Joshua St Johnston grew up in Primrose Hill and is a script writer for film and television. He has lived in Kentish Town for 16 years. Most recently he wrote What If, a short film that was part of the Cultural Olympiad. He is currently working on a film musical called Walking on Sunshine with NW5-based Vertigo Films.
When were you happiest?
Too depressing to think about past happiness. I look forward to being very happy when my boyfriend moves in.
Where would you like to live?
I love Bartholomew Villas. The house with the magnolia outside.
What is your favourite sound or smell?
The sound and smell of a good coffee machine going into action, e.g. at Mario’s, or Arancini (pictured below, right), or Doppio. I respond like Pavlov’s dogs.
What is your greatest life achievement?
I’m really proud of the fact that my best friend Alice and I met when we were two years old and are still best friends 38 years later. As kids we lived three streets away from each other in Primrose Hill, and we’re still only three streets away from each other but in Kentish Town.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
That everything I think I know is about to be proved wrong.
What is your earliest K-Town memory?
Swimming lessons at the Kentish Town Baths. I’m glad they didn’t pull them down.
What makes you unhappy?
Having my bike stolen. And having my laptop stolen.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
Some cycle parking between Camden Tube station and Inverness Street. Camden High Street having a cycle path that runs in the opposite direction to the traffic.
What is your most unappealing habit?
If I’m chasing a deadline on a script, I can forget to shower.
What is your guilty pleasure?
The other day I had a fry-up at Mario’s, and THEN baklava at Phoenicia. I did feel a bit guilty about the baklava.
Where do you hang out?
Mario’s, the Heath, Primrose Hill…
Who or what do you hate and why?
Vine weevils, slugs, snails, greenfly, blackfly… I have more pests than garden.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’d like to have snake hips; instead I have hippo hips.
I’d give St George’s Terrace in Primrose Hill a whirl. Right by the hill but away from the crowds.
What has your career taught you?
Don’t believe the hype.
What is your favourite dish and why?
My mum’s profiteroles, the morning after. I don’t know why they taste better, but they just do. That cream explosion inside the soggy pastry under the hardened chocolate. Heaven. The perfect breakfast.
Describe yourself as an animal.
Dormouse – cuddly and always wanting a nap.
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4 thoughts on “Ich Bin Kentishtowner: Joshua St Johnston, 40, Scriptwriter”
If anyone hasn’t seen the superb “what if” I urge them to do so now! It’s so moving. This guy a genius
Thanks, Fay, that’s so nice. If you see me in Phoenicia, let me buy you some baklava.
Yay it’s a date!
Where is an online repository of this film??? Google is coming up blanks but the bbc blurb makes it look appealing….