Always a pleasure to listen to Coral. Loved her story arcs and scripting on Prisoner. I would have thought her name was one of the most recognisable in the credits of the the whole series!
Another great episode! Thank you both for taking the time to record these for the fans. I love them. Just some general show questions id love Coral to answer at some point in the future... After Steve Faulkner left there was a big gap without a male officer in the prison until Rick Manning came in about 120 episodes later. Was there a specific reason for this? How long before Val Lehman left did the writers know she'd be leaving? To me if felt like there was a lot of momentum behind Bea's character just before she left. She helped the freak in the quarantine, she met a new man, Sonia Stevens had just come in. It felt like she left very quickly. Did people really get married in the late 70's/early 80's almost immediately after meeting someone. There's a good few characters in prisoner that get married after 1 or 2 dates and then disappear of to the countryside. 😂
Thanks, Matt and Coral. Really interesting episode. As I live in the UK, I had no idea about Grundy/Crawfords and their rivalry. Re Home and Away, if you're interested Coral, that storyline was done recently with John Palmer's character. He used a dating app and met an estate-agent called Suzie, who turned out to be a scammer. It was quite a good story, except the end of it when she was murdered and her body found on the beach, and John became a suspect (that was a bit farfetched).
Nice to wake up here in the UK and find another Soapbox! As interesting as ever! I completely agree about people mixing up actor and character and Prisoner fans are some of the worst for doing that i.e. a recent picture of Maggie Kirkpatrick posted and so many inane fans just comment "it's the Freak" - errr...no, it's not! Or the infernal "Bev Baker was in Neighbours" type comments which drive me mad! I think most people understand the Crawford / Grundy thing and it's not about missed opportunities to cast certain actors, it's more when people say "anybody who is anybody in the Australian acting world appeared in Prisoner" that it's grating. Interestingly though, Christine Harris was a lead character in Crawford's Carson's Law (1983/84) and went straight into Prisoner as Pippa Reynolds a couple of years later. Christine Amor did it in reverse and Annie Phelan went from her first stint as Myra Desmond to Carson's Law and then back to Prisoner as Myra. But totally agree that they had their respective stables in the main. I don't disagree with Coral on much, but I really can't see Val as Erica Davidson. She said she wanted to play the Governor in Wentworth and they weren't having any of it (for ALL the reasons I'm sure). As for that random lawyer who wants people to boycott the prison themed cocktail bar - totally ridiculous. Where do you draw the line - no more TV / film on any subject in case it offends people? Alcatraz does have a link to Prisoner though, so I'm okay with the bar name...a letter sent to Val from a former Alcatraz inmate, thanking Prisoner for raising prison issues, is now held by the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra! Keep up the great Soapboxes :)
Thank you for another great podcast. I appreciate the time you guys take to do this. I'm particularly intrigued by what Coral said about actors only working with one production company. I note that quite a few actors on The Sullivans went on to appear on Grundy shows. Was it common for them to 'go over to the darkside' and when they did were they not able to go back?
Great listening aa always, these talks are very insightful. One swap I felt could have worked, if she had not already been cast as Hazel Kent, I feel Belinda Davey would have made an excellent Sandy Edwards. She had the looks and the range. One actor I would mention that I felt could have had much more of a role in Prisoner was Maureen Edwards who played Officer Susan Bailey. She was calm and credible but rarely featured regularly. Maureen of course had bigger roles in other shows, particularly A Country Practice.
IMPORTANT POINT> Casting Directors do NOT CAST. What they do is create a shortlist of actors for the "suits" and key creatives to look at. THEY then choose the actor they want or think is best...often decided by availability ( you wouldn't cast an actor in a long running role if you knew they had other contract commitments in three months) THis whole idea that a casting director makes stars is nonsense. Casting Directors don't negotiate, sign contracts, or make ultimate choices! So there! :)
The lovely Kip Gamblin played the character of Scott Hunter in Home & Away. I assume this is the role that producers wanted Chris Hemsworth to play. The series in Britain that Kip Gamblin spent a year in was "Casualty", and his character also appeared briefly in its [now cancelled] spin-off, Holby City. He then played the third incarnation of Brad Willis on Neighbours from 2013. I like him, he's an engaging actor, and very nice to look at. 😊
Very interesting conversation. I loved these insights by Coral. With regard to Carmel Milhouse, she actually was used more and I believe the role of Mother Supervisor was her final of three, she was previously very early on the mother of Karen Travers for a number of episodes and then Mrs Beamish, an Erica Davison wannabe running the house where Susie Driscoll went to live. For me a really interesting swapsi would have been to have Diana McLean (Young Doctor's Sister Viv Jeffries) as Vera Bennett or even as Ann Reynolds.
Interesting background on the Grundy and Crawford situation back in the day. I always thought it was a mistake by Fremantle to drop Grundy Organisation as a brand. Grundy was internationally known for its shows and I would have thought the name would remain alive in some fashion after it was bought given the huge contribution Reg Gundy made to Australian television production over decades.
