08 Jan 2025
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Adam Nichols, creative director of OVO theatre production company.
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
My mum died when I was 13, so she’s missed out on a lot of the key moments in my life. I’d love to be able to talk to her about everything I’ve done over the years.
What was your first job?
Aged 14-21 I was a Saturday boy at the shoe shop Russell and Bromley in Guildford. Weirdly it was a 1990s theatrical hotbed – my great schoolfriend Joe Hill-Gibbins, who has gone on to be a very successful director, and playwright Lucy Prebble, who recently co-created and wrote the hit TV show Succession, also worked there.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
I loved Claude’s Creperie on Holywell Hill. It was one of the first places I was taken by my wife Felicity, who grew up in St Albans. Kiosk in The Maltings was an OVO favourite for rehearsal sandwiches and coffees – their Reuben was a thing of wonder.
What’s your favourite St Albans car park?
Am I the first 10 from 50 subject ever to answer this question? (Surprisingly not, Ed) It’s a toss up between our two OVO car parks. The Maltings, for its amazing top floor views (you can see the Shard on a clear day) or Verulamium, because it reminds me of so many happy Roman Theatre Festival memories, as well as being the location of our new barn theatre.
Where would be your preferred place locally to get married?
I probably ought to say St Albans Abbey, given that I did get married there! I feel extremely lucky to have had my wedding in such a stunning venue. We are very fortunate to have a building of such cultural and historical significance – as well as breathtaking beauty – in our city.
Where do you buy your coffee in St Albans?
I think Nkora does the best coffee in St Albans. But we’re fairly spoilt for choice, aren’t we? Toast, Marmalade and (gasp) Gail’s are all pretty good.
Have you ever been arrested and if so for what?
Surely every self respecting person has? I was a community organiser in the late 1990s and on one occasion set up a protest blocking the entrance to Sir Tom Hunter’s Sports Division factory near Glasgow (he wasn’t especially kind to his employees back then). He nearly ran me over in his Bentley as he tried to drive in, and the police turned up shortly afterwards.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
Has to be the Six Bells. Great food, drink and staff and site of many an enjoyable post-show Roman Theatre Festival session. In the city centre we often repair to the Beehive after OVO rehearsals – there’s a great atmosphere in the bijou garden there on a summer’s evening.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Absolutely loads – they are my biggest weakness. Blame the Russell and Bromley Saturday job. Currently I’m particularly partial to my green and white Represent sneakers and blue Paul Smith brogues. Of course the less glamorous wellies are always a staple for the Roman Theatre Festival.
Most inspirational St Albans person – living or dead?
Tim Boatswain. The man is a fountain of positive energy and ideas and has an infectious love for the city.
He’s a great example of taking practical action to make St Albans a better place, rather than just moaning about it!
I also have to mention Francis Bacon who had such a strong influence on the Enlightenment and excelled in so many fields, from politics to science – as well as being a great patron of theatre and the arts. OVO is currently working on a new play about his life.
