Good nights out come to Hemel Hempstead

Plays, concerts and exhibitions fill the programme, and this coming week there is plenty to chose from with a contemporary twist on a classic tale, and a visit from an award winning blues vocalist.

The Man Who Would Be King is a play of greed, adventure and ruin inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s classic mercenary novella. This is the story of Peachy Carnehan and Daniel Dravot, soldiers for hire amidst the shifting borders of the Middle East. Tired of the mercenary life , Peachy and Daniel have come up with a plan, head to North Afghanistan, enslave the natives, and install themselves as kings.

London based theatre company Dawn State combine searing text, bold physicality and original music to bring Kipling’s ground breaking debut novella to life in this touring production exploring Britain’s place in the world today.

Kipling remains one of Britain’s most popular authors. Writing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries he was a journalist, short story writer, poet and novelist. His best known works include The Jungle Book, The White Man’s Burden and the poem If. The Man Who Would Be King was written in 1888 and later turned into the classic 1975 film of the same name starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine.

The play comes to The Old Town Hall at 8pm on Wednesday October 5. Tickets £14, £12 and £10.

The day before the play arrives, award winning blues vocalist Jo Harman will entertain in a duo show. Joining her on stage will be multi instrumentalist and vocalist MI’DAS (Mike Davies) a much in demand touring guitarist for many major label acts .

Jo has performed at some of Europe’s most prestigious venues. Her soul fuelled show ranges from hard rock to intimate, heart warming ballads and features her own emotive song writing as well as personal takes on well known standards. Jo will be accompanied by Mark Edwards on piano.

An Intimate evening with Jo Harman (Duo Show) is at 8pm on Friday October 7. Tickets £13, £11, £10.

Tickets can be bought in person at The Old Town Hall in the High Street, or from the box office on 01442 228091 from noon to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, or online at www.oldtownhall.co.uk.