Kathrine Smith is a writer working mainly in TV. She got her first break on The Bill and most recently wrote for another crime series, London Kills. Kathrine has also written for the stage, including queer history play All I See Is You, which won awards at last year’s International Gay Theatre Festival in Dublin and was on at Brighton Fringe where it won the International Touring Award taking the show to Sydney and Melbourne fringe festivals. Graham Robson caught up with her to find out how she’s been spending lockdown and plans for the future…
How have you been spending your time?
I’m very lucky in that I already work from home. Some work was delayed as filming dates were postponed but thankfully most projects seem to be adapting and getting back on track now. I’ve also baked way too many cakes and cookies and got nerdily into Zoom pub quizzes.
Have these crazy days impacted your creative output?
The virus has had such a horrifying impact on so many people and communities it’s definitely made me stop and take stock. The lockdown has got me questioning my work and focussing on what I really want to write about, which includes a lot more queer stories. I keep telling myself – if not now then when?!
Managed to catch much online?
Loads! I’m a sucker for a series binge. It’s also fantastic to see so many plays being streamed online not only from the big theatres but new lockdown-inspired work filmed in isolation. A recording of All I See Is You is currently on YouTube and in a month had over 600 views: https://youtu.be/_U_kJLCLpxM
Do you think lockdown disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community?
It’s really tough having social hubs and support groups close down particularly for those who already felt alone and isolated. When it’s safe I hope we can all come together and support our queer spaces so we don’t lose them for good.
What are your plans for when this is all over?
I really miss being with friends and family and going out to the theatre and cinema. I can’t wait to do all that again.
Any tips to keep us busy?
If you’ve ever thought you wanted to write – just do it. Jot down a memory or fantasy and then see how it might be shaped into a story or a monologue. I find getting started is the hardest part. Once you get something – anything – down, bigger ideas will spark.
Do you have any news you’d like to share with us?
I’ve just been commissioned to write my first radio play due to be on Radio 4 in October. It’s the first time I’ve been employed to write a lesbian love story which is very exciting!
Anything to see us through?
‘We must be the change we wish to see in the world’ ― Audre Lorde ― a self-described black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet
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Twitter: @Woodcote249 / @AISIYTour
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