Odell Octopus is a smooth operator.

As a plasterer she brandishes buckets and trowels in each of her eight agile arms. She can prep, prime, mix, apply, smooth and sand walls all at once. She’s won records, actually. No one can plaster faster.

Don’t misunderstand: she never rushes the job. But why shouldn’t she crack on with the next wall if she can enjoy a tea break at the same time?