Interviews
Episodes
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Episode 1: Ken Mulholland (Senior Cameraman)
We discussed what the Talking PRISONER Podcast/YouTube is about, Ken's life growing up, his introduction to working behind the scenes in Television, how he started in TV, working on Australia’s most iconic TV show “PRISONER”, what it was like working with Carol Burns, Shelia Florence & behind the scenes of Prisoner.
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Episode 2: Gerard Maguire (Deputy Governor Jim Fletcher)
We broke down Gerard’s first episode on Prisoner in Season 1 Episode 40 and the famous Sandy Edwards riots which Gerard played a huge part in. We also spoke to Gerard about life after Prisoner and if he was ever asked to come back to Prisoner
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Episode 3: Ros Gentle (Laura Gardiner/Brandy Carter/Susan)
We spoke about her audition for Prisoner and what she does to prepare for auditions, what it was like to play three characters on the show including a Librarian/Courtesan and socialite and what research she drew on for the three multiple personalities. We also broke down some Episodes she was on from Season 5 Episode 47
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Episode 4: Ian Bradley (Writer, Producer, Executive Producer)
We spoke about Ian's time on Prisoner, how he took it over from Ep 2 from Reg Watson, the story behind the real life Frankie Doyle, the creation of Joan “The Freak” Ferguson, the process of making Prisoner, the set of Prisoner, his thoughts on the new Wentworth, working with writer Denise Morgan, his four pillar structure, episode 3 of Prisoner and why Bill Jackson was killed. We asked the question: “What happened to Sandy Edwards”
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Episode 5: Louise Siversen (Lou Kelly)
We spoke to Louise about her love for theatre and acting and how she got the part of Lou Kelly, one of Wentworth’s most violent inmates. We asked what it was like to play Lou and the famous Lou Kelly riot. Louise also spoke about what it was like to work with the late great Maurie Fields, Peter Adams, Gerda Nicolson, Joy Westmore and Anne Phelan, and her close friendship with Lois Collinder (Lou’s sidekick Alice “Lurch” Jenkins).
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Episode 6: Sheryl Munks (Michelle Brumby Tucker)
We spoke with talented actress and voice over artist Sheryl Munks. Sheryl spoke about her life growing up, performing on stage and tv and getting the part of Brumby Tucker on Prisoner. Sheryl also spoke about the famous Blackmoor riots, working with Ray Meagher, learning her lines, holding a gun for the first time, filming the final ever episode of Prisoner, working with Glenda Linscott, Rosanne Hull-Brown, Maggie Kirkpatrick, Kate Hood, Gerda Nicolson, and Shelia Florance
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Episode 7: Louise Siversen (Lou Kelly) Part 2
Q+A episode. All fan questions were answered. We spoke with Louise about her thoughts on Kate Box’s portrayal of Lou Kelly on Wentworth, how physical it was to be Lou Kelly, the hanging scene of Eve Wilder played by Lynda Stoner, why she left Prisoner, her thoughts on her final scene, the food at Wentworth, working with Janet Andrewartha (Reb Keane), and why her leg was crossed over in her final scene.
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Episode 8: Maria Mercedes (Irene Zervos/Yemil Bakarta)
We spoke about Maria’s childhood, her pursuit in acting and performing, being an animal activist, parts on Prisoner and what it was like in the early days of Prisoner and the later seasons when she came back as Yemil. We also spoke about her experience working with Kerry Armstrong and Peta Toppano
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Episode 9: Chris Hill (Son of Betty Bobbitt – Judy Bryant)
A special tribute episode to Betty Bobbitt who played Judy Bryant in 429 episodes of Prisoner. Chris spoke about his mum Betty, what it was like growing up as a child, Betty’s commitment to her fans, why Betty left Prisoner, her opinion on her exit from Prisoner, auditioning for the role of Bea Smith, an insight into how Betty remembered her lines and how his Mum cooked amazing dinners complete with dress ups at the dinner table. Chris told us what it was like going to the logies with Val Lehman.
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Episode 10: Barrie Pullen (Cameraman)
We spoke about Barrie's life growing up and gaining his behind the scenes experience, taking a job at Crawford’s to work on shows such as Young Talent Time, Holiday Island, Prisoner, and The Logies. Barrie spoke about behind the scenes of Prisoner and what it was like on his first day on the set of Prisoner at the age of 22.
