05 Jun 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Leoni Kibbey, founder of the St Albans Film Festival, actor and casting director at Capulet.
Where do you go to listen to music?
Festivals! We were lucky enough to get tickets to Glastonbury for the third year in a row this year. Standon Calling has a great vibe and we even took the dog there once – there arent many dog friendly festivals. Stowaway is a great little festival not too far away too with a good mix of live music, comedy, DJs and a forest to explore.
What items do you always carry with you?
Headphones for audio books, meditation while walking or music for running. Water. Pink lipstick. Snacks. Keys.
Were you well behaved at school?
Well behaved but cheeky. I worked hard, did well at my subjects, had fun with my mates, charmed the teachers and pushed my luck. I was both naughty and keen… I always wanted to get involved in everything and my mates would sometimes take the mickey when I used to volunteer for everything.. I had too much energy that needed diverting somewhere.
What are your preferred pizza toppings?
Mushroom, rocket, olives, anchovies. Maybe an egg…Fiorentina, yum.
What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in St Albans?
Breakfast in St Albans is great… Gails, George Street Café, The Potting Shed at Carpenters, The Waffle House, Toast.
What’s your favourite St Albans car park?
Great question.. That would have to be Drovers Way behind M&S. I always used to love it, especially when it was free after 6.30pm. It’s a shame that’s been changed as I think it hinders evening trade in the city centre. You can park there for free for 20 minutes so if I just need to grab something quickly from town its a game to see if I can park, run to the shop and get back in time before being charged. Is it just me or is it fun spinning round the helter skelter exit? Also, the view from the top… If you know, you know.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
The Six Bells, it’s my closest and feels like a village community pub and we love seeing the same local faces and friendly bar staff. We often fall in there after a dog walk in the park and now if we try to walk past the pub the dog drags us in. Special mention to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks which will always hold a special place in my heart having been a huge part of my St Albans memories.
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
Do zombies sleep at night? If yes then I’d survive for ages. As long as the sun is shining I run fast, think fast, do well in a crises and being little can hide in small places. I love problem solving, I’m built for survival and do well under stress. But, once the sun goes down I’m useless. My daughter tells me dead things don’t need to sleep…help!!!???
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A zoo keeper. Then an actress.
Most inspirational St Albans person – living or dead?
I’m going to say Paul Cattermole of S Club Fame. I went to drama school with him and always remember him talking about St Albans, I’d never heard of the place before then and didn’t realise back then that this mythical place somewhere just a bit north of London would become my much loved home city. He was such a lovely gentle and talented member of our year. He sadly died too young recently but he lived life to the full and truly ‘Reached for the Stars’.
