20 Feb 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Susie Evershed, marketing manager for the Abbey Theatre and Company of Ten.
What TV did you watch as a child?
Neighbours and Home and Away after school with my sister. And Friends on a Friday night of course. On a Saturday night it was Gladiators. I can’t tell you how much I love that it’s back on TV. I’m watching it with my kids – they love it and we all want to go on it.
Were you well behaved at school?
Oh yes. I went to Maple School for primary and the fear instilled by Mrs Guthrie in reception stayed with me! At St Albans Girls School (STAGS) I didn’t really get in trouble but if you look at my report card there a strong theme of “talk less, focus more”. But then I chose a career in which talking is crucial…
Do you speak any foreign languages?
I can speak a little bit of French – which becomes a lot after a glass of wine! I would love to learn another language though.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
Along the Alban Way, out behind Sopwell house and along the River Ver. It’s beautiful and usually quiet. I loved finding new walks with my dog Nala, over her 16 years we found a lot, but that was one of our favourites.
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
I think my advice would be don’t become something you aren’t to please other people. Be yourself, and never settle for anything that isn’t right for you.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress! I didn’t pursue it when I was younger but we have lots of theatre groups in St Albans and I made my “stage debut” with Breakaway Theatre Company before joining The Company of Ten at the Abbey Theatre where I’ve done some brilliant shows. The high standard of the productions they put on is incredible and its a joy to be a part of community of the theatre helping front of house and backstage too.
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
I used to work in Leicester Square and as I left work one evening George Clooney was arriving for a premiere so I joined the crowd and stuck my hand out to shake his. He asked me if I was OK and I’m pretty sure I just giggled. My brother is a sports journalist though and he got me Craig Ramage’s autograph – he was my favourite Watford player in the ‘90s when I started going with my dad.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
Well, way back when I would have said Casa! Right now I love The Great Northern. It’s got a lovely atmosphere and is cosy inside or great for a sunny day in the garden.
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
Oh, I’d take that all the way. I’m pretty scrappy and resourceful when I need to be and it can’t be any harder than getting the kids ready for school on a cold morning, can it?
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
Cross Street Café, it’s a community café adjacent to Dagnall Street Baptist Church and it does the most amazing jacket potatoes and cakes.
