Sue Odell has lived in Kentish Town since 1980. Thousands of actors, models and ‘interesting people’ have passed through the door of her Kentish Town studio. In her free time she works on community issues such as Kentish Town Road Action and, recently, the redevelopment of the Pizza Express building. She frequently holds sales and parties raising funds for local charities. However, she warns, ‘I’m a grumpy old bag and by no means perfect.’
When were you happiest?
Giving birth to Billy at home in Kentish Town. He was unexpectedly born two weeks early, in the early morning before a photographic shoot on which I was working with Lord Snowdon. I had to call the photo studio at 9.30am to say I couldn’t come to work as I’d just had a baby during the night. I got a fax from Snowdon saying, ‘congratulations for not turning up to the most boring shoot in the world’.
Where would you like to live (in the manor)?
Right here, where I live, in architect Edward Cullinan’s ‘House Number 4’. There’s nowhere better in K-Town than The Blue House!
What is your favourite sound?
The ice cream van that plays ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ in Bartholomew Road every day at 4.00pm.
What is your greatest life achievement?
Still trying to achieve it.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Smile a lot. And show respect.
What is your earliest K-Town memory?
My first home in Hadley Street had beautiful varnished reclaimed maple floorboards. I had one of my big parties and called it ‘The Joy of Sox’. Everybody had to leave their shoes at the front door. At the end of the night, the last person to depart couldn’t find his shoes. So he walked back to Clerkenwell in his socks.
What makes you unhappy?
The news.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
People being less selfish.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Swearing too much.
What is your guilty pleasure ?
Browsing the charity shops in the High Street when I think that I should be at work.
Where do you hang out?
Mario’s Cafe. Arancini Factory. Lion & Unicorn Theatre and Pub.
Who or what do you hate and why?
Dog poo and litter on the pavement.
What’s your best experience in NW5?
Best: So many brilliant parties Dinner every New Years Eve at a different neighbour’s place…every Alma Street Festival…
Worst: An American man rented the house next door. Early on the morning before he left for the airport, he started a small bonfire of rubbish in the back garden. At lunchtime I looked out of my window and saw trees on fire. The house was locked and empty. So the fire brigade had to smash down the back gate to extinguish the fire before it spread to the timber yard at the back of our houses.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’ve got used to it by now. Luckily I’m the one behind the camera.
What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
‘You’d be quite nice looking if you had a nose job’ said to me by my great aunt when I was 13!
Can’t.
What has your career taught you?
That it doesn’t cost anything to pay compliments.
What is your favourite dish and why?
Goulash. My family is East European. I grew up with Czech cooking; the smell of paprika, caraway seeds and gherkins is mouthwatering.
What was your best or worst gig and why?
Bob Marley and The Wailers at Hammersmith Odeon was both when a thug with a knife sliced off my silver necklace. Leaving the venue after a Ramones gig with my hair covered in green gob was another. A third? Wiping down my art school tutor’s office after The Stranglers had pissed all over the walls…
Describe yourself as an animal.
I am a MONKEY. Born in The Chinese Year of the Monkey. Lots of my best friends are, too.
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1 thought on “Ich Bin Kentishtowner: Sue Odell, Casting Director”
The ice cream van that plays ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ in Bartholomew Road every day at 4.00pm is my absolute pet hate 🙂