Northwest - Profiles

Rising star

Now settled into Hampstead, Mark Kebble meets up with an old friend to talk about how much can happen in a year

Simmering passion

Once â€˜very like Oliver Reedâ€™, Ian Pengelley seems to have calmed down a little with age â€“ but only a little, as Mark Kebble finds out in Camden

A cut above

He may live in St John's Wood, but snipper to the stars Nicky Clarke is most at home in his salon. Beatrix Clark enters his world

Being Proud

Photography gallery founder Alex Proud reveals his plans for Proud Camden and why he has no regrets

Amy's view

Playwright Amy Rosenthalâ€™s work is wise beyond her years. Beatrix Clark had better not ask her about writerâ€™s block, though

Family Theatre

Brian Daniels has produced over 120 plays and musicals. In 1997 he bought the New End Theatre in Hampstead and since 2005 has also owned the lease on the Shaw Theatre in Euston. He lives in Hampstead with his wife. His 21-year-old daughter, Alexa Christopher-Daniels, who lives in Kennington, has already directed six plays and runs regular workshops at New End for young people interested in theatre.

Lucky Star

Marylebone-based actress Olivia Williams talks to Anwar Brett about plain speaking, personal happiness and playing Daniel Craigâ€™s mother

Art for art's sake

Artist Joanna Bailey isnâ€™t looking for a definition for art but sheâ€™s certainly looking for something, she tells Amanda Hodges

The Children's Champion

Kids Company Founder Camila Batmanghelidjhâ€™s work is transforming thousands of young peopleâ€™s lives, as Beatrix Clark discovers

A Class Act

Tracy-Ann Oberman is one talented lady, as Beatrix Clark discovers

Queen of hearts

Jeweller Nikki Gewirtz has attracted fans including A-listers Halle Berry, Rachel Hunter and Angelina Jolie with her fun and colourful designs. She talks to Beatrix Clark about her inspirations

Knight of the realm

Author and journalist India Knight has recently taken her first foray into childrenâ€™s literature with The Baby. She talks to Alistair Duncan about the art of writing for youngsters and family life in Primrose Hill

Stand and deliver

Obstetrician Yehudi Gordon has challenged traditional attitudes to childbirth and revolutionised the birthing process within the UK and beyond. Beatrix Clark visits the childbirth guru at his base in St Johnâ€™s Wood

Shop front

Anna Park may be the doyenne of a burgeoning fashion empire, but she is still to be found at the heart of her business, as Danielle Munroe discovers when she catches up with the stylish retailer at her Primrose Hill boutique

Spice up your life

Anjum Anandâ€™s revolutionary approach to Indian cuisine has led the Hampstead resident to be awarded her own television show on BBC2. Tim Hayward discovers what set her on the path to the small screen

Palinâ€™s palace

He once dreamed of owning a castle with a moat but actor, comedian and intrepid explorer Michael Palin has found happiness in his family home in Gospel Oak. As his diaries of Python life are published, Deborah Harris meets the television legend

Fitting the bill

Bill Nighy never anticipated Hollywood success, yet roles in Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean have turned him into a star on both sides of the Atlantic. Anwar Brett catches up with the Kentish Town resident on the eve of a well-earned rest

A life less ordinary

Marina Fiorato wrote her first novel in bookshop cafes. Now she's a bestselling author and her life is perfect - well, nearly, she tells Lucy Land

Sitting Pretty

Celebrity make-up artist Georgina Hamed has an eye for beauty and a head for business. Beatrix Clark gets the low-down (and a few make-up tips)

Bags of style

Lucy Lyons is one of the creators of Wilbur and Gussie handbags. Beatrix Clark uncovers the steely determination beneath her bubbly exterior

A matter of life and death

Artist Janet Nathan creates landscape-style installations from her studio in Belsize Park. She talks to Emily Paine about her inspirations

A shot of colour

Camilla Bodie, owner of photographic gallery 55max, has put her vibrant touch to her St Johnâ€™s Wood house.
Emily Paine takes a nose around

A fashionable life

Head designer at Frank Usher, Christina de Mercado, has come to West Hampstead from Stockholm via Miami. She talks about local life

The bigger picture

Photographer Nicky Willcock talks to Emily Paine about her inspirations

One Fine Boudoir

Since one of the worldâ€™s biggest underwear makers has
jumped onboard, the possibilities are endless for lingerie
designer Fine Rees, as Yanar Alkayat discovers

Like mother, like daughter

Busy working mum Gillian Anderson-Price is the daughter from Judith Michael & Daughter vintage interiors boutique. She reveals her style secrets

Poetry in Motion

When not composing verses for royalty, how does a Poet Laureate unwind? Alistair Duncan discovers all when he meets Camden-based bard Andrew Motion, to discuss his latest tome of childhood memoirs

A strong character

Steven Mackintosh made his name with a range of hard-hitting film and television performances. Anwar Brett catches up with the local actor and family man as he returns to the silver screen in two diverse roles

Man with a plan

Celebrated designer Ron Arad has left his mark on buildings the world over, but calls Belsize Park home, after moving to the UK in the 1970s. He talks to Alistair Duncan about philosophy, ping-pong and penguins

Clear to sea

The FishWorks restaurant brand has taken London by storm, including a local branch in Primrose Hill. However, as founder Mitch Tonks tells Mark Kebble, it might never have happened. He reflects on how driving past Swindon made him realise his future was not in accountancyâ€¦

If the shoe fits

Beatrix Ongâ€™s love of shoes manifested during a stint as PA to footwear legend Jimmy Choo and she now commands an international design business from her Primrose Hill base. Yanar Alkayat discovers the history behind her heels

A people person

Esther Rantzen became a household name in the 1970s, as a champion of consumer rights on primetime BBC television show Thatâ€™s Life! Over 30 years on, as President of ChildLine, the Hampstead residentâ€™s daily life still revolves around campaigns to highlight the plight of others, as Deborah Harris discovers

Profiles