Comic-turned-theatre director Kathy Burke, 57, probes the gap between the rich and poor in a new TV documentary…
How did this come about?
People liked All Woman [in 2019, where Kathy asked if women should conform to a fixed idea of beauty]. With the money thing, with me having been poor [growing up], and then rich – and then feeling rich enough that I didn’t want anything more, it just felt like a good subject. Why do you think so many of us are obsessed with money?
I think it’s conditioned in us to always strive for more – though if you’re poor, it’s a terrible thing. I sort of understand it, but I think it’s a shame that there’s a real obsession with money. What’s the old saying? “Keeping up with the Joneses” – always wanting what your neighbours have got, or more. I just think that’s a bit bonkers really.
Did anyone surprise you?
Alfie [a millionaire who’s worth £340m from running UK caravan parks] surprised me the most because he was the richest person I met, but he’s always striving to make more. The man’s got everything he could wish for, but he still wakes up worried that he might lose it all.
You go to the TikTok Wave House? [where influencers broadcast their lives]
These young people who are doing their stuff on the Internet and making a bundle of money will hopefully invest it sensibly. They seemed to be saving to make sure they can eventually get a property – which isn’t what a lot of young people can do nowadays. I went in there like their miserable grandma, and they seemed to enjoy it…
There’s also Ruth Breen – the Wigan midwife Lottery winner...
I loved Ruth and I was genuinely chuffed to bits for her. The fact that she’d won this money, but didn’t move to a bigger property because she’d worked so hard to get the one she was in, and was happy to stay there, is just great. People who win the Lottery often get a bad rep; we hear stories about them “f***ing it up” – so to see someone making a success of it is just wonderful. Do I play the Lottery? No!
Are you happy with your lot?
I’m not far off being 60 and I used to be a bit of a workaholic until I got sick [in 2007, Kathy almost died from a superbug when she was being treated for abdominal problems in hospital]. I’ve done everything myself and I’ve not relied on anybody else since I was kid. It’s tough being a woman in this world, so it makes me proud that I’ve made a comfortable life for myself. What would you like to tackle for your next documentary?
I think I need a little break from it now. This was quite a tough one to do, particularly because of the pandemic. I’ve sort got an idea for another one – but
I’m not going to say as someone may nick it!
And you’re adapting Graham Norton’s best-selling novel Holding for ITV?
2021 is my 40th year working in the industry, and I’m celebrating by directing Holding – which is set in glorious West Cork.
After that? A big lie down! And hopefully – fingers crossed – if I’m allowed in the next year, a trip to see my pals in France.
By Hannah Wright