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Episode 11: Val Lehman (Bea Smith)
Val Lehman played top dog Queen Bea for 376 Episodes. Val spoke about her childhood and how she got into acting and how she got the part of Queen Bea on Prisoner. Val discussed her time working with Carol Burns, stories about Sheila Florance, Maggie Kirkpatrick & Betty Bobbitt, why the writers on Prisoner wrote the storyline of Bea Smith escaping to Sydney, and what it was like working with Collette Mann for the Sydney storyline.
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Episode 12: Anne Lucas (Faye Quinn & Writer)
Anne spoke about her life growing up, when she moved to Australia, meeting her husband Prisoner producer Ian Bradley, working on the TV show Bellbird with Shelia Florance, becoming a script writer & script editor on Prisoner, how the character Faye Quinn was created, working in the writing department of Prisoner, and the iconic fire episode of Prisoner Season 5 Episode 1 which Anne wrote for
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Episode 13: Marina Finlay (Lainie Dobson)
Marina spoke about her childhood growing up, studying at the National Institute of Drama (NIDA) whilst Hugo Weaving was there, learning to paint with award winning artist Judy Cassab, her time on Prisoner and thoughts on her character Lainie Dobson, her close friendship with Carole Skinner who played Nola McKenzie, and Marina's amazing career as an artist.
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Episode 14: Reylene Pearce (Phyllis Hunt)
Reylene spoke about her childhood and growing up in St Kilda, appearing in the 1st episode of Prisoner but not as Phyllis (starting out as an extra and later becoming a central character), the Glee Club storylines, special friendships with Prisoner cast members, beautiful stories about Betty Bobbitt, thoughts on Prisoner's final episode, secrets about the food in the Wentworth dining room, shooting the shower scenes at Wentworth, and a funny story about legendary singer Marc Hunter from Dragon.
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Episode 15: Margot Knight (Sharon Gilmore/Terri Malone)
Margot spoke about her childhood growing up, landing the part of Sharon Gilmore, working with Betty Bobbitt who played Judy Bryant and Maggie Kirkpatrick, Jock Stewart scenes, working with Tommy Dysart, invitation to play Officer Terri Malone, playing 2 characters on Neighbours Tracey Cox and Jean Richards alongside Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce, Alan Hopgood & Jason Donovan, and the episodes she wrote for Neighbours including the iconic episode where Todd Landers was hit by a car and passed away
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Episode 16: Sean Nash (Writer/Producer/Director) - Part 1
Sean has has written & directed shows like Home and Away, Neighbours, E-Street, Paradise Beach, Cop Shop, Breakers, and Paradise Beach. Sean directed many Prisoner episodes including the last 2 episodes and the iconic Episode 692. Sean discussed what it was like on the final day, directing Maggie Kirkpatrick in her final scenes, alternative endings, sets torn down as the final episode was being directed, Sean’s life growing up as a child, having a job at Crawford’s, shooting the famous boat episodes on Prisoner and riot scenes at Blackmoor with Ray Meagher as Governor Craven, working with Lorraine Bayly, and directing the amazing fight scene between Joan Ferguson & Len Murphy
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Episode 16: Sean Nash (Writer/Producer/Director) - Part 2
Sean discussed directing the last 2 episodes of Prisoner (Episode 691 and 692), the flashback episode (ep 536), the Rec room, directing and writing E-Street, working with Forrest Redlich who created E-Street, the Werewolf and gangster storylines and where Forrest drew inspiration from for his storylines.
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Episode 17: Louise Le Nay (Sandy Edwards)
Louise spoke about her childhood, learning at the National institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and learning at NIDA, working with Ross Higgins on Kingswood Country, playing Barbara Hill on Neighbours, working with Anne Haddy and writing the scenes surrounding her death. Louise spoke in depth about her Prisoner audition, working with Wayne Jarratt & Olivia Hamnett, shooting the great Sandy Edwards Riot, why the writers made her Top Dog whilst Bea Smith (Val Lehman) was in hospital, leaving Prisoner, and the biggest conspiracy theory on Prisoner – What really happened to Sandy Edwards?