Grundy's v Crawfords. We had the same thing here in the Uk. It was very VERY rare for someone to appear on the BBC and ITV at the same time. Each would refer to the other disparagingly on air as 'the other side'. Although things are less rigid now with them taking programmes out of house, it's still often the case that the big names work for one side or the other.
Hello coral and matt, Coral did you ever consider carlotta ( austraillain showgirl from '' les girl '' ) for a role in prisoner? she would have been amazing i know carlotta was in '' number 96 '' and it was ground brakeing for the 1970s
Sorry but Coral's wrong about Lorraine Bayley appearing in Taurus Rising, which was in fact a Grundy series which was on Nine in 1982 - the Lorraine Bayley serial that she means is [probably] Carson's Law, a Crawford's production which ran 1983-84 on Network Ten. Always fabulous listening to Coral's videos. Thank you both from the middle of England 😊
I could see the Myra and Ann swap for sure. There was one I had floating around in my brain for years, but a swap between Reb and the girl brought in for the 'scared straight' project was her name Nikki?
She disses Jude Kuring as an actress but she was the absolute reason I got drawn into the show! I remember watching it and thinking OMG what the hell is she! Astounding! I don't think I am alone in that sentiment either 😊
She was indeed a GREAT personalirty...but NOT a good or diverse actress. There is a difference. What a pity you haven't understood what we were talking about
@@CoralD3158also thanks for letting me know that she was like that in real life I did wonder if she was really posh in real life, playing Noeline but sounds like she was playing herself
I wonder if Coral had any involvement in the initial planning/ development of kath maxwells character. I know we didn’t see her for a good 10 or so episodes after coral had officially left but I know there would have been plans way into the future so she could have been in corals long term plans. Kate Hood was phenomenal in that role. I would have loved to seen what Coral did with her. She was up there with Louise siverson and Anne phelan imo when it comes to range. She’s someone who could have done justice to a lot of other characters as well
@@CoralD3158 I'd be so interested to hear in future what plans you had for the characters that never came to fruition because you resigned e.g. for Rita, Lurch, Kath, Eve Wilder, Lou etc
@@CoralD3158 I'd be so interested to hear in future what plans you had for the characters that never came to fruition because you resigned e.g. for Rita, Lurch, Kath, Eve Wilder, Lou etc
Very interesting as always, it’s funny but as much as I loved the Noeleen character ( Jude Kuring) I do get the feeling coral is correct in the depth of her acting skills. I would love to see Jude being interviewed by Matt as the character was divisive amongst fans, personally I found her scenes amusing
Matt...I have a challenge for you. KATE SHEIL and her refusal to even acknowledge her part in Prisoner fascinates me, if anyone can get an interview out of her or even a statement it's you! Even if she were to give an interview to say what she didnt like and why then it would be worth it. I wonder if you or anyone has approached her in recent years, she was always reluctant to talk previously so maybe that has scared people off asking her to be involved. I would also love to see a special Talking Prisoner reunited Michael Winchester, Desiree Smither and Philip Hyde, the three trainees from the last year. Finally I would love to see Coleen Hewett talking prisoner with a rendition of Pixies song too!
I love a good challenge and i can confirm i am speaking to one cast member that you have mentioned that has never done a Prisoner interview before. Any more challenge's haha
@@TalkingPrisoner love it! I know you approached Roseanne Hull Brown before so i won't throw that challenge at you . I think if you get Kate Sheil you will leave just about every fan opened mouthed. Ultimate challenge....work with Coral to get some kind of Prisoner reunion on TV! Either a proper retrospective or her retirement home idea.
@@TalkingPrisoner it is great that these people, after all these years, are willing to embrace their Prisoner past. Did you ever watch Dangerous Women?
On next time's topic, one male character I can honestly say I have never really heard being discussed anywhere is Dr Scott Collins (Tim Elston). I always liked him and thought he was a great 'good' character, who was around at some big moments such as Judy ending it for Hazel and the David Bridges storyline. I could never take to Penny Maegraith as his inmate fiancee Petra Roberts though. Also liked Tim in the short lived Richmond Hill.
Not martha eaves gone from us,is terry harrision/allison page/linda goldman/andrea hennessy/sue jones as cathy hall still + janet conway living to be interviewed🤞
Another interesting episode and very thought provoking I'm terms of character/actress swaps. I'd like to ask Coral if she designed the Steve Fawkner character and if she had anything to do with casting Wayne jarrat and her thoughts around this character. Also was the character written out or did the actor decide to leave??
@@CoralD3158 I see. I very much enjoyed the introduction of the 3 male prisoners into Wentworth. They provided an interesting dynamic and also some very dramatic and exciting scenes. My favourites being the poisoned gas in isolation episode and also the episode where Frank Burke tries to escape twice, first with the fake policemen/assassins then by taking Dennis Cruikshank hostage....I believe these were your storylines Coral? Great work I thought.
