IN THIS ISSUE

I once had a random encounter with the actress Joanna Scanlan, when I arrived home after work one evening to find that she was one of several people hanging out in my London flat. She won’t remember, but when I started seeing her face pop up on TV, it hit me that this was the sweet stranger, a friend of a friend, who found herself at an impromptu drinks gathering at mine some 20 years ago. Even as a fledgling actress, her vivacity shone through. In her entertaining interview on page 42, Joanna recalls how her mental-health demons almost held her back from a brilliant career. I was fascinated with her saying that she was practically prescribed acting, almost as medication, as the passion that would help her conquer depression. I can’t be alone in wanting to give her doctor a medal. That astute reading of a sensitive, emotionally intelligent and wonderfully talented woman has gifted us all with her fantastic performances in some of our favourite shows, such as The Thick of It and her new series of No Offence.

The idea of being prescribed an activity for your health got me thinking about what my doctor’s orders might be. What is it I need, like a broken arm needs a cast, to keep me healthy and sane? With friends and family as a given, I’d say my ‘medication’ is regular exercise with a (frankly, demonic) personal trainer, long walks, cuddles with my dog and – don’t laugh – doing the laundry. It gives me a sense of order in the chaotic clutter of my house while allowing my mind to wander. And shopping is definitely in the mix.

The point is, it’s a very valuable thing to take stock of from time to time: what can you prescribe yourself that brings pockets of joy to your day? I should add at this point that my career as a magazine editor has been an enduring passion and I feel very lucky that I’m excited to go to work every day (well, most days!). It’s a privilege to communicate with you all through these pages and, in turn, I hope our collective efforts in bringing you a packed issue adds a nice ‘happy prescription’ to your week. With everything from pages of new ideas for autumn hairstyles to an incredible insight into life with the great Muhammad Ali, there is plenty to keep you entertained and inspired. And good luck with that amazing prize of a luxury cut and colour makeover at (hairstylist to the stars) Luke Hersheson’s new salon.

I love hearing your thoughts, so do get in touch.

WHAT CAN BRING POCKETS OF JOY TO YOUR DAY? ”