13 Aug 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Bruntwood-nominated playwright Mial Pagan, who is debuting his latest production at London’s Camden Fringe. Thin Places is an intimate, darkly comedic contemporary drama set in a village in Northern Ireland, exploring themes of exile and the poignant, sometimes difficult, return to our roots.
It can be seen at Islington’s Little Angel Theatre on Thursday August 22 8.30pm, Friday August 23 8.30pm and Saturday August 24 8:30pm.
What object would you save first if your house was on fire?
A glass paperweight on my desk – it was given to me when I was a child by an elderly neighbour in Belfast. She and her husband had to flee 1930s Vienna. It means a lot to me not only because it reminds me of my childhood but there is a tiny bubble of air in the glass from that time and place – it’s a reminder that the past is always with us.
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Start writing – now and do not let rejection put you off! I began writing when I was a student and imagined it would be easy but then discovered that the sheer hard work that goes into writing and producing a play is rewarded when an audience responds positively to the drama.
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
Yes – from Richard Wilson last year at Hampstead Theatre. I saw him walk past in the foyer and wasn’t going to speak to him but was glad I did – he was friendly and encouraging to the extent that we talked about theatre for so long we were nearly late for the second half of the play. He was directing it!
Odyssey or Netflix? Odyssey! It’s a major cultural asset for St Albans.
We live very near it so visit regularly, treating it as a viewing room! It’s how cinemas should be, with a broad mix of films, comfortable seating and friendly staff.
Where do you buy your coffee in St Albans?
Little Marrakech does very hot cappuccinos that have flavour and a fantastic chocolate cake which I never have… There may be a lie in the last sentence. Their Moroccan food is a firm favourite as well.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
The White Lion in Sopwell Lane has a great garden in the heat of summer with shade for long, lazy lunches and is cosy inside for winter evenings. Their annual ‘LionHart’ festival with the White Hart Tap brings two excellent pubs together every summer for a celebration of good local music.
Wednesday or Saturday market?
Wednesday for all the street-food stalls. They add a colourful vibrancy to the market and the food is great – if I had to pick two favourites they would be Pyala and Carmen’s Caribbean Kitchen.
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
Depends how quickly the zombies see through my acting ability on the day… I’d have to channel my inner Simon Pegg in Shaun of the Dead but without his acting talent.
Most inspirational St Albans person – living or dead?
Even though I’m a science ignoramus it has to be Stephen Hawking – an extraordinary intellect and proof of the creativity of scientists. Daisy Cooper is a strong contender for her focus on local issues and sheer hard work for the constituency.
