Herts &amp; Beds

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre">THEATRE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/JamesPhelan1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88557" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/JamesPhelan1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/JamesPhelan1-800x680.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If you haven&#8217;t seen him yet, try James Phelan,&nbsp;<a href="https://quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873662824">The Greatest Magician</a>&nbsp;for size. He’ll wow you with his five-star show directed by the late Paul Daniels. He’s even correctly predicted the Lottery numbers, so it could be well worth the ticket price! Catch him at The Quarry Theatre, Bedford 24 Jan.



Celebrate the <a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/chinese-new-year-extravaganza/">Year of the Snake</a> as Jinlong Culture &amp; Performing Arts&nbsp;put on a family-friendly show&nbsp;on 25 Jan. Expect to see an illuminated dragon, cheerful lions, playful pandas, and plenty of Kung Fu displays. At the Gordon Craig Theatre.



On 26 Jan you can watch an <a href="https://www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/vintage-hitchcock-a-live-radio-play-by-joe-landry/">Alfred Hitchcock live radio play</a> in the style of a 1940s broadcast. Featuring live sound effects, vintage commercials plus spies, murder and love you can get three Sherlock Holmes stories for the price of one at The Place Theatre, Bedford. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-amp-dance">MUSIC &amp; DANCE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/PeterAndre1.jpg" alt="Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with Peter Andre" class="wp-image-88408" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/PeterAndre1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/PeterAndre1-800x680.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Polish off your vocal chords for a night of nostalgic music as the <a href="https://www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/peter-andre-in-the-best-of-frankie-valli-and-the-four-seasons/">Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons</a> takes to the stage at the Bedford Corn Exchange on 16 Jan. Starring Peter Andre (yes, of Mysterious Girl fame) they’ll be belting out the hits including Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Sherry and more.



Who needs tickets to the Oasis Live Tour when you can see <a href="https://allevents.in/hertford/noasis/2300027135411504">Noasis</a>, the great tribute act, live at Hertford Corn Exchange on 17 &amp; 18 Jan. Rumour has it they are as good as the real thing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/AbbaMania.jpg" alt="Abba Mania" class="wp-image-88561" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/AbbaMania.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/AbbaMania-800x680.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



And here&#8217;s another fab tribute act. Direct from London’s West End, <a href="https://www.watersmeet.co.uk/mania-the-abba-tribute">MANIA</a> is the ABBA tribute show. You’ll be saying thank you for the music as you unleash your inner groove and dance along to favourites including Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Voulez Vous. It’s at the Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth on 31 Jan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comedy">COMEDY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/benElton.jpg" alt="Ben Elton Authentic Stupidity tour" class="wp-image-88419" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/benElton.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/benElton-800x680.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The godfather of modern stand-up <a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/ben-elton-authentic-stupidity-2/">Ben Elton</a> is bringing his brand new show Authentic Stupidity to the Grove Theatre, Dunstable on 11 Jan. A tonsil rattling experience, his last tour was a sell out so move quickly if you want to nab a ticket.



Over in Hemel,&nbsp;<a href="https://oldtownhall.co.uk/events/screaming-blue-murder-jan-2025">Screaming Blue Murder</a>&nbsp;comedy is on at The Old Town Hall with old favourites Paddy Lennox and Wendy Wasson plus some rising stars. 20 Jan.



While <a href="https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/russell-kane-hyperactive/">Russell Kane</a> is Hyperactive at Watford Palace Theatre on 30 Jan



Mock The Week regular and king of the one-liners Milton Jones is <a href="https://EVERYONETHEATRES.COM/WHATS-ON/MILTON-JONES-HAMILTON/">HA!MILTON </a>(not the musical) at the Stevenage Concert Hall on 31 Jan. Fast, absurd and laugh out loud funny, he takes daftness to a whole new level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ART &amp; EXHIBITIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/MoonlitWellbeing.jpg" alt="Museum of the Moon" class="wp-image-88555" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/MoonlitWellbeing.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/MoonlitWellbeing-800x680.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Enjoy a peaceful and calming afternoon at the <a href="https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/moonlit-wellbeing-060125">Museum of the Moon</a> at St Albans Cathedral from 6-8 Jan. Lie under the 7-metre wide moon installation in the nave at St Albans Cathedral and enjoy an uplifting visual experience.



