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Entertainment
2025
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.
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/
JACK & THE BEANSTALK 2025
SATURDAY 6 – TUESDAY 30 DECEMBER, 2025
VARIES
From £19.50
Showing at the EMC….Polka Dot Pantomimes and The Eric Morecambe Centre are delighted to announce the Pantomime you’ve all BEAN waiting for Christmas 2025 – JACK AND THE BEANSTALK.
Pantomime at the Eric Morecambe Centre is always the highlight of the festive calendar and this year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever as we present a GIANT of a pantomime suitable for the whole family.
THEO MAYNE from BBC ONE smash-hit TV series The Traitors will be joining us to play FLESHCREEP, and much loved Harpenden panto dame JOSH HANDLEY is set to delight audiences once more and he returns to the EMC to play TILLY TROTT.
Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer our hero Jack on his magical journey to Cloudland as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the Cow! As always there’ll be spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects and lots of audience participation.
With a fabulous cast featuring some familiar faces and the biggest Giant in Panto land it won’t cost you a bag of magic beans but it will be FE-FI-FO-FUN for everyone, so book your tickets now!
BSL PERFORMANCE Wednesday 17th December 6pm
BOX OFFICE: 01582 767525
A non-refundable £3.50 transaction fee will be applied to your booking
Panto Stars joined the Carnival Parade then sang on stage before the Carnival Lights were turned on.
Longest running Gang Show returns for 76th Show in 2026 with new Show Director
The hotly anticipated Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show is returning to the Eric Morecambe Centre in Harpenden from the 13th to 17th of January 2026.
Almost ready to take to the stage for their record 76th show, 150 local beavers, cubs, scouts, and explorers have been rehearsing since September for the upcoming performance. And this year is a special year, as the show is under new direction from Gang Show alumni Becca Leigh.
Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show is a hugely popular event in the scouting and local community calendar. Through music, dance, sketches and singing, this variety show brings smiles and laughter to a sell-out audience of all ages. With limited tickets left, you’ll have to be quick to bag yours before the show in January.
As with every year, the songs and themes in the show are a closely guarded secret known by only the cast and creative team. There is, however, added excitement for the 2026 show with the debut of new Show Director, Becca Leigh, and Graham Thomson as the new Musical Director.
This comes after Ewan Murray directed his final show in 2025, after a tremendous 37-year involvement with the show.
From being in the show herself and directing choreography in recent years, Becca Leigh is stepping into the role of Show Director with a refreshed vision for the show.
When speaking about Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show, Becca Leigh said: ‘For me, Gang Show is special because of the people and energy that is put into the show. We have a huge team of volunteers off stage, as well as a cast of 150 young people on stage. Everyone’s energy and commitment to the show is what makes me proud to be taking on the role of Show Director this year. Gang Show is always the greatest week of the year for me, and I look forward to showing everyone our 76th show in 2026. You’re in for a treat.’
A leading member of the band for 28 years, Graham Thomson is taking on the role of Musical Director this year. He has said, ‘Taking over from Ewan will be big shoes to fill, but after my 28-year apprenticeship, I feel ready to take on the challenge. I’m looking forward to the show in January and for getting the kids to sing even more harmonies this year!’
Over the years, the Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show has involved more than 4000 young people. But it is not just those on stage that get the show ready for show week. There are over 100 adult volunteers including Scout Leaders, parents, and current and past Scouts behind the scenes. From choreography to set design, sound to wardrobe, the work of the volunteers is essential in ensuring that the production runs smoothly.
Alongside voluntary initiatives, Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show raises considerable funds for the Hertfordshire Scouting District. This funding allows the district to continue providing unique experiences for hundreds of young people involved in scouting. Also, £1,000 is donated yearly to a local charity, nominated by one of the Gang, who has a personal connection to the charity. This year, the cast and crew are proud to be supporting Herts Young Carers.
Rehearsals have been underway since September this year and after the success of a recent performance at Harpenden Christmas Carnival, the cast are excited to be getting nearer to curtain up.
So, what are you wating for? Heartwarming sing-along numbers, comedy sketches and a treat for the new year await. Get your tickets for the 76th Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show in 2026 now: https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/harpenden-and-wheathampstead-district-gang-show-2026/
