises highlights from some of the great operettas of Strauss, Kalman and Lehar including Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow and many more.

The show, which gets underway at the St Albans theatre at 7.30pm, is performed by soloists from the major British Opera companies, including Opera North, English National Opera and D'Oyley Carte.

Matthew Freeman, conductor and arranger with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, leads the European Orchestral Ensemble in the performance.

Tickets are £17.50 or £30 for two and concessions are £1.50 off, available from the Arena box office on 01727 844488 or online at www.alban-arena.co.uk

ää Rockin' On Heaven's Door marks a change of tempo the following evening, Friday, February 15.

Now in its 10th year, it still receives rave reviews for the manner in which it puts music legends on stage all at the same time.

The line-up consists of Eddie Cochran (Steve Halliday). Buddy Holly (Dave Wickenden), Rob Orbison (Barry Steele), The Big Bopper (J S Rawlings) Elvis Presley (Richard Atkins) and guest star Jerry Lee Lewis (Darren Green).

At the heart of the show is the band, musicians of the highest calibre who change musical styles to accompany each performance.

Tickets for the show, which begins at 7.30pm, are £17.50 and £16 with concessions £2 off.

ää Superslam wrestling with a special deal for children comes to the Arena next Saturday, February 16.

Youngsters are invited to turn up with home-made banners and flags supporting their favourite wrestlers and a special prize will be on offer to the boy or girl with the most eye-catching one.

At the end of the evening when American Disaster Broady Steele, who is nearly seven-feet tall, leads his Riot Squad against a home formation headed by London-born favourite James Mason, the competition winner will be able to meet all the top stars who have been in action, get their autographs and pose for posters.

Superslam tickets are available at £10 with concessions £2 off, under-16s £8 and a family ticket for two adults and two children £30. The evening gets underway at 7.30pm.

ää Bjorn Again mark their 19th anniversary with a visit to the Alban Arena on Thursday, February 21.

Created in 1988 by Australian musician and manager Rod Leissie, the show quickly achieved worldwide cult status and the stars have performed 4,000 concerts in 51 countries in 19 years.

It is no longer seen as just a tribute band but has been hailed as the most successful and popular act of its type in the world, endorsed by Benny and Bjorn of Abba no less, as well as Kylie Minogue and J. K.Rowling.

Tickets for Bjorn Again are £18.50 and the evening gets underway at 7.30pm.

ää Football legend Jack Charlton hosts a special live appearance at the Arena at 7.30pm on Saturday, February 23.

Big Jack has a host of hilarious stories and inside information into one of the biggest English football games in sporting history, the 1966 World Cup.

After 21 years as a professional footballer, Jack had 773 appearances and 96 goals under his belt. He was an extremely successful manager looking after clubs such as Middlesbrough and running the Republic of Ireland team.

Tickets are £16.50 and £14.50.