Coppelia

FORMER MP and television presenter Michael Portillo takes to the stage at The Radlett Centre on Monday, October 15, to give an insight into the varied elements of his career.

In A Game of Two Halves Michael will talk about both his life as an MP at the heart of British politics and his more recent forays into the world of TV.

It took Michael little more than 10 years to get a seat in the Commons and then rise in power and esteem to a point where he was a favoured leader of his party and possible future Prime Minister.

Since leaving the House almost a decade ago Michael has endeared himself to many with his respect for solid workmanship like Victorian railways and his obvious care for the underprivileged.

He appears from 8pm and tickets at £18 with concessions £16 are available from the box office on 01923 859291 or go to the website www.radlettcentre.co.uk

A rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of singer Sophie Tucker’s life is presented at The Radlett Centre next Wednesday, October 17.

Sophie Tucker’s One Night Stand with its song, cellulite and kosher comedy, features West End star Sue Kelvin as the original Red Hot Mama.

Including songs by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and George M Cohan, the show charts the success of Sophie Tucker who reigned over American showbiz for more than 60 years with such hits as My Yiddeshe Mama, Shine On Harvest Moon and Some of These Days.

More recently Sophie was the inspiration for Mama Morton, a part Sue played in the West End production of Chicago.

Tickets for the performance at 8pm are £16 with concessions £15.

Delibes’ ballet Coppelia will be performed by the Vienna Festival Ballet at The Radlett Centre next Saturday, October 20.

Eccentric toymaker Dr Coppélius wants to know what is at the heart of a woman and plans to bring his mechanical doll, Coppélia, to life.

When he leaves Coppélia on his workshop balcony she is soon causing quite a stir in the village, particularly in the heart of red-blooded young lover Franz and the jealous mind of his real-life fiancée, Swanilda.

Performances are at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and tickets are £19.50 with concessions £16.50 and a special rate for ballet groups.