A passion for performance

Love to dance, sing or play? Then you’ve come to the right place. Following last year’s hugely successful production of Beauty and the Beast, Sharpe Academy returns to Watersmeet in Rickmansworth this half term with their production of FAME The Musical.

Before X Factor came on the scene, energetic young people worked hard to hone their skills but the pitfalls of making it big are ever-present. Learning the lessons of life are just as important as staying focused in the classroom. To showcase the talents of this 40-strong company of 14-21 year olds, Fame will be staged over four performances, which run from Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19 at 2pm and 7pm. Details: 01923 711063, www.Watersmeet.co.uk

West End Boys and Girls

Accomplished young performers from Sticks and Stones theatre school are preparing to sweep the audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction, set against the backdrop of a nation in the grip of revolution. This spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, Les Miserables, really allows the cast of entirely under-19s to stretch themselves both vocally and as performers. The show runs at The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett from February 14-18 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Details: 01923 859291, www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Puppet parade

Come along to The Old Town Hall Theatre for some fantastic children’s workshopsfor ages 5-11.

At Gemma Burditt’s Puppet Making Workshops you can create your very own puppet, unleash your imagination and bring your character to life.

Gemma not only allows each participant to create their individual pieces but she actively encourages them to explore the skills behind basic puppetry too.

The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead on Saturday, February 18 at 11am. Details: 01442 228091, www.oldtownhall.co.uk

High seas action

Hold on to your seats for a spectacular adventure with The Adventures of Tintin. This thrill-a-minute movie sees Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship, trailing lots of baddies in their wake. The screening takes place on February 11 at 2pm at The Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth. Details: 01923 711063, fowfilmsociety@talktalk.net

Magical storytelling

Take a journey through the imaginative world of make-believe with these wonderous tales, written by – yes, you guessed it – children! Experienced family storytellers Snail Tales then transform these brilliant outpourings from the minds of the young and combine them with puppetry, original song, awe-inspiring set design and plenty of audience participation. The resulting show – A Bird In Your Ear, offers a shower of treats for families with children aged 3-11, featuring genies in teapots and hat-munching squirrels, among other stories. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead on Saturday, February 25 at 2.30pm. Details: 01442 228091, www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Dance yourself dizzy

Britain's Got Talent stars Twist & Pulse will be entertaining shoppers at The Galleria as part of a series of urban street dance workshops running from February 11-18. Ashley Glazebrook (Twist) and Glen Murphy (Pulse), impressed the Britain’s Got Talent judges with their blend of street dance and comedy in 2010 and will make a guest appearances and perform live from 12noon on both February 11 and 18. Visitors can also learn how to street dance with choreographer David Welch and his Karisma Krew, who will also perform a finale showcase on February 18. Proceeds to the British Heart Foundation. The 45-minute workshops run from 11am-4pm daily. Details: www.thegalleria.co.uk

Follow the Trail

Say you love someone with a hand-made card this holiday. The Paper Trail’s Frogmore Paper Mill & Visitor Centre in Apsley is offering Paper Crafting Activities. The drop-in sessions run from Sunday, February 12 to Friday, February 17 from 11am-1pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm. Valentine card making will be the theme for the Sunday through to Tuesday, but there will also be ideas for Chinese New Year and other themes. While at the Visitor Centre, you can also take a mill tour or wander round the art gallery for inspiration. Details: 01442 234600, www.thepapertrail.org.uk

Lambing time

New arrivals are expected at Willows Farm on a daily basis and February Frolics (February 11-19) is the perfect opportunity to see the baby lambs up close and then follow their progress at home with the Willows Lamb Cam. Visitors can also take part in Mad Science experiments and have a go at lots of indoor and outdoor activities including fun fair rides, going for a spin on the synthetic ice rink, letting off steam in the play barn or meeting a falconer.

Details: 0870 129 9718, www.willowsfarmvillage.com

Gladiators ready!

See a Roman Legion come alive (Feb 11, 12) or make a picture with moving gladiators (Feb 14) at Verulamium Museum on St Michael’s Street. Families can also pop over to the Museum of St Albans on Hatfield Road for craft events themed around James and the Giant Peach (Feb 13), design their own Dr Who Daleks (Feb 14) or reach for the stars with the Man on the Moon (Feb 15) to find out more about the 1969 moon landing and make an astronaut’s back pack. Book in advance on 01727 819340, www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Painting in Paradise

Animal Art Week at Paradise Wildlife Park features fun activities such as bug box building, sketching, collage, drawing animals, plus special daily events from 2pm which include balloon modelling, animal mask making and clay modelling. Details: 01992 470490, pwpark.com