@@CoralD3158I’m curious about Queenie Marshall played by Marilyn Rodgers 556-573 which you wrote some of. She had an awfully big part inc. a life outside of the gaol for a single-use role - she was used to scare the Scared Straight kid with her two henchmen, one of whom was camp as a twat really and it provided great contrast-humour, portraying Queenie as a Mrs Big type. I have always wondered if that was a rewrite of scenes intended for Helen Smart to come back for or if the intention was to use Queenie again but you never did, as she’s almost too fully-fashioned for such a small role in the grand scheme…?
@@TheSpinDoctor hahahahaha...You caught me out! Queenie Marshall I based on ME! ( though there's a bot of me in many of my characters) and YES...I did have plans to use her again if I hadn't been fired LOL
Most of the long terms characters did show some sort of growth IMO. But you could see sometimes when the actors got a bit bored or tired eg Colette, Val, Fiona, Betty.
I think people are too hard on the character of Doreen. In some ways she's a bit like Colleen. Every drama needs a character you can strangle and cuddle in equal measure, whether it's Doreen or Colleen (or even Vera) in Prisoner, or maybe Mrs Mangel in Neighbours, or Ena Sharples in Coronation Street or Lynda Snell in The Archers. Surely those characters (and indeed those actors) that can make you love them one minute and hate them the next are arguably some of the strongest and most versatile?
I lied! I'm here again! Colleen is a strange character in any programme. I loved Colleen but her character changed so much. She started as a 'goodie' sort of a Meg type character, then she became a semi-baddie (the strike) then she became a replacement for Vera until the Freak appeared, then she returned to a firmer version of Meg. The whole thing about the flip flopping of Colleen, is that in each version, Judith made her totally believable each time
The point isa that human beings are NOT one thing...we react to where we are in life and what is happening around us. That is NOT flip-flopping...it is EXPERIENCING LIFE
Remember Colleen had reasons for the changes in her persona, notably when she was up for promotion. She even admits she becomes like Vera as Vera was the one who got the top job (Gov of Barnhurst). Same as when she works with Kate Peterson, it was because Chief Prison Officer or Deputy Governor is up for grabs. Then she becomes the firm but fair Screw when Joan arrives. As Judy Bryant says, she's not Meg Morris but she's not the Freak either! Judith McGrath was just superb as Colleen.
@@CoralD3158 Sorry, I didn't mean it as an insult but a compliment!! Just a poor choice of words! I love Colleen and Judith played the many sides of Colleen very well. I always prefer characters that are three dimensional and have different facets to their characters rather than someone who is always 'good' or always 'bad'! Even Joan had her good sides!
@@col227t8 I totally agree!!! Arguably, Colleen was the best and most interesting of all the officers. Meg, (who I love btw) was nearly always good. Joan was nearly always bad (though both of them had their moments), however, with Colleen, you could never quite be sure which way she would go depending on the situation.
It's not a spoiler but they've dumbed down Irene so much and it's so sad. She still runs the diner with Leah and Marilyn but the storyline is going to be Irene being blackmailed again. It's like the current writers were like "here's some dumb juice" and gave it to Irene, Maz and John..
Regarding the bar - I have to agree with Matt, there are people that just get offended for the sake of taking offence. What is worse is those that take offence on behalf of others who aren't offended in the first place! I think once the novelty has worn off the bar will probably die a death. No one with half a brain cell would think that's what prison is actually like! As a Brit, I absolutely agree with Coral about Americanisation of culture. I get that Wentworth is probably cooywrited, but you'd think they could come up with a more Aussie name. That said, it's always rather annoyed me that the Prisons in Neighbours aren't called Wentworth and Woodridge as a nod to Prisoner, considering it's filmed in the same studio and, effectively, made by the same company.
I'll try and shut up but this ep has really grabbed me! There's a difference been alternative casting and recasting though (I disagreed with Matt about puppy btw, that recast turned me off the whole series even though Debra is a great actress). I agree with Coral about the Val/Maggie swap. Sort of get the Erica thing (though to me it's only Patsy) but I do get where she is coming from. But I think no one else could have played Lizzie for example. Looking at it from a viewer (or even listener) point of view, I think you also have to look at the reason why someone has been recast. If the audience know that a loved actor/ess was forced out or ignored rather than wanting to leave (as has certainly happened in both Coronation Street and The Archers) can take the audience a long time (if at all) to accept the new person as opposed to original
@@CoralD3158 That's a fair point and very true. And I agree about Patsy/Erica. Erica is my favourite character, but, if someone else had been cast in the role and we never saw Patsy's version, we wouldn't know any different, which is why I think re-casting (as opposed to an alternative original casting) can sometimes go wrong or not go down well with some of the audience, no matter how great the 'new' actor(ess) is because with a recast we HAVE seen the previous version
The whole thing with Pepe Trevor/Lexie Pattinson is nonsense. People hate Lexie because of perceived nepotism between Pepe and Marie Trevor. However, they all seem to forget that original casting director of Prisoner was Fiona Spence's sister!
