HERMAN'S HERMITS - whose "Something's Happening" climbs to No. 5 in this week's NME Chart - are likely to spend most of the mid-summer period playing cabaret at a major Las Vegas venue. Negotiations are nearing completion for the group to undertake a ten-week season in this hub of U.S. show business. Agent Danny Betesh told the NME that in order to prepare for this important engagement, Herman will devote most of the spring to British cabaret dates.     As reported in the NME three weeks ago, Herman and the Hermits are to make another film in Hollywood later this year. It now seems probable that provided a suitable story line is found, shooting will take place immediately after their Las Vegas season.     The group spends the whole of next week recording a new album and its follow-up single. It's current British hit will be issued in America in early February to coincide with the U.S. screening of the Tom Jones special in which it guests.

PETER NOONE and Herman's Hermits have been set for cabaret weeks at Caerphilly Double Diamond (from March 26), Batley Variety Club (from April 4) and Sheffield Fiesta (from May 17). They also play a return concert at Chatham Central Hall on May 1.     Agent Danny Betesh told the NME that he is currently negotiating summer plans for Peter with the group. He added: "This should dispel all rumours that Peter and the Hermits are about to split. There is no prospect of this happening in the foreseeable future."

Herman's Hermits join Norman Vaughan in "Aladdin" opening at London's Streatham Odeon on December 24.