<a href="https://visithitchin.com/event/the-snowman/">The Snowman exhibition</a> is on at North Hertfordshire Museum. See the story behind the much-loved film and picture book. Until 12 Jan.



Multidisciplinary St Albans-based artist Maria Meyer’s sculptures, installations and paintings are on display at the Keeper’s Galleries, St Albans Museum + Gallery. The exhibition is called <a href="https://www.visitherts.co.uk/events/maria-meyer-thingchronicity-132369/">Thingchronicity</a> and explores the relationship between humans and objects and encourages visitors to see unwanted items in a new way. Now until March 9



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/wildlifephotographerTring.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88345" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/wildlifephotographerTring.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/wildlifephotographerTring-800x680.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Can’t make it to London for the annual Wildlife photographer of the Year exhibition? See the highlights of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring/whats-on-tring.html">Natural History Museum’s Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year&nbsp;</a>exhibition closer to home in Tring. The images are stunning and demonstrate the fragility and beauty of wildlife, from miniscule insects to mighty beasts. Now until 27 April. 



Over at St Albans Museum + Gallery&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/catching-chain">Catching the Chain</a>&nbsp;is a free exhibition exploring the history of criminal justice and the ways in which offenders were dealt with from the Iron Age to present day. There’ll be artwork depicting trials held in the Museum + Gallery’s historic courtroom and you can also look inside a recreated life-size modern prison (complete with bed and toilet).&nbsp;Now until April.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-workshops-talks-amp-events">WORKSHOPS, TALKS &amp; EVENTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Biggleswademarket.jpg" alt="Vegan Market Biggleswade" class="wp-image-88447" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Biggleswademarket.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Biggleswademarket-800x680.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.veganmarkets.co.uk/location/biggleswade">Biggleswade Vegan Market </a>will take over the centre of the town on 4 Jan. There’ll be artisan bakers, craft brewers, local artists and vegan street food vendors galore. Tuck in.



Wrap up warm and join the <a href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/events/winter-wildfowl-workshop-4jan25?utm_source=Enews+December+2024&amp;utm_campaign=073aec09b0-ENEWS_DECEMBER_2024&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_-f96eedfbef-238533981">Winter Wildfowl workshop</a> at Stocker’s Lake, Rickmansworth on 4 Jan. Learn&nbsp;all about the wildfowl that call Stocker&#8217;s&nbsp;Lake Nature Reserve home in the wintertime before enjoying a 2-3 mile walk out to Stocker&#8217;s Lake.



Roll up, roll up! <a href="https://bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk/?link=ticket-event&amp;eventid=1256&amp;invitation=&amp;sids=">John Lawson’s&nbsp; Magical Circus</a> is at Van Hage, Great Amwell until 5 Jan. Featuring performers from all around the world, be wowed by acrobats, jugglers and an awesome quick-change costume act.



Take some time out and relax with <a href="https://www.ukpranichealing.co.uk/ukpranic/event/meditation-on-twin-hearts-hertfordshire/2025-01-30/">The Twin Hearts Meditation</a>&nbsp;at St Albans Central Library. Led by healer Ranjit Jotangia flush out negative thoughts and emotions and enjoy better physical, emotional and mental health. You’ll come out feeling happier, calmer and more focussed. Every Thursday in Jan.



Tune up your health with a <a href="https://southmillarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873666874">Retune workshop </a>at South Mills Art, Bishop&#8217;s Stortford on 10 Jan. Open to all ages, it aims to provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to help boost resilience and mood.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/TheSecretSpace.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88516" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/TheSecretSpace.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/TheSecretSpace-800x680.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Feeling the post-festive frazzle? Relax at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesecretspace.org.uk/">The Secret Space</a>&nbsp;in Hertford with a rest, rejuvenate, and relax workshop with Sarka Novotna on Jan 11. You’ll come out feeling lighter, calmer and ready to take on the New Year.