My sincere apologies if I am wrong. Everything I have ever seen says that Leigh was Fiona's sister (The male version usually spelt as Lee) however, the point stand, be it brother or sister, the nepotism between Fiona and Leigh is generally ignored by those who complain about the nepotism between Pepe and Marie
@TheSpinDoctor. Thank you! Absolutely Kerry is who I meant. I will admit I forgot her name which is why I didn't mention her in my origianl comment, but thank you so much for reminding me
I don’t think any one but val was right fir bea Carole was brilliant as franky and Jim fletcher was definitely the best male officer my favourite trio was Vera Meg and Jim Vera was strict Meg was soft and Jim was in the middle I really was upset when them two left especially so close and no one else could’ve played sandy myra as governor could’ve worked but she was already to known as myra
I think the trouble is, because we know Val as Bea or Fiona as Vera etc then we can't think of anyone else playing those roles. However, if they have been cast the other way round and we knew no different, then Fiona would have been the definitive Bea and Val the definitive Vera etc.
Discussing writers in the 80s Kenneth Johnson created V 1983, which was a brillaint concept and show but when he 'left' the show lost the plot literally
Given that The Freak didn't have the nerve to pull the trigger on Ruth, who wanted her to do so so that ultimately the Freak wound have been prosecuted for doing so, so do I!
Actually Lamont...YOU are now reported for inciting violence towards me. Why don't you get over your anger and just relax and enjoy the podcasts like I do
@CoralD3158 I'm loving your podcasts and thank so much for sharing living history with us Prisoner fans. So many happy TV memories flooding back here. Prisoner inspired me many years ago to have a TV career here in the UK which I enjoy to this day. Always loved hearing what I could about behind the scenes on the best TV show ever. Really appreciate your being so generous with your time and memories. Super impressive for 79. With love from Scotland 🏴❤ (and not Jock Stuart) 😉
@@CoralD3158 Personally, I'd much rather have context and background and not just bare facts - it makes things far more understandable and far more interesting!
@@derekhorne8076 Thanks Derek....you and others are the people I am doing this for....not non-thinkers who just want facts (which may or may not be true :) )
@@CoralD3158 My pleasure and I hope that you and Matt will continue the excellent, entertaining and informative work. Very true! What is a fact? Surely unless its an incontrovertible fact (like a date or name something like that) then 'facts' can depend on the viewpoint of the person involved.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Your memory is impressive, Coral! Thanks for taking the time to share your memories and perspectives.
Always a pleasure to listen to Coral. Loved her story arcs and scripting on Prisoner. I would have thought her name was one of the most recognisable in the credits of the the whole series!
Awwwww....I love you Thank you
Thank you, Coral and Matt. I love these episodes.
Brilliant coral and Matt as usual.coral is the most fascinating lady to listen too.take care and keep up the great work.can’t wait for episode 9
Have you watched the latest one ?
Great interview Matt much appreciated it also Coral what a whipper snapper, she sure is a great lady
Another great episode! Thank you both for taking the time to record these for the fans. I love them.
Just some general show questions id love Coral to answer at some point in the future...
After Steve Faulkner left there was a big gap without a male officer in the prison until Rick Manning came in about 120 episodes later. Was there a specific reason for this?
How long before Val Lehman left did the writers know she'd be leaving? To me if felt like there was a lot of momentum behind Bea's character just before she left. She helped the freak in the quarantine, she met a new man, Sonia Stevens had just come in. It felt like she left very quickly.
Did people really get married in the late 70's/early 80's almost immediately after meeting someone. There's a good few characters in prisoner that get married after 1 or 2 dates and then disappear of to the countryside. 😂
It was still a big gap but David Bridges was there before Rick Manning.
Thanks, Matt and Coral. Really interesting episode. As I live in the UK, I had no idea about Grundy/Crawfords and their rivalry.
Re Home and Away, if you're interested Coral, that storyline was done recently with John Palmer's character. He used a dating app and met an estate-agent called Suzie, who turned out to be a scammer. It was quite a good story, except the end of it when she was murdered and her body found on the beach, and John became a suspect (that was a bit farfetched).
Nice to wake up here in the UK and find another Soapbox! As interesting as ever!
I completely agree about people mixing up actor and character and Prisoner fans are some of the worst for doing that i.e. a recent picture of Maggie Kirkpatrick posted and so many inane fans just comment "it's the Freak" - errr...no, it's not! Or the infernal "Bev Baker was in Neighbours" type comments which drive me mad!
