26 Jan 2026
This year should be very exciting for Tick Tock Music St Albans – weekly interactive music and drama shows for children under five at St Michael’s Church hall – as the group celebrates its 20th anniversary.
However, leaders Abi Giles and Debbie Heath, who both grew up in the area, are instead frantically trying to find new ways to reach local parents, grandparents and childminders. Numbers are dangerously low and they may be forced to close their doors before they reach their milestone birthday.
Owner and leader Abi said: “In recent years, our numbers have been slowly dropping due to a number of factors. There is increased competition in the local area combined with there simply being less clients. 2025 was the first year there were more deaths in the UK than births and soaring house prices and cost of living mean that there are less families moving to St Albans. In many cases those that do need both parents to return to work, taking up free nursery places.
“We understand it is hard for families as money is tight however the benefits of music and theatre at such a young age are vast.
“With our unique style of interactive musical theatre, we help children with their confidence, speech and understanding, giving them a growing vocabulary and understanding of the world around them.”
Mother Hannah, who is also a local primary teacher said: “We absolutely love attending Tick Tock Music classes. My daughter’s knowledge of nursery rhymes and enjoyment of music has flourished since we started. We really like that each week has a theme, and the related songs are brilliantly performed by Abi and Debbie complete with outfits and props. Their sessions are mesmerising for children and adults alike.”
Many Tick Tock students have gone on to appear in school plays, concerts, many have learned instruments to high grades and some are even studying musical theatre, music and drama at university.
Abi said: “We are so proud of all of our students. Two of them are even performing in the West End!”
Their mother, the leader of Performing Herts Jenny Jones said: “Being in the industry and running a theatre school myself, I knew there was only one class for my boys – Tick Tock Music! The interactive classes involving themes, music, dance and drama makes it the best pre-school class around.
“The boys were truly inspired by the lessons and still remember the songs today! They both now perform professionally in West End musicals and I have no doubt that Tick Tock nurtured their talent and showed them how fun and engaging theatre should be!”
Abi and Debbie have made many friends over the years and said it warms their hearts to see children they knew at six months now young adults, remembering the magic they inspired.
“Things like the magic Tick Tock Oven that bakes our Christmas cake in 10 seconds or going on safari and finding animals to simple things like putting the kettle on with Polly. Not to mention how many children met Father Christmas for the first time in the safety of the Tick Tock Christmas fancy dress party,” said Abi.
Former Tick Tock parent Tracy agreed: “It encouraged learning through music, movement and sharing with other kids…it was also a chance for me to meet like-minded mothers and I found some great friends along the way.”
Abi and Debbie say they will be heartbroken if they cannot find new children to join the class. As things stand they may not last beyond February half-term which would be a tragedy for such a long running St Albans small business.
Abi added: “If you have a small child at home and are looking for fun things to do on a cold Thursday morning, please come and join Tick Tock Music at 10.15am in St Michael’s Church Hall. You never know, your child may be the next West End star.
“All sessions are delivered by trained actors and musicians and take your child on a different musical theatre adventure every week with different costumes, puppets and probs to see, not to mention the free biscuit at the end!”
You can find them on:
Facebook: TickTock Music St Albans,
Instagram: ticktockmusicsta
Tic Toc: @ticktockmusicstalbans
Email abiticktock@yahoo.co.uk or call 07933 153054.
Check out their videos and join the fun with a new opportunity for drop-in sessions at £10 per class.
You can book your classes here: www.happity.co.uk/tick-tock-music/st-albans