You can also refresh your body, mind and spirit at The Southern Maltings in Ware. They are hosting a <a href="https://southernmaltings.co.uk/health-and-wellbeing-festival/">Health and Wellbeing weekend </a>on 11-12 Jan with workshops including Boxfit, Chair Yoga, Clubbercise and more.



Paris House&nbsp;is the impressive setting for a special <a href="https://www.parishouse.co.uk/events/the-judgement-of-paris-house-16th-january-2025/">blind-tasting dinner</a> on 16 Jan recreating the late Steven Spurrier’s legendary 1976 Judgement of Paris. Sit down to a five-course tasting menu, with each course paired with one wine from Italy and one from France (with labels covered up). Just remember to&nbsp;vote for your favourite grape after each course. Tickets £225 pp. Includes bubbles on arrival (from both countries, of course!).



Stargazers you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit <a href="https://gostargazing.co.uk/events/bayfordbury-observatory-open-evening-january-2025/">Bayfordbury Observatory</a> on 17 Jan. &nbsp;View the optical telescopes used by the researchers and listen to an astronomical-themed talk. Weather permitting, you might even get the chance to look through the telescopes and view interesting objects in the night sky.



Newly engaged? Then head over to <a href="https://www.shuttleworth.org/product/wss25/">Shuttleworth House for their Wedding Show </a>on 19 Jan. A whole host of exhibitors and professionals will be on hand to help you plan your special day.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/PrivateCinemaTewin.jpg" alt="Boutique Cinema Tewinbury Farm" class="wp-image-88653" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/PrivateCinemaTewin.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/PrivateCinemaTewin-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Catch a film at Tewinbury Farm&#8217;s boutique cinema, <a href="https://www.tewinbury.co.uk/the-picturehouse/">The Picturehouse</a>. Located at Kingsbridge Estate (a short stroll from the main hotel site) sink into a comfy beanbag, with drink in one hand and popcorn in the other, and enjoy a relaxing evening (or afternoon) at this fab location. Before Sunrise is screening on 18 Jan and Frozen 2 is on 19 Jan. 



Stop by for <a href="https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/abbey-by-night">Abbey at Night </a>and be transported back in time to the medieval abbey on 22 Jan at St Albans Cathedral. Watch history come to life as you hear tales from the past under candlelight.



Re-kindle a love of books and discover how reading can boost your wellbeing with a <a href="https://www.books-on-the-hill.co.uk/events/bibliotherapy-and-the-art-of-reading-for-wellbeing-with-nicole-moody">Bibliotherapy Course</a> at Books on the Hill, St Albans, starting 24 Jan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-amp-family">KIDS &amp; FAMILY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="850" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/CinderellaAlban-1.jpg" alt="Cinderella at the Alban Arena" class="wp-image-88451" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/CinderellaAlban-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/CinderellaAlban-1-800x680.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If you didn&#8217;t catch a Christmas panto, <a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/cinderella/?bookModal">Cinderella</a> is still on at&nbsp;The Alban Arena in St Albans until 12 Jan. Starring Samantha Womack (EastEnders) as the Fairy, don’t forget to be home before the clock strikes midnight or it’ll be pumpkins at dawn.



Meanwhile, <a href="https://beamhertford.co.uk/events/hdos-presents-dick-whittington/">Dick Whittington</a> and his feline friend, Tom the cat, are at&nbsp;BEAM Theatre, Hertford from&nbsp;16-19 Jan&nbsp;along with a five-piece band plus plenty of lively singing, dancing and audience participation. One for the whole family.



<a href="https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/magical-mischief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magical Mischief</a> is back at the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour for another year, this month, revealing all the filmmaking secrets behind the magic and trickery in the movies. From 25 Jan &#8211; 28 April.

Jump into January: local things to do to kick start 2025

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