I think most people understand the Crawford / Grundy thing and it's not about missed opportunities to cast certain actors, it's more when people say "anybody who is anybody in the Australian acting world appeared in Prisoner" that it's grating. Interestingly though, Christine Harris was a lead character in Crawford's Carson's Law (1983/84) and went straight into Prisoner as Pippa Reynolds a couple of years later. Christine Amor did it in reverse and Annie Phelan went from her first stint as Myra Desmond to Carson's Law and then back to Prisoner as Myra. But totally agree that they had their respective stables in the main.
I don't disagree with Coral on much, but I really can't see Val as Erica Davidson. She said she wanted to play the Governor in Wentworth and they weren't having any of it (for ALL the reasons I'm sure).
As for that random lawyer who wants people to boycott the prison themed cocktail bar - totally ridiculous. Where do you draw the line - no more TV / film on any subject in case it offends people? Alcatraz does have a link to Prisoner though, so I'm okay with the bar name...a letter sent to Val from a former Alcatraz inmate, thanking Prisoner for raising prison issues, is now held by the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra!
Keep up the great Soapboxes :)
Thank you for another great podcast. I appreciate the time you guys take to do this.
I'm particularly intrigued by what Coral said about actors only working with one production company. I note that quite a few actors on The Sullivans went on to appear on Grundy shows. Was it common for them to 'go over to the darkside' and when they did were they not able to go back?
Great listening aa always, these talks are very insightful. One swap I felt could have worked, if she had not already been cast as Hazel Kent, I feel Belinda Davey would have made an excellent Sandy Edwards. She had the looks and the range.
One actor I would mention that I felt could have had much more of a role in Prisoner was Maureen Edwards who played Officer Susan Bailey. She was calm and credible but rarely featured regularly. Maureen of course had bigger roles in other shows, particularly A Country Practice.
Been waiting for this ❤
Matt and Coral - please come to the UK for the fans :-)
We are talking about it....perhaps next year.
Stay Tuned ❤
**Gasp** @@CoralD3158
I'll be there! I just couldn't miss the opportunity to meet Coral. I'd regret it for the rest of my days!! I don't care how much the tickets are. ❤
Omg please come to UK
IMPORTANT POINT> Casting Directors do NOT CAST. What they do is create a shortlist of actors for the "suits" and key creatives to look at. THEY then choose the actor they want or think is best...often decided by availability ( you wouldn't cast an actor in a long running role if you knew they had other contract commitments in three months) THis whole idea that a casting director makes stars is nonsense. Casting Directors don't negotiate, sign contracts, or make ultimate choices! So there! :)
The lovely Kip Gamblin played the character of Scott Hunter in Home & Away. I assume this is the role that producers wanted Chris Hemsworth to play.
The series in Britain that Kip Gamblin spent a year in was "Casualty", and his character also appeared briefly in its [now cancelled] spin-off, Holby City.
He then played the third incarnation of Brad Willis on Neighbours from 2013. I like him, he's an engaging actor, and very nice to look at. 😊
Very interesting conversation. I loved these insights by Coral. With regard to Carmel Milhouse, she actually was used more and I believe the role of Mother Supervisor was her final of three, she was previously very early on the mother of Karen Travers for a number of episodes and then Mrs Beamish, an Erica Davison wannabe running the house where Susie Driscoll went to live. For me a really interesting swapsi would have been to have Diana McLean (Young Doctor's Sister Viv Jeffries) as Vera Bennett or even as Ann Reynolds.
I'm hanging on her every word. Love hearing about the goings on behind the scenes of the TV show industry.
Interesting background on the Grundy and Crawford situation back in the day. I always thought it was a mistake by Fremantle to drop Grundy Organisation as a brand. Grundy was internationally known for its shows and I would have thought the name would remain alive in some fashion after it was bought given the huge contribution Reg Gundy made to Australian television production over decades.
Grundy's v Crawfords. We had the same thing here in the Uk. It was very VERY rare for someone to appear on the BBC and ITV at the same time. Each would refer to the other disparagingly on air as 'the other side'. Although things are less rigid now with them taking programmes out of house, it's still often the case that the big names work for one side or the other.
Hello coral and matt,
Coral did you ever consider carlotta ( austraillain showgirl from '' les girl '' ) for a role in prisoner? she would have been amazing
i know carlotta was in '' number 96 '' and it was ground brakeing for the 1970s
I know Carlotta and she is a very forceful character...but there was never a role that wold hav been right for her.
Sorry but Coral's wrong about Lorraine Bayley appearing in Taurus Rising, which was in fact a Grundy series which was on Nine in 1982 - the Lorraine Bayley serial that she means is [probably] Carson's Law, a Crawford's production which ran 1983-84 on Network Ten. Always fabulous listening to Coral's videos. Thank you both from the middle of England 😊
You are absolutely right. Old age got me....I did indeed mean Carson's Law
I could see the Myra and Ann swap for sure. There was one I had floating around in my brain for years, but a swap between Reb and the girl brought in for the 'scared straight' project was her name Nikki?