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Episode 18: Kath Gordon (Joanne Riley)
Kath spoke about her childhood, passion and love for acting, her time at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, becoming best friends with Angelina Jolie, working with the likes of Joy Westmore, Maggie Kirkpatrick, Judith McGrath, getting the part on Prisoner, thoughts on why Officer Riley was not given a bigger part, turning down a role to star on Foxtel’s highest rating Australian drama Wentworth, and teaching acting and what productions her students have starred in
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Episode 19: Maggie Millar (Marie Winter)
Maggie spoke about her early life growing up, time at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London (with people such as Vivien Leigh, Alan Rickman, Anthony Hopkins, Joan Collins, Roger Moore), appearing on Bellbird and working with her on screen husband Alan Hopgood, getting the part on Prisoner, shooting her first scenes with Val Lehman (Bea Smith) at prison Barnhurst, working with Louise Le Nay in the riot episodes, Marie Winters riot, the staircase scene during the riot where she pushed Reb Keane (Janet Andrewartha) over the stairs, and working with Maggie Kirkpatrick (officer Joan Ferguson).
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Episode 20: Rod Hardy (Director)
Rod directed the 2nd episode of Prisoner plus many more. Rod spoke about his life growing up, getting into the TV & Film industry, starting at Crawford Productions, working on Prisoner with Reg Watson & Ian Bradley, the Great Tunnel escape, working with Fiona Spence and the late great Paul Cronin on the Sullivans, directing shows like Neighbours, E-Street, Cop Shop, directing Buffalo girls and working with Melanie Griffith, Anjelica Huston and Liev Schreiber, directing shows like The Practice, JAG, The X-Files, Saving Grace, Battlestar Galactica, and 1952 movie High Noon starring Tom Skerritt.
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Episode 21: Michael Cormick (Alan/Ellen Farmer)
Michael is a singer and has a successful career in musical theatre in Australia, UK & Europe. Michael spoke about his childhood, career in theatre, first audition in London with Andrew Lloyd Webber, playing the Beast in Beauty and the Beast with Hugh Jackman and director Robert Jess Roth, performing at Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight with Marina Prior, and Michael had a surprise guest come on Talking Prisoner. Michael shared memories of working with Bert Newton, appearing on New Faces, getting the part on Prisoner, thoughts of his character and storylines for Ellen/Alan, and a special project in works - the Byron Supper Club.
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Episode 22: Kim Trengove (Rachel Milsom)
Kim spoke about her childhood, close relationship with her father Alan Trengove (founder of the Australian Tennis Magazine), passion for acting, working on Cop Shop, the Last Outlaw and the Sullivans, having dinner with a member from the Beatles, writing an episode for Neighbours starring Prisoner cast Lesley Baker and Caroline Gillmer, working with Neighbours bad boy Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), getting the role of Rachel Milsom on Prisoner, working closely with Andy Anderson who played Officer Rick Manning, discussing the scenes shot with Maggie Millar who played Marie Winter, and the last day of shooting Prisoner.
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Episode 23: Lois Collinder (Alice 'Lurch' Jenkins)
Lois spoke about life growing up in Port Melbourne, dancing and performing from a very young age in pantomimes, performing in Wirth Bros Circus, working at department store “Georges”, working on Halifax F.P, Underbelly (Tell them Lucifer was here) and Crackerjack, and working with Lois Ramsey on Prisoner. Lois spoke about her part on Prisoner, her audition, getting the nickname Lurch, appearing in fan favourite Episode 582 the Fashion parade, The Lou Kelly riots, the Terrorists siege, the arrival of Rita Connors, the boat episodes, and episode 692
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Episode 24: Michael Winchester (Marty Jackson)
Michael spoke about his youth, getting into acting, his gig on Cop Shop, experience on Prisoner playing Marty Jackson, working with Elspeth Ballantyne (on-screen Mum) and Prisoner Veteran Meg Jackson/Morris, scenes with Rosanne Hull-Brown (as inmate Merle Jones), behind the scene details on “The Boat Episode” and the “Blackmoor Riots”, working with actor Ray Meagher (as Blackmoor Governor Ernest Craven), working with Philip Hyde (as Prison Officer Rodney Adams), time on Sons and Daughters, and the movie Michael wrote, produced, and appeared in “Bathing Franky” starring Henri Szeps & Maria Venuti.
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Episode 25: Alan Hopgood (Wally Wallace)
Alan spoke about his life growing up, getting into acting, time at University of Melbourne, being part of the first television play The Sound of Thunder, appearing in 872 episodes on Bellbird as Dr Reed, writing the play “And the Big Men Fly” starring Elspeth Ballantyne, writing the box office hit film Alvin Purple in 1973, experience on Prisoner playing Wally Wallace, working with Betty Bobbitt and Gerda Nicholson, time on Neighbours playing Lassiters Hotel owner Jack Lassiter and working alongside Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), receiving an order of Australia for his services to the performing arts, and raising awareness in Men’s health.
