Acting is a precarious profession. Being cast in a show might involve upending your life and moving to a new city – which means having to start afresh when it comes to discovering your favourite eateries, shops and green spaces. That was the experience of Liv Hill, an actor born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, who has relocated numerous times in her career – most recently to London.
She moved to the capital to originate the role of Jane in 1536, a new play by Ava Pickett which debuted in May 2025 at the Almedia Theatre. After receiving rave reviews and sold-out audiences, it transferred to the West End, where it’s currently on at the Ambassadors Theatre, picking up an Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play along the way. 1536 follows three friends (including Hill as Jane) living in Tudor England, reacting to the events that unfold as King Henry VIII has Anne Boleyn arrested. It’s razor-sharp, unsettlingly relevant and – if you haven’t yet nabbed a ticket – well worth attempting to get one.
Beyond the stage, Hill has starred in the hit Starz television series The Serpent Queen as a young Catherine de Medici, as well as in the independent film Jellyfish, among others. But what does she like to do in London in her downtime? And where’s the best spot in the West End to unwind after a show? Broadsheet asked her for her top London tips.
Hi Liv! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am an actor, born in Wales but from a military family, so I moved all around the United Kingdom (and Germany for two years!), settling for most of my adolescence in Nottingham and Derby. Because of my upbringing, I’m used to uprooting and not staying in the same place for too long, which is perfect for being an actor. I'm currently playing the role of Jane in the West End transfer of Ava Pickett's new play, 1536.
What makes your perfect day off in London?
My perfect summer day is with friends, starting the day with a big brunch, cycling to Brockwell Lido for the afternoon and ending the day in [Peckham Rye] with a pizza from 081 Pizzeria Peckham.
For you, what’s the essential play, TV show, song, book or film about London?
I’m late to the party, but I recently watched Attack the Block and loved it – I think it really captures a part of London.
What’s your favourite London restaurant, and why?
I love to go to Dishoom for a big brunch before work. I love the atmosphere, but most importantly the food is delicious.
What’s a recent cultural outing that you’ve particularly loved in London?
I’m in a West End schedule at the moment so I haven’t had any time to see any shows! But I love to walk along the South Bank, it’s always brimming with art and culture.
Once you’ve finished a show in the evening, where do you like to eat or drink in the West End?
As a cast we either go to The Ivy Covent Garden, which is located right opposite The Ambassadors Theatre where we are performing, or we go to a pub around the corner called The Crown to unwind.
If you want to impress someone, where would you take them?
I ride my bike to work and every time I cycle home over the Thames on Waterloo Bridge, seeing the huge iconic buildings and landmarks of London all lit up, I’m in awe. I pinch myself every time.
Where do you go for coffee?
I love to make myself a simple black coffee from a cafetiere. I always start my day with that. If I’m treating myself though, I’ll go to Spinach in East Dulwich (and for brunch too!).
What are your favourite shops around London?
I love a bookshop. Chener Books [in East Dulwich] is a lovely one.
Where do you head when you need a break from London?
Back to my hometown in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Nothing beats those beaches and that fresh sea breeze. And Paris, my other home away from home.
Is there anything you’d like to shout out that’s making London a better place right now?
Seeing as I’m currently performing in London, I’ve been made aware of Applause for Thought, a non-profit organisation committed to improving mental health provision in the arts. Should we wish, we are offered free sessions during our time in the West End with a psychotherapist in a reflective listening space, somewhere to offload or just sit quietly. I feel grateful that such an organisation exists in this sometimes demanding and intense industry.