That's a good shout. I hope Matt interviews that character Nikki soon.
She disses Jude Kuring as an actress but she was the absolute reason I got drawn into the show! I remember watching it and thinking OMG what the hell is she! Astounding! I don't think I am alone in that sentiment either 😊
She was indeed a GREAT personalirty...but NOT a good or diverse actress. There is a difference. What a pity you haven't understood what we were talking about
@@CoralD3158I did understand ,sorry if it came.across that I didn't she was the main reason I was drawn in, fascinating character
@@CoralD3158also thanks for letting me know that she was like that in real life I did wonder if she was really posh in real life, playing Noeline but sounds like she was playing herself
She was an awful actress
@@markwilks1896but watchable.... though your fingers 😅
I wonder if Coral had any involvement in the initial planning/ development of kath maxwells character. I know we didn’t see her for a good 10 or so episodes after coral had officially left but I know there would have been plans way into the future so she could have been in corals long term plans. Kate Hood was phenomenal in that role. I would have loved to seen what Coral did with her. She was up there with Louise siverson and Anne phelan imo when it comes to range. She’s someone who could have done justice to a lot of other characters as well
Certainly we were planning Kath Maxwell...the notes were on the drawing board...almost finished...when I left.
@@CoralD3158 I'd be so interested to hear in future what plans you had for the characters that never came to fruition because you resigned e.g. for Rita, Lurch, Kath, Eve Wilder, Lou etc
@@CoralD3158 I'd be so interested to hear in future what plans you had for the characters that never came to fruition because you resigned e.g. for Rita, Lurch, Kath, Eve Wilder, Lou etc
@@DistantCousin I should make the point that I was fired...very suddenly...
Can we look at Major Ferguson in the next episode please? An important element to the development of the Joan character. Cheers, Jason.
Cornelia as Erica? What a brilliant concept!
Very interesting as always, it’s funny but as much as I loved the Noeleen character ( Jude Kuring) I do get the feeling coral is correct in the depth of her acting skills. I would love to see Jude being interviewed by Matt as the character was divisive amongst fans, personally I found her scenes amusing
Matt...I have a challenge for you. KATE SHEIL and her refusal to even acknowledge her part in Prisoner fascinates me, if anyone can get an interview out of her or even a statement it's you! Even if she were to give an interview to say what she didnt like and why then it would be worth it. I wonder if you or anyone has approached her in recent years, she was always reluctant to talk previously so maybe that has scared people off asking her to be involved. I would also love to see a special Talking Prisoner reunited Michael Winchester, Desiree Smither and Philip Hyde, the three trainees from the last year. Finally I would love to see Coleen Hewett talking prisoner with a rendition of Pixies song too!
I love a good challenge and i can confirm i am speaking to one cast member that you have mentioned that has never done a Prisoner interview before. Any more challenge's haha
@@TalkingPrisoner love it! I know you approached Roseanne Hull Brown before so i won't throw that challenge at you . I think if you get Kate Sheil you will leave just about every fan opened mouthed. Ultimate challenge....work with Coral to get some kind of Prisoner reunion on TV! Either a proper retrospective or her retirement home idea.
@@tvredone1460 I’ve had Linda Hartley on also who has never done an interview or an event
@@TalkingPrisoner it is great that these people, after all these years, are willing to embrace their Prisoner past. Did you ever watch Dangerous Women?
@@tvredone1460 Linda is also coming to our event this year 🙏, where in the world are you. ?
I think Lorraine Bayley was in Neighbours at some point.
She played Doug Willis sister Faye in the 90s.
Goodness, Wendy Playfair was wonderful.
Favourite Male character was Steve and fav cop was Jack Grace, favourite villain? It's a tie for me between Jock & Len Murphy.
And Clearly I can no longer put my lipstick on Straight...except on my teeth!!!
You’re absolutely fantastic Coral!!! & your lipstick looks just great! Haha!!!!🥰
Coral got her decades mixed up. Silence of The Lambs came out in 1991.
Well when you get to my age you will probably get your decades mixed up too....hehehe. Thanks for pointing that out
On next time's topic, one male character I can honestly say I have never really heard being discussed anywhere is Dr Scott Collins (Tim Elston). I always liked him and thought he was a great 'good' character, who was around at some big moments such as Judy ending it for Hazel and the David Bridges storyline. I could never take to Penny Maegraith as his inmate fiancee Petra Roberts though. Also liked Tim in the short lived Richmond Hill.
He was pleasant...but was not the kind of character to initiate story...which is so important.
@CoralD3158 Absolutely. Yes that's the word I was looking for, pleasant. In the best possible way he was like a comfortable pair of slippers.