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Episode 26: Debra Lawrance (Officer Dean/Daphne Graham)
Debra played 3 roles in Prisoner – a Nurse, Officer Sally Dean & Inmate Daphne Graham. Debra spoke about her childhood, love for acting, time at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) training alongside Mel Gibson, Steve Bisley, Judy Davis and Robert Menzies. Debra shared about her 3 roles on Prisoner, being a part of the Barnhurst five, going in depth about Episode 553, PMS storylines for Daphne, working with Kevin Summers (as Lawyer), her time on Home and Away playing Pippa Ross, working with Katie Ritchie and Ray Meagher and on screen & real life husband Dennis Coard (played Michael Ross). Debra also starred in Wentworth
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Episode 27: Kylie Belling (Sarah West)
Kylie spoke about her youth, being a secondary school teacher, playing “Ruby” in the indigenous Australian play “Stolen”, graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts along with Prisoner castmates Philip Hyde (Rodney Adams) & Taya Stratton (Spider Simpson), playing Sharon Herbert in The Flying Doctors, working with Maurie Fields (Len Murphy Prisoner) and Val Jellay, being Co-Founder and Artistic director of the IIbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Co-Operative and Senior Manager for First Peoples for Creative Victoria, starring in hit movie The Sapphires with Jessica Mauboy and Deborah Mailman, getting the role of Sarah West in Prisoner, and the iconic scene in the Rec Room.
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Episode 28: Maggie Kirkpatrick (Joan Ferguson) - Part 1
Maggie appeared in over 400 episodes of Prisoner, along with a career spanning several decades appearing in Cop Shop, Jonah, Richmond Hill, Home and Away, All Saints, Eden and Prisoner, and a veteran of the Theatre playing Madame Morrible in Wicked for seven years and 1600 performances. Maggie spoke about her childhood, getting into acting, working with Ross Higgins, Paula Duncan, Tim Elston, Gwen Plumb and Amanda Muggleton, getting the role of Joan “The Freak” Ferguson, a funny memory with Sheila Florance, working with Prisoner Director Kendal Flanagan, encountering Sammy Davis Jr on set, and her thoughts on Pamela Rabe playing the role of Joan Ferguson.
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Episode 28: Maggie Kirkpatrick (Joan Ferguson) - Part 2
Maggie answered all fan questions including what it was like to work on stage in the west end, working on Prisoner, the musical with Lilly Savage (Paul O’Grady), her close relationship with Elspeth Ballantyne, Judith McGrath and Carole Skinner who played Nola McKenzie, questions about her book The Gloves are off, her work with the Aids events and her thoughts about being crowned one of the nastiest villains on TV.
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Episode 29: Will Deumer (Lionel Fellowes)
Will discussed his childhood, getting into acting, sharing his favourite meals he likes to cook, time on Sons and Daughters as Mr Bates, his role as Lionel Fellowes on Prisoner, behind the scenes information about episode 1 Prisoner, playing a dangerous Crime Boss, sharing a secret about Prisoner, working with Maggie Kirkpatrick and Lois Ramsey.
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Episode 30: Sally McKenzie (Roo Morgan)
Sally spoke about her childhood, breaking into acting, playing Elanor Rigby in TV show Fat Cow Motel, training at The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), directing the documentary The Acting Class in 1977 (featuring Mel Gibson, Judy Davis, Steve Bisley and Debra Lawrance), career in theatre, winning the Logie for her role in Cop Shop, experience on Prisoner and how she got the part of Top Dog Roo Morgan, filming the Riot scenes and scenes with Ray Meagher (played Governor Craven).
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Episode 31: Sally Bourne (Kay Desmond)
Sally has featured in many productions (Annie, Les Mis, My Fair Lady, Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Beautiful Game and Jerry Springer the opera). Sally spoke about life growing up in an entertainment family (Sally’s Dad is Ernie Bourne, starred in Prisoner as Mervin Pringle), current project called Mrs Prime Minister (also starring Jane Clifton (Margo Gaffney)), memories of working with Julie Andrews & Judi Dench, friendship with Prisoner and Neighbours icon Lucinda Cowden, appearing on the Don Lane show singing “Tomorrow”, working with American singer Madonna on 1996 film “Evita”, and her experience on Prisoner and working with Anne Phelan.
