Interview: Zoe Woodruff & Kathryn Tindall on co-creating new musical THE RED SIDE OF THE MOON
Zoe Woodruff and Kathryn Tindall’s brand new musical The Red Side of the Moon is debuting as part of Iris Theatre’s 2021 Seed Commission series this month. Boasting an all-female creative team and an uplifting, original score, this new piece of writing is a queer love story for the masses. We spoke to the co-creators ahead of their run at the Actor’s Church, Covent Garden.
How are you both, and how have you found the last 16 months on a personal and professional level?
Zoe: Yeah, good. It’s been a bit of an up and down year, but I’ve been really fortunate to have been able to move home, and actually since leaving the job I had when we went into lockdown, I’ve really found my voice as a writer and I’m excited to continue that journey.
Kathryn: Overall, good. Like most people would say at the moment, the last 16 months have been a bit of a rollercoaster both personally and professionally. Going from performing every night and living in London to moving back to my parents in the countryside for 7 months and not being allowed to perform at all was a lot to take in. But I’m grateful for the opportunity it has given me to work on projects I’ve wanted to do for so long.
How did the concept of The Red Side of the Moon come about?
Zoe: It’s inspired by a lot of things but mostly the documentaries and interviews that have been coming out recently about these huge pop stars who’ve been struggling in the spotlight for years. I watched the Paris Hilton documentary, then Framing Britney Spears, and then Demi Lovato’s Dancing With The Devil. It was like a flurry of truth telling and it really kicked my imagination into overdrive. I was also asked when I first came out as to whether I would ever come out if I made it as an actor, and that’s really stuck with me. My answer was always yes, but the bigger question there is it ever okay to be queer and in the spotlight? I think that’s the drive behind the story.
Mounting a new musical at any time is a challenge, but how have you found doing it during a pandemic?
Kathryn: It has been hard logistically, however platforms like Zoom have made the process a lot easier than it could have been. The additional ‘down time’ that we performers have had compared to if life had been normal has been beneficial to the time we have been able to spend on the writing side of the show though. So it’s very much swings and roundabouts.
Zoe: Yeah, it’s had its challenges for sure. I think the biggest challenge for us has been getting us all in the same room. We’re all based in different parts of the country, and most of the writing and creative decisions were made through computer screens so that’s been a challenge for sure.
Being co-creators of the piece, talk us through your collaborative working process.
Zoe: I wrote the script, Kathryn wrote the music and we sort of pieced it together via WhatsApp and Zoom. This is the first time we’ve worked together so there’s been a lot of discovery.
Kathryn: And a lot of LATE NIGHT voice notes!
Zoe: Yeah. It’s not the way we would’ve ideally written the show, but it’s created something beautiful. Although, working together in the room for the first time on a song was an utter joy! More of that please.
How does it feel to be part of Iris Theatre's Seed Commission winners?
Zoe: We are thrilled, honestly. It’s really special to be a part of such an awesome crew of creatives, and to have Iris’ support has also been a real gift. They are championing fun and exciting, innovative work that breaks the mould and so yeah, it feels special.
Kathryn, The Red Side of the Moon marks your writing debut. How have you found crossing over into the creative team, in additional to playing Ellen in the piece?
Kathryn: It has been a very big jump for me. I have always been creative and have done some musical directing in the past, but putting something out in the world that is my music and mine alone has proved to be quite daunting. Zoe’s support during this process has been invaluable to me.
How would you describe the musical style of the piece?
Kathryn: It’s Alternative Folk. It has elements of acoustic pop but is influenced by bands like Fairport Convention, Eva Cassidy, Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell and Sara Bareilles.
Do you have plans for the show beyond this summer showcase?
Zoe: OH yes. Nothing firm yet but this is the beginning of what we hope to be a really amazing journey. If they’ll have us, we’d like to take The Red Side of The Moon to a host of venues around the country, and it would be amazing to do an Edinburgh Fringe run. It’s important to us all that the show reaches all those musical theatre fans and queer people outside of London. None of us are born and bred Londoners, and there are people who would benefit from seeing this show up and down the country and that’s something we’re determined to push.
How would you encourage audiences to book a ticket for your show?
Kathryn: Aside from the fact that live theatre is back, the setting is beautiful, and the relationship in the show takes us on such a journey that it’s magical to witness.
Zoe: And the music. The music is stunning. Honestly, if you come for nothing other than the music, it won’t be a wasted trip.
The Red Side of the Moon runs from 12-17 July at the Actor’s Church in Covent Garden. To book tickets and for more information, please click here.