What about Greg and Jim fletcher as well
Not martha eaves gone from us,is terry harrision/allison page/linda goldman/andrea hennessy/sue jones as cathy hall still + janet conway living to be interviewed🤞
Another interesting episode and very thought provoking I'm terms of character/actress swaps.
I'd like to ask Coral if she designed the Steve Fawkner character and if she had anything to do with casting Wayne jarrat and her thoughts around this character. Also was the character written out or did the actor decide to leave??
No I had nothing to do with Steve Fawkner I'm afraid.
@@CoralD3158
I see.
I very much enjoyed the introduction of the 3 male prisoners into Wentworth.
They provided an interesting dynamic and also some very dramatic and exciting scenes. My favourites being the poisoned gas in isolation episode and also the episode where Frank Burke tries to escape twice, first with the fake policemen/assassins then by taking Dennis Cruikshank hostage....I believe these were your storylines Coral?
Great work I thought.
@@CoralD3158I’m curious about Queenie Marshall played by Marilyn Rodgers 556-573 which you wrote some of. She had an awfully big part inc. a life outside of the gaol for a single-use role - she was used to scare the Scared Straight kid with her two henchmen, one of whom was camp as a twat really and it provided great contrast-humour, portraying Queenie as a Mrs Big type. I have always wondered if that was a rewrite of scenes intended for Helen Smart to come back for or if the intention was to use Queenie again but you never did, as she’s almost too fully-fashioned for such a small role in the grand scheme…?
@@CoralD3158 Hey Coral always a pleasure to see and hear you ! Best writer on the show.
@@TheSpinDoctor hahahahaha...You caught me out! Queenie Marshall I based on ME! ( though there's a bot of me in many of my characters) and YES...I did have plans to use her again if I hadn't been fired LOL
Who do we think out of the long standing actors didn't bother developing their characters? Val? Elspeth? Patsy? Sheila? Betty? Collette?
Most of the long terms characters did show some sort of growth IMO. But you could see sometimes when the actors got a bit bored or tired eg Colette, Val, Fiona, Betty.
I think people are too hard on the character of Doreen. In some ways she's a bit like Colleen. Every drama needs a character you can strangle and cuddle in equal measure, whether it's Doreen or Colleen (or even Vera) in Prisoner, or maybe Mrs Mangel in Neighbours, or Ena Sharples in Coronation Street or Lynda Snell in The Archers. Surely those characters (and indeed those actors) that can make you love them one minute and hate them the next are arguably some of the strongest and most versatile?
I lied! I'm here again! Colleen is a strange character in any programme. I loved Colleen but her character changed so much. She started as a 'goodie' sort of a Meg type character, then she became a semi-baddie (the strike) then she became a replacement for Vera until the Freak appeared, then she returned to a firmer version of Meg. The whole thing about the flip flopping of Colleen, is that in each version, Judith made her totally believable each time
The point isa that human beings are NOT one thing...we react to where we are in life and what is happening around us. That is NOT flip-flopping...it is EXPERIENCING LIFE
Remember Colleen had reasons for the changes in her persona, notably when she was up for promotion. She even admits she becomes like Vera as Vera was the one who got the top job (Gov of Barnhurst). Same as when she works with Kate Peterson, it was because Chief Prison Officer or Deputy Governor is up for grabs. Then she becomes the firm but fair Screw when Joan arrives. As Judy Bryant says, she's not Meg Morris but she's not the Freak either! Judith McGrath was just superb as Colleen.
@@col227t8 Indeed...and characters have to undergo change and growth just as we all do/
@@CoralD3158 Sorry, I didn't mean it as an insult but a compliment!! Just a poor choice of words! I love Colleen and Judith played the many sides of Colleen very well. I always prefer characters that are three dimensional and have different facets to their characters rather than someone who is always 'good' or always 'bad'! Even Joan had her good sides!
@@col227t8 I totally agree!!! Arguably, Colleen was the best and most interesting of all the officers. Meg, (who I love btw) was nearly always good. Joan was nearly always bad (though both of them had their moments), however, with Colleen, you could never quite be sure which way she would go depending on the situation.
It's not a spoiler but they've dumbed down Irene so much and it's so sad. She still runs the diner with Leah and Marilyn but the storyline is going to be Irene being blackmailed again. It's like the current writers were like "here's some dumb juice" and gave it to Irene, Maz and John..
Of all the male characters in Prisoner, surely the one with the greatest character arc and transformation has to be Fletch?
Yes the difference between arriving and leaving
Regarding the bar - I have to agree with Matt, there are people that just get offended for the sake of taking offence. What is worse is those that take offence on behalf of others who aren't offended in the first place!
I think once the novelty has worn off the bar will probably die a death. No one with half a brain cell would think that's what prison is actually like!
As a Brit, I absolutely agree with Coral about Americanisation of culture. I get that Wentworth is probably cooywrited, but you'd think they could come up with a more Aussie name.
