Kirstyn Brook

This article was written by Emma Spiers, in 2019.

Where the hell do I start with Kirstyn, my friend, my business partner, my go to person for the last minute ‘let’s leave the country tomorrow and just wing it’ plan. On top of this, Kirstyn is the co-founder and real brains behind Spoiler. Having sat on the name and concept for an online magazine related to the arts, for the better part of 5 years; Kirstyn has got myself involved in the project, and as I write this, weeks away from the launch - Spoiler is finally happening.

Kirstyn is currently a Production Co-Ordinator at Lonely Leap, a production company in London, (what am I going to do without my partner in crime when I need a city break to Europe at a days’ notice) she is again taking a step away from the freelance life, respect. But before this, and still to the present day, Kirstyn is a writer and poet, and has had her toes dipped in the world of Theatre, Film, TV and Spoken Word, both in front and behind the camera (and stage).

Prior to those years that passed since Kirstyn thought; ‘I want to create an online magazine’, like all of us; Kirstyn has to pay the bills and has been doing so in various roles in the creative industries. Poetry was the beginning, the first taste of the world of creatives and the arts in London- in which Kirstyn would soon become wholly a part of. Going back to the Poetry Society, (where we are hosting our first Launch event in Central London, and where Kirstyn had her first introduction to poetry and spoken word); she revisits that night.

Never been to one before in my life, I panicked because everyone else who walked through had prepared something to read or had prepared something to do and I hadn’t. I was freaking out so I kind of scribbled out this poem to perform.

The night went on, and all of these women were fucking amazing, it was a Loose Muse event at the poets society in central London, and they were all sick, and then they called my name, and it was towards the end of the night, so everyone had done it, and I got up, did my poem, and I got an offer to get my poem published that day.

After this night, Kirstyn went on to write poetry, (with a bit more preparation than on the back of a receipt). She continued to perform and went around the country to various events. After another rather memorable night, in which she had a panic attack on stage, one man came up to her to say: “what you’re saying is amazing, but if no one hears you say it, it’s worthless, so you need to take an acting class to get your confidence up” Thus beginning another chapter in her life: acting and theatre. She is a woman of many talents.

I asked Kirstyn if she now prefers being in front or behind the camera. As well as an insight into what the future might hold for her career.

I feel like there’s so much to learn behind the camera, acting, it’s such an important job, but it’s also such a small part of a very very big machine, and what I’ve realised is, I absolutely love enabling people to do what they want. So, I love enabling actors to act, I love enabling projects to happen, I love being on the ground, seeing ideas be brought to the table and then seeing them through to fruition.

Enabling creatives is a passion, and a reality now with Spoiler (I know because we’re co-founding after all, and I have hope) it will only aid Kirstyn on her inevitable path to greatness! While doing this interview, she did also mention taking over the government and becoming Prime Minister, or the President, but hey girl, dream big, you never know. But being ‘great’ and establishing fame isn’t everything, Spoiler and Kirstyn herself are here for enabling creatives on their path, whatever that may be. In terms of individuals who are working on insane projects, pushing boundaries, doing things; I just want to see all of those creatives flourish. I want to be their support system, and I want Spoiler to be that safe space they can come to and call home.

Spoiler is going to give Kirstyn a lot of chances to meet new people. A lot of names were mentioned, and if you’ve ever heard of ‘Tea with Dames’ you’ll know who I’m talking about. My dream would be, Julie Walters. I have always wanted to work on a project with her, because I think she’s absolutely brilliant, such a powerful, ferocious little performer. But, in terms of collaborations in the next year or whatever, I don’t know, I think I’m still in the stage where I want to meet people and see what they’re working on. Kirstyn, born and raised in London, a city gal, a people person, (or so I believe…) can only aid in the process of the next project. And there is always a next project.

But I’d tell you what I’d really love to do, I’d love to do a sitcom Netflix show. Which I’d think would be really sick, I’d love to pull a Miranda, ahh screw it, I want to be Miranda Hart, and I want to work with Miranda Hart, and Paul Feig, and Melissa McCarthy, and I want Gilmore Girls to come back as a TV show and I want to be in that.

You can’t say the girl hasn’t got any dreams. Not to get too corny here, but dreams are always at the heart of any project; Spoiler included. Projects- past present and future, are something to commit to and pour your heart and soul into. That is what Kirstyn is doing, working, dreaming, co-founding Spoiler so that we all can have a chance, because projects and ideas don’t work without that passion and I think it’s safe to say Kirstyn has just that.

I still have stories that I want to tell, and there’s still that creative part of me which is there, writing poetry and writing stories, so I think for me, my future right now is Spoiler magazine, and meeting creatives, and enabling creatives, and just spoiling everyone with opportunity. Bring it on!

So, besides Spoiler, and working full time at a production company, and writing, and who knows what else- we all need some down time and a way to stay sane in the world of the creative industries; a little TLC. For Kirstyn, that includes avocado on toast (‘the Emma special’) and the occasional yoga class. I like meeting up with friends to chill out, I like going to the pub, a lot, but yeah, just kind of reading and watching TV and that’s about it. I’m a real wild child.

It makes you wonder why we do it sometimes. Kirstyn juggles so much, far more than me at the moment- I tend to just leave the country if it gets too much. Just staying present in the creative industries can be a challenge, but getting your foot in the door, well, that’s something else. I’m going to leave in everything Kirstyn has to say on that matter- for any future creatives out there, take note!

Be prepared to adapt and adapt fast. I’ve never had an opportunity or job in the industry that I’ve felt prepared for, or capable of, or qualified for. I don’t know how much of that is imposter syndrome and I don’t know how much of that is actually true, but can honestly say, hand on heart, that I have never done horrifically at a job, (I was a shit barista), but in this field I’ve been okay, because I’m passionate about it. My other thing is don’t limit your dream, your dream will change, and your dream will shift, and there’s nothing wrong with that. As much as you have to be flexible for the creative industries, the creative industries also have to be flexible for you. I really like this new wave of, directors/writer/producer/actress, you know, people who are multi-skilled. There’s nothing wrong with that.

If you have never interviewed your friend before, as I imagine not many people have, give it a go! Guaranteed you’ll learn something about said friend you didn’t already know. Spoiler is in safe hands, no qualification or degree is needed to have knowledge, passion, and a commitment to follow through. Spoiler is here to enable creatives, and show them off, and I think it’s safe to say we need to show off Kirstyn too, and enable her creativity in this hectic industry, Miranda Hart, Kirstyn Brook is coming your way - you have been warned.