Verandah Talk

Patrick Vernon is a Windrush campaigner and chair of Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, which manages a £6 billion budget for 1.4 million people. He joins us on the verandah to talk about his incredible work in reducing health inequalities for which he's received an OBE. We also hear about the importance of representation in boardrooms to influence policy and decision-making. We talk Afrofuturism. Plus, how he ended up doing a Vogue photoshoot in his back garden!

For our first episode of 2026, we’re delighted to welcome Mzz Kimberley onto our verandah. Kim is a singer, actress, cabaret performer and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist. In this episode, we learn about her vast portfolio of work and her role in organising a trans-led stage at London Pride. She talks about the need for unity among Black and trans communities. “I always make a point of complimenting a Black woman”, she says, because she believes that regularly offering genuine compliments can foster confidence and connection.

Award-winning actor, writer and playwright, Pamela Nomvete joins us on our verandah today to talk about her career and some of the hurdles she’s overcome on the way. Her parents were exiled from South Africa in the 1950s due to their opposition to the apartheid regime. She talks passionately about moving to her parents' newly free homeland in the 1990s to further her acting career, after a British director admitted her lack of opportunities was down to her being Black.Pam talks to us about the racism she experienced in television, both in South Africa and here on her return. But we also hear about the profound impact working in Rwanda for the HBO film Sometimes in April had on her, including the emotional experiences of meeting survivors and perpetrators of the country’s genocide.

We're excited to welcome the acclaimed artist and curator Sharon Walters onto our verandah. Sharon’s work includes a National Portrait Gallery commission to celebrate the political and social activists Eric and Jessica Huntley, and an ongoing project - called "Seeing Ourselves" - focused on representation and legacy for Black women. You may also have seen her work on ITV as she designed one of the channel’s idents in collaboration with the garden designer Mark Lane.In this episode, Sharon shares her love for nature and the importance of her work in representing black women. We also hear her passion for Saturday schools and how important they are in providing cultural context and representation for young Black children. She also reflects on the impact of Saturday school had on her love for writing and creativity.

Broadcaster, political and financial analyst, Albie Amankona, is our latest guest on the verandah.Albie co-founded Conservatives Against Racism in response to the murder of George Floyd and talks about the need for a merit-based system in both politics and the arts. He talks about his ambitions to become an MP one day and his admiration for those who do the role with real conviction on both the left and right. We hear about how he feels the influence of his mother (Pam Wrigley, who we heard in the previous episode) and their strong support network helped shape his life. And how attending church for the first time since childhood helps him feel grounded and hopeful.

Award-winning wedding hair and makeup artist, Pam Wrigley, joins us on our verandah this week. Pam talks to us about how she prioritises customer satisfaction over accolades, and the importance of making brides feel beautiful and confident on their wedding day.We hear about the joy motherhood brought Pam. And despite her serious business acumen over the last 20 years, why the businesswoman tag sits uneasily.

We're delighted to welcome playwright, novelist, critic and broadcaster Bonnie Greer onto our verandah this week. Bonnie reflects on her lifetime in activism, the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on her identity, and the challenges faced by younger generations in navigating social media and visibility. She discusses a poignant encounter with writer and civil rights activist, James Baldwin and talks about Black women's roles in movements for social justice in history. It is a genuinely fascinating conversation. Enjoy!

The remarkable Dame Elizabeth Anionwu—trailblazing nurse, author, lecturer, and the UK’s first sickle cell and thalassemia specialist - is our guest on the verandah today. A Dame of the British Empire and recipient of the Pride of Britain Lifetime Achievement Award, her legacy spans healthcare, education, and tireless advocacy. Dame Elizabeth shares how the three Ps—Professional, Personal, and Political—shaped her path into sickle cell nursing, and how she transformed anger into positive energy and action, leading to one of her most powerful achievements: the campaign to erect the Mary Seacole statue. This is a powerful and deeply inspiring conversation—full of wisdom, warmth, and resilience.

In this episode of Verandah Talk, we’re joined by the acclaimed actor, playwright, director, and broadcaster Kwame Kwei-Armah. From his dream veranda in the hills of Grenada—overlooking the ocean, surrounded by mountains and family photos—Kwame offers us a cold glass of coconut water and an intimate glimpse into his world. He shares the story behind leaving his birth name, Ian Roberts, and how his “restless curiosity and fierce resistance” have shaped his life and career. From the early days of navigating identity to his groundbreaking work in theatre and his current role with The Story Collective, Kwame reflects on what it means to create, to belong, and to see others fully. “You exist because I see you, you are part of we... You are not here alone.” It’s a rich, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation—pull up a chair and join us on the verandah. 

The incredible Rakie Ayola joins us on our imaginary verandah. Rakie is a BAFTA-winning actor, producer, and founder of Shanty Productions.  Rakie shares stories from her remarkable career, including what it’s really like working with Jeff Goldblum. She also confesses how she might just be the best—and worst—neighbour you could ask for! She discusses the challenges and complexities she faces as a celebrated Black actress, including her feelings about having to audition despite winning multiple BAFTAs. Rakie opens up about juggling theatre, hospitals, and home life during her daughter’s neurofibromatosis type 1 diagnosis—and how her husband Adam helped her through it all. It’s heartfelt, honest, and full of Rakie’s signature warmth and humour. 

Welcome to our verandah - let us show you around. We are Suzette and Suzanne, and this taster introduces you to not only ourselves, but also some of the people who contributed to our book, Still Breathing: 100 Black Voices on Racism - 100 Ways to Change the Narrative.  It's a collection of inspiring individuals with a rich and diverse collection of experiences, and this episode gives you an idea of the stories they will be telling us. So kick off your shoes, pour your favourite drinks, and settle in for the fun and relaxed vibe of Verandah Talk.