Sophie Ray

The Watford Colosseum is celebrating the first anniversary of #LobbyLive which sees local musicians perform in the foyer. Singer songwriter Sophie Ray, from Tring, has a soul-influence that has attracted great attention from the likes of BBC Introducing and Watford’s very own Vibe 107.6. Having played prestigious venues such as St Pancras Old Church & The O2 Academy Islington, as well as numerous festivals across the UK, Sophie is no stranger to the live scene.
Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Friday, February 26, 6.40pm. Details: 01923 571102, watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Free Until Famous

Find out why comedy fans go to see Lewis Schaffer over and over again; why PhDs have been written about him; why documentary makers follow him around London; and why the one word that is most often used to describe Lewis Schaffer, besides funny, is “different”. Promised is satire, joke, a plot and the totally unexpected.
Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Rd, Harpenden, Friday, February 27, 8pm. Details: 01582 767525, harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Sitting Pretty

A bitter sweet dramatic comedy written by Amy Rosenthal. A warm and funny play that takes a look at ageing, self-definition and co-dependency mainly of two sisters. Nancy, saved from post redundancy depression by becoming a nude model to an art class and Nina, the dynamic employed sister. This wonderful play is an ensemble piece promises warmth, laughter and a feel good factor.
The Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Watford, February 26-27. Details: 01923467269, pumphouse.info

Charity Comedy Night

Parmiter’s School students taking part in the Watford Three Rivers Dragons Apprentice Fundraising Challenge under Team Synergy are hosting a comedy night. The line up for the evening includes entertainment from the writer of BBC’s Miranda and Not Going Out, Paul Kerensa, Lee Mack and Jack Dee, George Egg and finally star of BBC’s The Insider Paul T Eyres. All proceeds will be going to the Abbots Langley charity DEMAND.
Parmiter’s School, High Elms Lane, Watford, Saturday, February 27, 7pm. Details: bit.do/charitycomedynight

Snooker semi-finals and finals

Eight Snooker Legends will team up into four pairs to battle it out for the cash prize, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jimmy White, John Parrott, Tony Knowles and Reanne Evans. The two-stage semi-finals begin at 1pm with the final at 7pm.
Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Saturday, February 27, 1pm and 7pm. Details: 01923 571102, watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Works on Paper

This week is your last chance to see Artist Gail Robins’ display of colourful, abstract drawings. Her pieces, with their interlaced lines often have the aesthetic of maps or labyrinthine diagrams but are drawn freehand with archival pens over a loose base of ink and paint on paper.
Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans, February 27 - March 3. Details: 01727 850950, trestle.org.uk

Swing!

Chris Dean and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra deliver another full-throttle performance. Offering the fun and upbeat energy of that glorious music with a hearty helping of nostalgia, you can hear the music of the swing era bought back to life. Featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Quincy Jones, Billy May, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many more.
The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, Saturday, February 27, 7.30pm. Details: 01923 857592, radlettcentre.co.uk

Hiraeth

Desperate to leave, Bud leaves five generations of tradition behind her as she sets out alone into the big smoke with the knowledge that her departure sounds the death knell for the family farm. Hiraeth is a Welsh word with no direct translation. It’s a mixture of homesickness and an intense form of longing or nostalgia.
The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Tuesday, March 1, 8pm. Details: 01442 228091, toth.dacorum.gov.uk

Phoenix Dance Theatre Triple Bill

Shakespeare’s timeless themes of desire, duplicity and unrequited love are brought to life by Watford Palace Theatre’s Creative Associate Kate Flatt in Undivided Loves. Fusing sound, words and dance, Shakespeare’s most intimate, mysterious and radical sonnets are reimagined.
Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, Watford, March 1-2, 7.30pm. Details: 01923 225671, watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Savannah Jazz Band

As one of the most popular UK bands around, they have built up a truly international reputation at major festivals in the UK and overseas. T with their New Orleans style attracts large audiences whenever they play. Their regular featured musicians include Bill Smith, cornet, Brian ‘Sam’ Ellis, trombone, Roger Myerscough, Reeds, Chris Marney, banjo, Tony Pollitt, bass and Leader John Meehan, drums.
The Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Watford, Thursday, March 3, 8.15pm. Details: 01923467269, pumphouse.info

Land of Liberty

In 2014 on average three pubs in Britain were closing down every week, one pub that is not only surviving but also growing during this time is the Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty, the site of an ale-house for almost two hundred years situated on the edge of Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, and an important centre to the local community. Tom Warland is exhibiting his photographic study of the demographic in British society.
Space2, Watford Museum, Lower High Street, Watford, March 3- April 30, open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, 10am until 5pm. Details: 01923 232297, watfordmuseum.org.uk