08 Feb 2025
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Hermione Drew, voluntary producer for St Albans Scout and Guide Gang Show, which returns to the Alban Arena between February 12-15.
Were you well behaved at school?
Yes – I hated the thought of being in trouble. My Year 4 teacher at Fleetville is still teaching in St Albans and is the head at Skyswoodschool now, I will have to ask him and check he agrees! Mr Bridle was a total inspiration to me, full of creativity, fun, and really encouraged the girls’ sports teams which was so important to me growing up.
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
Many times. When Top of the Pops was filmed at Elstree in the mid 90s I spent most of my teenage years hopping on the train to Elstree and Borehamwood to be in the audience trying to gather as many autographs or high fives from pop stars as I could. Or autographs from people who just worked on the show…I wasn’t fussy!
What is your favourite single item of clothing?
I have a lot of VERY BRIGHT clothes, I must be the laughing stock of my area. I need to pick two items, my bright and sparkly pairs of leggings, one pink and one silver. I wear these for our long all-day rehearsals at the Alban Arena as we approach show week for Gang Show. I like to think they lift everyone’s spirits, but I probably just scare them into action when they see me wearing them.
What super power would you like to have?
The ability to get 110 Scouts and Guides to be quiet and listen to the next piece of direction or dance move within 0.5 seconds of you asking them to. The cast of St Albans Gang Show are the most brilliant group of lovely, talented young people, they are full of energy but they also love to chat. But then, so do I.
What was your first job?
My first proper job was for a PR agency in London called Braben. I met the MD, Matt, at a networking event that was held above the Tudor Tavern (as it was then) for recent graduates, as he was from St Albans too. Turned out to be a brilliant connection to make, as it led to a job and six fantastic years at the agency.
What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in St Albans?
The Potting Shed within Carpenters. How I love that place and the people who work there. I am terrible at gardening, but really good at eating their breakfasts.
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band?
This is easy – our St Albans Gang Show band of course. I love seeing the orchestra pit in full force and it is interesting how many audiences members are surprised to still see a live band these days.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
The Philanthropist and Firkin (now Miller and Carter). It was always a great night there dancing away to the band on stage that night, full of people singing and dancing with their pints held aloft.
What’s your favourite St Albans car park?
The Civic Centre car park behind the Alban Arena of course. Myself and my car have spent many an hour in this car park ,lugging bags and equipment into the Alban Arena. I love it in Gang Show week when all the volunteer team’s cars essentially take over the lower layer as we take residency for the week, and you see all sorts of mad costumes and props being taken in and out. You can spot us a mile off.
Where would be your preferred place locally to get married?
The place where I actually did get married – St Albans Town Hall (just before it had its ‘glow up’ into the Museum and Gallery it is today). But it was still magical to get married in the centre of St Albans on a busy Saturday market day – we caused chaos with a huge confetti canon being set off that wafted down Holywell Hill… but no-one seemed to mind!