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Episode 32: Steve Bastoni (Peter McCormack)
Steve spoke about his childhood in Italy and as a teenager in Carlton (Melbourne), becoming an actor, working on Neighbours as Steve Parker, portraying Undercover Officer Michael Drury in Blue Murder, playing Yiannis “Angel” Angelopoulos on Police Rescue, starring along side Keanu Reeves in the Matrix Reloaded, time on Prisoner and working with Julia Blake. Steve also played Detective Don Kaplan in Wentworth which he shared his memories of working with Sigrid Thornton and Celia Ireland.
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Episode 33: Lynda Stoner (Eve Wilder)
Lynda discussed about her childhood, time on the Young Doctors as Kim Barrington, sharing memories of actress Gwen Plumb, role on Cop Shop playing Constable Amanda King, working with Paula Duncan, leaving acting to focus on animal rights, her role as Chief Executive of the charity Animal Liberation and living a vegan lifestyle, receiving the role of Eve Wilder from Producer Marie Trevor, discussing Episode 586 when Eve violently try to murder Office Joyce Barry (by Joy Westmore), and Episode 600 with Lou Kelly riot
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Episode 34: Coral Drouyn (Script Writer/Story Writer) - Part 1
Coral shared her childhood, writing process for scripts, passion for writing for TV shows, playing Consuela McPhee in soap 'Arcade', writing for Neighbours with Reg Watson, writing the Blue Heelers episode where Maggie Doyle dies, saving the career of Home and Away favourite Lynne McGranger (Irene Roberts), and winning the Australian Writers Award for writing Episode 3445 of Home and Away involving Alf Stewart (by Ray Meagher)
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Episode 34: Coral Drouyn (Script Writer/Story Writer) - Part 2
Coral discussed her time on Prisoner, her writing process, explaining differences between roles as a Script Writer, Script editor, Storyliner and Story editor, discussing episode 369 (Bea Shoots Nola) and why they killed off Carole Skinners character Nola McKenzie, the idea for the black leather gloves, story lining Episode 391 (Wentworth lockdown), leaving Prisoner, and breaking down characters she developed
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Episode 34: Coral Drouyn (Script Writer/Story Writer) - Part 3
Coral discussed why she was sacked from Prisoner, breaking down episode 399 (The Death of Hazel Kent), answering fan questions, why Reylene Pearce (Phyllis Hunt) was written out the way she was, thoughts of Nora as Top Dog, and writing the scene for Kate Petersons “Tick Tick Tick” solitary scene.
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Episode 35: Kate Hood (Kath Maxwell)
Kate spoke about her youth, her love of acting, getting the part of Kath Maxwell, shooting her scenes with the late Peter Adams (as Acting Governor Bob Moran), her major storyline of euthanasia and what she did to prepare for the role and storyline, working with Taya Stratton (played Spider Simpson), working with Rosanne Hull-Brown (played Merle Jones), being Wentworth’s last Top Dog, and sharing a very funny moment that happened to her while shooting Prisoner.
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Episode 36: Tottie Goldsmith (Gloria Payne)
Tottie about her youth, her Dad Brian Goldsmith (nightclub king of Australia), her famous Aunty Olivia Newton-John, her time on the Henderson Kids, getting the part on Neighbours and working with Margot Robbie, appearing in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Her, experience on Prisoner and getting the part of Gloria Payne, memories of working with Annie Phelan (played Top Dog Myra Desmond), her band the Chantoozies, charity work, and her work with the Big Umbrella Group.
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Episode 37: Linda Hartley (Roach Waters)
Linda spoke about her childhood, TV shows & movies, being recognised for her role in Prisoner to this day, leaving the acting industry, her audition for Roach, working with Gerda Nicholson, Lois Ramsey and Shane Connor (played Bongo Conners), working with Ian Smith on Prisoner and Neighbours, working with Nick Carrafa (played Mick on Prisoner), and memories of working with Glenda on the show and behind the scenes.
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Episode 38: Terrie Waddell (Lisa Mullins)
Terrie spoke about her childhood, love for acting, time on Neighbours, leaving acting to become a Professor in the Department of Creative Arts and English, passion for writing and writing the book The Lost Child Complex in Australian Film, taking over the Prisoner character of Lisa Mullins from Nikki Paul, working with Rosanne Hull-Brown (played Merle Jones) and Philip Hyde (played Officer Rodney Adams), memories of working on Prisoner up until final episode 692, working with the late Taya Stratton (Spider Simpson), and addressing rumours of Terrie being pregnant while on Prisoner
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Episode 39: Anna Hruby (Paddy Lawson)
Anna spoke about her life growing up in show business family (Mum being Joy Hruby - an Actress, Producer, Film Maker, Author, Entertainer, Comedian & Agent), working on Seven Little Australians and working with Len Teale & Ruth Cracknell, working on The Sullivans, playing Sandy Pearce on the Young Doctors, playing Tracy Kingsford on Sons and Daughters, memories of playing Judith Ackroyd on Home and Away, working on Prisoner as Paddy Lawson, stories about Sheila Florance, discussing the great fire escape episodes and the traumatic death scene (Nola killing Paddy), explaining why she left Prisoner, being a voice over artist and being known as the Telstra lady (with a live Telstra voiceover message on this interview).
