09 Apr 2025
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Anna MacLeod Franklin, a regular performer with OVO at the Roman Theatre, most recently appearing in A Christmas Carol and The Merry Wives of Windsor (2024).
What object would you save first if your house was on fire?
I can answer this one without hesitation: about eight or nine years ago a parked car exploded on next doors drive, directly under our bedroom window. I was in the bath at the time, and when the neighbours banged on the door shouting that there was a fire I didn’t bring a single inanimate object with me, just my sleeping baby son, snatched up from his cot and carried downstairs on my extremely shaking legs while dressed in a towel that barely covered my modesty… Fortunately the fire only just took the very edges of our roof and the house stood to tell the tale!
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
It has to be my beloved Roman Theatre. I’ve had the privilege of performing hundreds of shows there over the last decade and it is the most beautiful of places to watch a show with an Aperol spritz on a balmy evening. I’m always amazed when St Albans people haven’t discovered it.
Odyssey or Netflix?
The Odyssey. It’s just such a treat to watch a film from one of their cosy swivel chairs with a big glass of red and a plate of cheese. I love anything that elevates the ordinary into an occasion. Genius.
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band?
St Albans’ own Swan Vesta Social Club are the most joyful of bands, and never fail to get everyone on the dance floor. My husband is their trumpet player but I’m not biased…
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Not that many. Now I’m in my forties comfort is key and I live in trainers. I have blue velvet DMs to wear with more formal dress. The only time you’ll catch me in heels is onstage, but I am fond of the sparkly red New Yorkers I have to wear when I’m working with my disco trio The Sundaes.
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
I’m a bit of a history junkie and especially love the Tudors so I’d love to get three of Henry VIII’s wives round a table for a few spicy margaritas and a discussion about everyone’s favourite ginger serial killer . In my view Anne of Cleves was particularly smart and ended up with the best outcome of all of them so I’d probably go for her, with Anne Boleyn and Katherine Parr, who are both also much more complex and fascinating than the broad brushstrokes of history would have us believe.
What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in St Albans?
Hatch in Christopher Place is a favourite, their food is beautiful. I still miss their Kiosk in The Maltings which was a favourite lunch spot for anyone rehearsing at OVO at the Maltings Theatre.
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
I reckon I’d do OK. I’m extremely pragmatic, practical and solution oriented. And I seek the positive in any situation. And I can always bring out my former stage characterisation of Boudicca if I need to get aggressive.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
Hard question, St Albans has some excellent pubs. But I misspent a lot of my youth at the iconic Ye Olde Fighting Cocks so for sentimental reasons that’s at the top of my list.
Where do you buy your coffee in St Albans?
Proto bakery, so I can get a side order of one of their spectacular pastries. I’m a big fan of their sourdough too. They’re my favourite new St Albans business of the last year.