That said, it's always rather annoyed me that the Prisons in Neighbours aren't called Wentworth and Woodridge as a nod to Prisoner, considering it's filmed in the same studio and, effectively, made by the same company.
I'll try and shut up but this ep has really grabbed me! There's a difference been alternative casting and recasting though (I disagreed with Matt about puppy btw, that recast turned me off the whole series even though Debra is a great actress).
I agree with Coral about the Val/Maggie swap. Sort of get the Erica thing (though to me it's only Patsy) but I do get where she is coming from. But I think no one else could have played Lizzie for example.
Looking at it from a viewer (or even listener) point of view, I think you also have to look at the reason why someone has been recast. If the audience know that a loved actor/ess was forced out or ignored rather than wanting to leave (as has certainly happened in both Coronation Street and The Archers) can take the audience a long time (if at all) to accept the new person as opposed to original
If you had never seen Sheila Florance as Lizzie...then you would totally have fallen in love with Bunny Brooke as Lizzie.
Patsy was brilliant as governor firm but fare
@@AnitaSharma-os4cr That is the CHARACTER...not the actress...again you have missed the point :)
@@CoralD3158 That's a fair point and very true. And I agree about Patsy/Erica. Erica is my favourite character, but, if someone else had been cast in the role and we never saw Patsy's version, we wouldn't know any different, which is why I think re-casting (as opposed to an alternative original casting) can sometimes go wrong or not go down well with some of the audience, no matter how great the 'new' actor(ess) is because with a recast we HAVE seen the previous version
@@derekhorne8076 I titally agree Derek and talk about that in Episode 9
The whole thing with Pepe Trevor/Lexie Pattinson is nonsense. People hate Lexie because of perceived nepotism between Pepe and Marie Trevor. However, they all seem to forget that original casting director of Prisoner was Fiona Spence's sister!
Leigh Spence? If so, Leigh was male!
My sincere apologies if I am wrong. Everything I have ever seen says that Leigh was Fiona's sister (The male version usually spelt as Lee) however, the point stand, be it brother or sister, the nepotism between Fiona and Leigh is generally ignored by those who complain about the nepotism between Pepe and Marie
I think you mean her sister Kerry Spence? Leigh Spence was a director - I think - not a casting director.
@TheSpinDoctor. Thank you! Absolutely Kerry is who I meant. I will admit I forgot her name which is why I didn't mention her in my origianl comment, but thank you so much for reminding me
Haha. Too many Spece’s but all making an amazing contribution to the show we all love 💕
I don’t think any one but val was right fir bea Carole was brilliant as franky and Jim fletcher was definitely the best male officer my favourite trio was Vera Meg and Jim
Vera was strict Meg was soft and Jim was in the middle I really was upset when them two left especially so close and no one else could’ve played sandy myra as governor could’ve worked but she was already to known as myra
I think the trouble is, because we know Val as Bea or Fiona as Vera etc then we can't think of anyone else playing those roles. However, if they have been cast the other way round and we knew no different, then Fiona would have been the definitive Bea and Val the definitive Vera etc.
How would you know Anita until you see other actresses...that is part of our skill set. We don't expect the audience to make that evaluation
Discussing writers in the 80s Kenneth Johnson created V 1983, which was a brillaint concept and show but when he 'left' the show lost the plot literally
Agreed...it went totlly off the rails but I loved it at first
I wish Coral would have played Ruth Ballinger and The Freak would kick her butt.
Given that The Freak didn't have the nerve to pull the trigger on Ruth, who wanted her to do so so that ultimately the Freak wound have been prosecuted for doing so, so do I!
Actually Lamont...YOU are now reported for inciting violence towards me. Why don't you get over your anger and just relax and enjoy the podcasts like I do
@@CoralD3158 stop cursing at me and I’ll call it a truce. Bit I still have the right to disagree .
@CoralD3158 I'm loving your podcasts and thank so much for sharing living history with us Prisoner fans. So many happy TV memories flooding back here.
Prisoner inspired me many years ago to have a TV career here in the UK which I enjoy to this day. Always loved hearing what I could about behind the scenes on the best TV show ever.
Really appreciate your being so generous with your time and memories. Super impressive for 79.
With love from Scotland 🏴❤ (and not Jock Stuart) 😉
@@daybyday442 Thank you so much....we broke a few rules but I hope TV drama is all the better for it.
This woman has trouble getting to the point
You're right...I am a complex thinker. Best not to watch me Mark.
@@CoralD3158 Personally, I'd much rather have context and background and not just bare facts - it makes things far more understandable and far more interesting!
@@derekhorne8076 Thanks Derek....you and others are the people I am doing this for....not non-thinkers who just want facts (which may or may not be true :) )
@@CoralD3158 My pleasure and I hope that you and Matt will continue the excellent, entertaining and informative work. Very true! What is a fact? Surely unless its an incontrovertible fact (like a date or name something like that) then 'facts' can depend on the viewpoint of the person involved.