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Episode 40: Colette Mann (Doreen Anderson)
Colette spoke about her youth, getting into acting, working on the Don Lane show and Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton, time on Talkback radio, being in a three woman troupe (The Mini Busettes) with Prisoner co-stars Betty Bobbitt & Jane Clifton, being in the movie Kitty and the Bagman alongside Val Lehman, time on Neighbours as Sheila Canning and why she left, getting the role of Doreen Anderson on Prisoner and why she came back from her leave, memories of Sheila Florance, and shooting the escape scenes with Carol Burns (played Frankie Doyle)
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Episode 41: Glenda Linscott (Rita Connors)
Glenda spoke about her life growing up, getting into acting, studying at NIDA, teaching at the Western Australian Academy of Performing arts (WAAPA), playing Dr Imogen “Tootsie” Soames in Murder Call, auditioning and playing the role of Top Dog Rita Conners on Prisoner, working with Ian Doig (played slasher), playing in scenes of the fight against Joan Ferguson in the Lou Kelly Riot episodes, and working with Ray Meagher.
Glenda is a performance coach, actor trainer & voice-over artist. Her TV credits include: Mennotti, The Sullivans, Patrol Boat, The Cowra Breakout, A Country Practice, Murder Call, All Saints, Fergus McPhail, MDA, McLeod's Daughters, Underbelly: Infiltration, Winners and Losers, Neighbours, and Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries.
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Episode 42: Desiree Smith (Delia Stout)
Desiree spoke on her childhood, getting into acting, appearing in the 1989 Australian movie 'The Delinquents' (directed by Chris Thomson & featured Kylie Minogue), playing Angela in Neighbours in 1985, experience on Prisoner and playing Officer Delia Stout, working with Philip Hyde (played Officer Rodney Adams) and Michael Winchester (played Officer Marty Jackson), memories of Maggie Kirkpatrick, experiences from the boating and sports day episodes, working with Rosanne Hull-Brown (played Merle Jones), memories with Gerda Nicholson, Joy Westmore, Taya Straton, Justine Saunders and Kendal Flanagan, and why Delia Stout disappeared from Wentworth.
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Episode 43: Wendy Playfair (Minnie Donovan)
Wendy spoke about her childhood, love for Chocolate, love for acting, advice about acting, sharing a funny story about lying her age when appearing on TV, career in Radio, auditioning and playing Minnie Donovan, memories of Shelia Florance, working with Maggie Kirkpatrick, experience on 'Packed to the Rafters' and 'Accidents Happen' with Geena Davis, and her love and affection for her 7 grandchildren.
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Episode 44: Jan Russ (Casting Director)
Jan spoke about her childhood, getting the casting Director job on Prisoner, getting a job offer on Neighbours by Reg Watson, first encounter with Kylie Minogue, why she let Hugh Jackman out of the contract for Neighbours, processes in casting characters, experiences on Prisoner compared to Neighbours, and her personal story on giving up her child for adoption in the 1960s (discussed on Australian Story).
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Episode 45: Pepe Trevor (Lexie Patterson) - Part 1
Pepe spoke about her childhood, living the life of a gypsy, her Mum as TV Producer Marie Trevor on Prisoner, working as an artist, writing award winning books, why she has not been back on TV since 2005, getting and playing the role of Lexie Patterson, memories of meeting casting director Jan Russ, close friendships on and off screen with Genevieve Lemon, Maxine Klibingaitis and Jackie Woodburne, memories on the iconic scene where Joan Ferguson cut Lexie’s hair, close friendship with Louise Siversen (played Lou Kelly), discussing phantom lagger storylines and Episode 598 (Lexie escaping from Wentworth through the air condition ducts).
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Episode 45: Pepe Trevor (Lexie Patterson) - Part 2
Pepe discussed memories of working with Pocco the dog, escape episodes (Lexi on the run & hiding out in a brothel run by Mabel played by the late Val Jellay), Lexi’s pregnancy, working with Pat Evison (played Jessie Windom), memories of Jackie Woodburne (played Julie Chook Egbert), working with Prisoner Director Kendal Flanigan, exiting from Prisoner, friendship with Tim Conigrave and John Caleo in the movie 'Remembering the Man'.
