Behind The Scenes With The Eric Morecambe Centre
The Eric Morecambe Centre
The Eric Morecambe Centre (EMC) opened its doors to the Harpenden community in September 2021. It is a culture and entertainment centre within the beautiful surroundings of Rothamsted Park in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. It includes a 511-seat theatre with state-of-the-art production equipment to allow major touring shows to be staged as well as productions by local groups.
The EMC regularly host live music, tribute acts, comedy, theatre productions, school concerts, charity and local business events, an annual Christmas Panto as well as a comprehensive film programme. The venue is used by local activity groups including dance and exercise classes, as well as popular local toddler and pre-school groups.
Aside of their beautiful auditorium, they also offer an exhibition space, two functions rooms, a history room, bars on two floors and a coffee shop with views across the popular local park. Their function rooms provide the perfect venue for private celebrations including weddings and birthdays, as well as charity and corporate events.
The centre has been named after Eric Morecambe, who was a resident of Harpenden at the height of his TV fame as a double act Morecambe and Wise alongside Ernie Wise.
Morecambe moved to Harpenden in the 1960’s and often referred to Harpenden in his comedy, with a band once appearing on the show named The Harpenden Hot-Shots and in a Casanova sketch where he introduced himself as Lord Eric, Forth Duke of Harpenden – and certain parts of Birkenhead.
Something for everyone
Tribute bands are popular at the EMC. You can watch “I’m Still Standing” on the 17th of September, showcasing The Music of Elton John which will be a celebration of the legendary 50-year career of Sir Elton John and a Coldplay tribute on the 21st of October.
There is also the record fair on the 23rd of July. Whether you’re a collector or browser, there’s music for all tastes in all formats from a hall full of dealers selling music on vinyl and CDs as well as DVDs, memorabilia and books.
Or perhaps you fancy an evening with Sue Barker on the 13th October. This event will celebrate the publication of her all in, once-only autobiography – Calling the Shots and includes a copy of her new book.
A highlight each year is their panto. From the team behind last year’s Aladdin comes this year’s hilarious pantomime Cinderella. The nation’s favourite pantomime is suitable for the whole family and audiences will be captivated by this production which is full of magic, laughter, audience participation and spectacular surprises from the 10th until 30th of December.
Community spirit
The centre is proud to work alongside our local community to deliver regular community events and classes such as:
Monkey Music - Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9.30am – 12pm
The classes offer a safe, supportive and nurturing environment, where parents, carers and children meet in small groups to enjoy our interactive musical activities.
The Frazzled Café - Monday 7.45-8.45pm
These meetings provide a place where people who are feeling frazzled can meet to talk and share their stories. Our meetings create a supportive, anonymous and non-judgemental environment – a place where it’s ok to not be ok.
The Dance Studio - various classes through the week
The Dance Studio has been established for 35 years and has become a highly respected school with approximately 450 pupils attending classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Acrobatic Arts & Jazz Dance throughout Harpenden and St. Albans.
Ben Santos Salsa Classes - Wednesday 7.30-11pm
The classes are arranged so no matter what level you are at from absolute beginner through to experienced dancer there are always 2 hours of relevant classes for you.
Hurst Children’s Theatre Group - Friday 4-8pm
They offer weekly drama classes for children ages 3-18. These classes offer a combination of singing, acting and dance and each class works towards a production at the end of every term, in a real live theatre, with a real live audience! The productions include professional scenery, costumes, crew, lighting and a ‘live’ band. All classes perform 2 productions a year, where they all get a chance to shine! Every Friday 4.00pm – 8.00pm. They also run Contemporary/Street dance classes, as well as LAMDA classes. The Lamda students work towards a publicly recognised exam at the end of each term.
Café
The EMC offers a fully stocked bar which is open during show times. Their café is open 10am-4:30pm Monday-Saturday which is pushchair friendly and has Wi-Fi - a perfect place to use as a workspace or to catch up with a friend after a walk in the park.
_
For upcoming listings please visit their website here or see their events on our events page here.
If you are interested in hosting an event at the Eric Morecambe Centre, please email jo.ditch@1life.co.uk and if you would like to find out more about the function rooms for private hire, please email functions@1life.co.uk