2026 is a special year for Sheila. Not only does it see the 40-year anniversary of Show of Strength Theatre Company, of which Sheila is co-founder and creative producer but also sees Sheila receive a nomination for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar award. Voting is open until 22nd March.
Firstly, congratulations on an exciting year! Can you tell us a bit about Show of Strength?
I co-founded Show of Strength Theatre Company in 1986 to share local stories and lesser-known legends through entertaining theatre walks, including Treasure Island Story Walk, Raising Cary Grant and Frankenstein in Bath. While we’re known for our outdoor theatre walks, we also produce new work in non-theatre spaces that are informal, intimate and accessible, including Tobacco Factory Theatre and legendary comedy venue The Hen & Chicken on North Street.
What walks are you leading during this year’s Bristol Walk Fest?
This year we’ll be leading six walks on various dates during May:
- Magic And Mayhem In Medieval Bristol, Sunday 3 May
- Blood And Butchery In Bedminster, Thursday 7 & Thursday 21 May
- Crimes And Crinolines In Clifton, Sunday 10 & Thursday 28 May
- Blood, Blackbeard And Buccaneers, Tuesday 12 & Tuesday 26 May
- Saints And Sinners In St. George, Sunday 17 May
- Cary Comes Home: From Bristol To Hollywood, Sunday 31 May
What can people expect from your walks?
Amazing stories! Forgotten crimes! Adventure! Humour! Some stories are dark but we find a way to bring in some light. We tell stories in the places where they happened – the interaction between place and story is fascinating.
Walks take 1.5 to 2 hours and are between 1 or 1.5 miles long. Some are circular, most are flat and accessible and we will meet your needs as much as we can (there are some steps in our Clifton walks). They are strolls not hikes and can be taken at your own pace. There is even a stop at a pub on one tour.
What’s your favourite place to walk / favourite route?
I live in Bedminster and love walking to the Underfall Yard Cafe. I’ve lived in south Bristol for 40 years and have been doing this walk forever! But more since Covid – and thank god for it.
We have nine walking tours so far and are currently developing one in Hotwells. For Bristol 650 Evan Jones from the University of Bristol’s history department led a walk and told stories around the boundaries of the old city and county of Bristol. Some of it was on the Matthew as the river was the boundary. We went down to Hotwells and ended up on St Michael’s Hill where the gallows used to stand.
I also love Clevedon Pill, beyond Clevedon headland. There are little boats moored there, it’s quiet and flat; you can see Steep Holm and Flat Holm and look right across to Wales. It’s very relaxing, calming and lovely in the evening to watch the sunset. I think “everything’s all right, no tall buildings, nothing to see but the sea and mud.”
Who do you like to walk with and why?
I like walking on my own, because it clears my brain. When I’m working I lead walks for 25 people and talk a lot. I love it, but when I’m not doing that I quite like walking on my own! Not too far – five or six miles maybe.
How do you feel when you’re out for a walk? Does it change your state of mind?
I feel brilliant! The world is a challenging place and sometimes I think “I can’t be bothered“, but then I ask myself “have you ever regretted it (going for walk) when you’ve done it?” And I never have.
Have you experienced any health benefits from walking?
Yes, it has huge benefits. It’s good for the body and keeps things moving. I feel calm and I stand up straight. I had covid quite badly which slowed me down but then when I was able to do a ten-mile walk, I knew I was better.
When going for a walk, what would you not leave home without?
Waterproof boots, my dry robe and a big brolly. I don’t like being wet! I don’t listen to music because I want to be in the place I’m in.
Any recommendations or organisations whose work you admire?
I picked up a flyer for Lent Pilgrimage Walks with Pilgrim Pathways which look good. I’m a sucker for old churches and old buildings – I have a list of ones I haven’t seen yet. I do like a walk with something old and interesting along the way!
I’ve been following Girls Who Walk Bristol too and they seem great!
Have you offered a walk with Bristol Walk Fest before? Why do you keep coming back?
We’ve been taking part for at least five years because it’s so good and we want to support it. Every year the numbers increase and there are so many different things on offer.
What does Bristol Walk Fest do for the city? Why do you think it’s important?
It raises the profile of walking in the city and walking in the city is what we do – it’s really important. I think Bristol should officially be a walking city as you can walk from one side to the other in an hour.
VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2026
VisitEngland’s annual Tourism Superstar competition champions those in the tourism industry who provide an unforgettable visitor experience. The winner is crowned at the end of the competition, based on the highest number of public votes. Sheila has been nominated for her innovative contribution to the region’s storytelling and tourism.
Known for her charisma, charm and humour, Sheila’s meticulous research and natural curiosity ensure every story is entertaining and insightful, making her a standout figure in Bristol’s cultural landscape.
Watch a brilliant film of Sheila talking about her work, and vote for her here.