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Episode 46: Nicki Paull (Lisa Mullins/Doris Cruickshank)
Nicki spoke about her childhood, love for acting, current work as an accredited member of the ACA (Australian Counsellors Association) and a counsellor, graduating from the Victorian College of Arts along with Prisoner cast member Pepe Trevor, living with Pepe and her mum Marie Trevor (Prisoner producer), appearing in Return to Eden (created by Michael Laurence and starred Prisoner cast members Peta Toppano, James Smillie & Wendy Playfair), memories of working on Neighbours and working with Daniel MacPherson, appearing in TV show Cluedo as Miss Scarlett, memories of Prisoner cast George Mallaby, Joy Westmore, Belinda Davey and Beverley Dunn, getting the part of Doris Cruickshank, working with Nigel Bradshaw, and coming back on Prisoner in 1986 as Lisa Mullins.
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Episode 47: Patrea Smallacombe (Script Writer)
Patrea spoke on her childhood, getting into script writing for the Young Doctors, working with her famous Aunty Betty Quinn (Prisoner writer), working with Reg Watson and Ian Bradley, visiting real life Prisoners, working with Writer Denise Morgan, writing processes in UK Soaps compared to Australian Soaps, rewriting scripts for the entrance of Joan The Freak Ferguson, working on Neighbours, working on UK show Brookside with show creator Phil Redmond.
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Episode 48 - Lisa Crittenden (Maxine Daniels) - Part 1
Lisa spoke about her life growing up in Spotswood (Melbourne), appearing on talent show Young Talent Time, getting into acting, memories of working on 'Whose Baby' in 1987, playing Sally Meredith on the Sullivans, playing Briony Thompson in the Restless Years, her 2 different roles on A Country Practice, moving to New Zealand to appear as Carrie Burton on Shortland Street and meeting Prisoner Producer Ian Bradley, playing Gabrielle’s mother Hecuba in Xena Warrior Princess, and her decision on leaving the acting industry.
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Episode 48 - Lisa Crittenden (Maxine Daniels) - Part 2
Lisa spoke on her first day on the Prisoner set, memories of shooting scenes with Joy Westmore (played Officer Barry), working with Maggie Kirkpatrick, working with casting director Jan Russ (played Lisa’s on screen mum in Prisoner), working with Darius Perkins (played Trevor Collins), memories of Sheila Florance and on screen boyfriend Spud (played by Robert Forza) and Alan Lee (played Tony Berman), final scenes working with Lesley Baker (played Belle Tinker Peters), meeting with Ian Smith, and finishing up with Prisoner.
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Episode 49: Maxine Klibingaitis (Bobbie Mitchell)
Maxine spoke about her childhood, friendship with Desiree Smith, her time on Neighbours playing Terry Robinson and meeting Desiree on set, friendship with David Clencie (played Danny Ramsay), meeting Neighbours and Prisoner creator Reg Watson, working with Stefan Dennis (plays Paul Robinson) and Francis Bell (played Max Ramsay), and memories of Prisoner director Kendal Flanagan.
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Episode 50: Brett Popplewell (Head of Production, Fremantle Media)
Brett spoke about his childhood, getting into Australian TV & Film industry, passion for flying planes & scuba diving, working as an assistant director on Australian movie Melvin, Son of Alvin (written by Prisoner legend Alan Hopgood), working on E-Street as a producer, working with Forrest Redlich and directors like Rod Hardy, Sean Nash, Tony Osicka and Leigh Spence, experience on Water Rats as an assistant director, co-creating Bastard Boys in 2007, working on Wentworth as a line producer in 2016 with Executive Producer Jo Porter, challenges of producing shows through covid pandemic, final thoughts on the future of Free to air TV, and his job as the head of Scripted Production at Fremantle Media.
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Episode 51 - Ian Smith (Ted Douglas)
Ian spoke on his childhood in Williamstown (Melbourne) to discovering he was adopted at 54, working with Crawford Productions and Grundy’s, experience on Neighbours, working with stars like Paul Keane, Myra De Groot, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and Guy Pearce, memories of his on-screen marriage with Anne Charleston (played Madge Bishop), his on-screen camaraderie with Tom Oliver (played Lou Carpenter), his Prisoner journey in the show, playing Ted Douglas, being the script editor, revealing an exclusive story involving Gerard Maguire (played Jim Fletcher), and his thoughts about Wentworth.
