People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Akiya Henry
Akiya Henry is among the cast of The Meaning of Zong, the debut play by Olivier Award-winner Giles Terera about the notorious massacre aboard the slave ship Zong in 1781.
Akiya is well-known to audiences at Bristol Old Vic, having previously appeared in productions including Swallows & Amazons, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Medea.
Among roles on the big screen and the small screen, she has appeared in Little Britain and Silent Witness, and voices Amma in Bing on CBeebies.
is needed now More than ever
Directed by Bristol Old Vic artistic director Tom Morris, The Meaning of Zong will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on March 21 and will then be available on BBC Sounds.
These are Akiya’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Fi Real
The team at Fi Real – photo: Fi Real
“The first time I went to this lovely vegan restaurant, the owners (who are a lovely couple) made me feel so at home. Fi Real on West Street in Old Market a place with great food, loving vibes and wonderful, insightful conversation. Be warned: when you go, you’ll never want to leave.”
St George’s Park
“My sister is mentally and physically disabled and wasn’t meant to reach the age of one. When she was younger, we spent a lot of time at St Michael’s Hospital. I remember my dad always taking me for a drive to St George’s Park. We’d walk and absorb the beauty of nature and I would always feel very safe there. When we went back to the hospital, my sister would always be slightly better. That beautiful park represented a place of healing for me and still does every time I visit.”
St Paul’s
This mural of Owen Henry is the first of the Seven Saints of St Paul’s series – photo: Martin Booth
“This area is a home from home. It’s rich in the beauty of my culture and can be medicine for my soul. It’s also steeped in history and an important reminder of what we, as black people have had to and continue to face as we fight systemic racism and oppression. St Paul’s Carnival always brings me so much joy as we celebrate our culture and ourselves. If you need a reminder of what community is and should be, head down there and soak it all up.”
Conham River Park
The Conham Ferry is operated by Beese’s just to cross the River Avon – photo: Martin Booth
“Whenever I need a little calm, I head for a walk along the river. It brings a bit of tranquillity to my day as I soak up the beauty of my surroundings.”
St Nick’s Market
Let’s hope that crowds can return soon to St Nick’s – photo: Bristol City Council
“St Nick’s Market has been part of my DNA since I was born. When I was younger, I’d compete in the Eisteddfods and would look forward to my special treat – a sausage roll, cake and a small item from one of the vintage stands. That feeling of excitement returns every time I go there. There is so much choice and I always love the welcoming spirit of the stallholders.”
Main photo: Akiya Henry
Read more: Bristol Old Vic’s Medea: inside the rehearsal room
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