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Frazzled Cafe: Monday's 7:45-8:45pm

In partnership with the Harpenden Trust we are supporting local residents by providing confidential and non-judgmental peer support meetings via Frazzled Cafe trained Facilitators, where people who are feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of life can talk openly, connect and feel heard. Speaking is optional, you are very welcome to just listen.

FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK YOUR SPACE

If you are a local group wanting to use our facilities please do get in touch by emailing emcfunctions@everyoneactive.com and we would be delighted to help!

The Eric Morecambe Centre

Rothamstead Park

Harpenden

Herts

AL5 2FR

EVENT BOOKINGS VIA: https://everyonetheatres.com/theatres/the-eric-morecambe-centre/

100 Years Celebration of Laurel and Hardy

Neil Brand brings this special centenary show featuring music and restored clips to the EMC in April

Following the success of his 2023/24 tour, Neil Brand invites you to celebrate the centenary of Laurel and Hardy with a brand-new show. In 1926, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy signed separate contracts with Hollywood film mogul Hal Roach, and appeared for the first time in a film together, "45 Minutes from Hollywood". The following year they would become an official comedy partnership that would set the whole world rocking with laughter. Nobody could have anticipated at the time how this unlikely Anglo/American  comedy duo would become global icons in over 130 countries around the world.

Neil has established himself as the foremost exponent of silent film and improvised piano accompaniment. Thanks to new restorations of their silent films, and the rediscovery of some of their lesser-known comedies, Neil will uncover gems of hilarity from the team whose comedy never ages, and bring them to jaw-dropping life with the demanding live piano improvisations for which he is so famous. Featuring extended scenes from the best of their silent comedies, particularly You're Darn Tootin, The Finishing Touch and The Second Hundred Years.

Neil’s concerts have proved really popular with his personal contact with the audience & his unique insight into Laurel & Hardy and the birth of the cinema industry. His engaging easy-going style, along with his Q&A at the end of the show answering all the questions from the audience, followed by his after-show ‘Meet and Greet’, makes for a highly entertaining evening.

Currently working on a television documentary and a new book about 'The Boys', Neil is once again looking forward to sharing his knowledge and expertise with audiences around the country, and celebrating the life and times of comedy legends, Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy.

For more information and to book go to:

100 Years Celebration of Laurel & Hardy Presented by Neil Brand | Everyone Theatres

Or contact the EMC Box Office on 01582 767525

Spontaneous Potter

Sunday 19 April, 7.30pm

Grab your wands and don your house robes!

Direct from multiple sell-out, award-winning runs at The Edinburgh Fringe, Spontaneous Potter is an entirely improvised wizarding comedy play, based on an audience suggestion of a fanfiction title. This new Potter adventure is magically improvised on the spot with live musical accompaniment making for a uniquely hilarious theatre experience.

The company have several other previous Harry Potter parody titles under their belt, also performed nationally to acclaim.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Commerce

Harry Potter and the Neville Wears Prada

Harry Potter and the Rise of the Planet of the Snapes

Harry Potter and the Struggle for a Decent Mortgage in This Economy

Reviews for the show:-

"Unbeatably clever" - Edinburgh Guide 2017 (★★★★★)

"Flawlessly executed improv comedy... pure, unadulterated hilarity" - EdFringeReview (★★★★★)

"Side-splitting laughter across the entirety of the performance" - Three Weeks (★★★★★)

"An ingenious, laugh out loud show... perfect for Potterheads and muggles alike" - Edinburgh Guide 2018 (★★★★★)

"Manic laughter" - The Lumber Room (★★★★★)

Best Variety, Scottish Comedy Awards 2018 (Winners)

"Raucously funny... the highlight of the Fringe so far!" - TV Bomb (★★★★)

"A silly and raucously fun production that will tickle the fancy of any Potterhead" - Broadway Baby (★★★★)

"Side-splitting and absurd... their quick wit and ridiculous story lines left audiences hyperventilating" - Three Weeks (★★★★)

"Virtually non-stop hilarity... deliciously daft, utterly irresistible comedy" - Essential Surrey (★★★★)

"Professional quality improv done so, so right... certainly an event which lives up to its own hype" - Edinburgh49 (★★★★)

Tickets available from:-

Spontaneous Potter | Everyone Theatres

Or by contacting the EMC Box Office on 01582 767525

‘Direct From The Fringe’ at the EMC

New strand for 2026 Brings Edinburgh Fringe favourites to the Harpenden stage

Local theatre fans can look forward to a new programme strand in 2026 that will bring standout shows straight from the world’s biggest arts festival to Harpenden. Showcasing bold, brilliant and buzz-worthy work fresh from the Fringe, the new strand champions exciting live performance and will give local audiences access to the very best in contemporary comedy, theatre and spoken word.

The Fringe programme includes:-

Saturday 11 April – John Robertson’s The Dark Room

Now its 13th year, this high-octane interactive show is the brainchild of comedian & cult leader John Robertson. Filled with stand-up, appalling prizes and more audience chanting than you’d get at a protest. This legendary interactive comedy show fuses improv, crowd work and gaming to create an insane live-action videogame.

Sunday 19 April – Spontaneous Potter

An entirely improvised wizarding comedy play, based on an audience suggestion of a fanfiction title. A new Potter adventure is magically improvised on the spot – with live musical accompaniment. This adult Potter parody is a winner of a Scottish Comedy Award and a plethora of 5 star reviews.

For more information and to book go to:-

What's On Archive | Everyone Theatres

The George Harrison Project will be bringing their acclaimed live show to the Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden, on Saturday, 30th May

Celebrating the laughter and legacy of

Eric Morecambe

The EMC to host Afternoon Tea Event in honour of his 100th birthday

Join us at the EMC for a very special afternoon as we celebrate what would have been Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday — a heartfelt centenary tribute to one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers.

Our doors will be open from 1pm to 3pm for a warm and welcoming community gathering. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and cake as we come together to honour the life, laughter, and lasting legacy of the man who brought joy to millions.

John Eric Bartholomew — better known as Eric Morecambe — was one half of the most successful comedy double act of all time, Morecambe and Wise. After moving to Harpenden in the 1960s, Eric often fondly referenced the town in his comedy, even introducing himself in one sketch as “Lord Eric, Fourth Duke of Harpenden – and certain parts of Birkenhead!”

Eric’s wife, Joan, was also a much-loved member of the Harpenden community for many years. Together, their story remains an important part of the town’s heritage.

Best remembered for The Morecambe & Wise Show — whose Christmas specials drew audiences of over 28 million — Eric’s timeless humour continues to bring laughter to generations.

Whether you grew up watching him, met him in Harpenden, or simply cherish his work, we would love you to be part of this memorable day. We look forward to celebrating together.

As part of the celebration, we are creating a special centenary display. If you have a favourite memory, story, or photograph, we would love to include it.

Please send your contributions to: angelaconnery@everyoneactive.com