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Episode 52: Susan Guerin (Barbara Fields)
Susan spoke on her childhood in South Australia, her successful venture as a restaurant owner, transitioning into nursing after acting, landing the role of Barbara Fields, experience on Prisoner, working with Val Lehman, Maggie Kirkpatrick, Colette Mann, Wayne Jaratt, and Sheila Florance, involvement in the fire episodes of Prisoner, her relationship with co-star Anna Hruby, and the reasons behind her exit from the show.
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Episode 53: Allan Caswell (Songwriter)
Allan spoke about his youth, impressive music portfolio, performing in diverse locations (LA, Nashville, East Timor, Iraq & Afghanistan), recognition through his eight Golden Guitar awards, exploring the history of 'On the Inside', Grundy's initial approach to Allan, how Lyn Hamilton came to lend her voice to it, giving valuable wisdom for aspiring songwriters, discussing the current state of the industry, and examining the impact streaming platforms like Spotify have had on music creation and consumption.
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Episode 57: Robert Summers (Shane Monroe) - Part 1
Robert spoke on his childhood, audition process that led him to "Prisoner," his work with Maggie Kirkpatrick, his journey on "Prisoner", unexpected fame affecting his school life and friendships, invaluable guidance he received from Maggie Kirkpatrick and casting agent Jan Russ, memories from shooting scenes in iconic locations like Luna Park and McDonald's, working with Aussie actor Terrence Donovan, and why he chose to step away from acting.
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Episode 57: Robert Summers (Shane Monroe) - Part 2
Robert address fan questions, exploring his time on Prisoner alongside Maggie Kirkpatrick (including drain escapade, adventures at Melbourne Luna Park), stories about his on-screen companion Nicky the dog, and delving into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped his character's journey.
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Episode 58: Babs McMillan (Cass Parker)
Babs spoke about her childhood, familial influences, recollections from 'The Young Doctors' days, getting the role of Cass Parker, her initial reactions, the intense face-off with Officer David Bridges, the camaraderie, challenges, and memorable moments shared with the Prisoner cast, and behind-the-scenes insights into her decision to bid adieu to the series.
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Episode 59: Nell Johnson (Sarah Higgins)
Nell opens up about how she got her iconic role and experience of working alongside Gerda Nicholson and other cast members, her first day on set, an intriguing story about a last-minute script change 30 minutes before shooting, exploring the trajectory of Nell's character, Sarah Higgins, and answering dedicated fans questions.
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Episode 61: Agnieszka Perepeczko (Hannah Geldschmidt)
Directed by renowned filmmaker Tim Spanos, this interview took place at Agnieszka's Melbourne home. As it coincided with her birthday, Agnieszka prepared lunch for the occasion, joined by her closest friends, making it a memorable celebration.
Agnieszka spoke on her background, from her upbringing in Poland to her journey to Australia, her audition process and her experiences on Prisoner. -
Interview with Betty Bobbitt and Anne Phelan
This episode is devoted to the memory of Betty Bobbitt & Anne Phelan. It was shot as a promo for the charity event in 2000 at The Forum theatre in Melbourne.
Betty & Anne discussed how they got their roles on Prisoner, thoughts on the show, a funny story about Elspeth Ballantyne and floor manager Ray Lindsay, favourite scenes filmed on Prisoner, shooting final scenes with each other, special camaraderie shared between Prisoner cast and crew, leaving Prisoner, and the special friendships with non-speaking extras on Prisoner.
Thank you to Ken Mulholland and Barrie Pullen for allowing Talking Prisoner to present this interview and a big thank you to Chris Adshead, Noel Penn, and Kim Wilson.
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Episode 62: Sean Scully (Dan Moulton)
Matt sat down with Sean Scully for lunch at Ricardo's Restaurant in Albert Park. Sean's extensive career includes notable roles in Riptide, Bellbird, Matlock Police, Division 4, Homicide, Power Without Glory, The Sullivans, Cop Shop, Sons and Daughters, A Country Practice, E Street, Echo Point, Neighbours, Blue Heelers, and Walt Disney movies like Almost Angels and Born to Sing.
Matt delved into Sean's career, his roles in landmark Australian TV shows, and his journey through the entertainment industry. Sean shares memorable anecdotes from his time on Prisoner where he played the enigmatic Dan Moulton. He highlights his experiences working with Gerda Nicholson & Glenda Linscott.
