Episode 64: Interview with David Waters - Officer David Bridges

Welcome to Episode 64 of Talking Prisoner!

In this special episode, Host and Producer Matt Batten sits down with the incredible David Waters, who portrayed Officer David Bridges on Prisoner: Cell Block H.

Matt and David discuss David’s early life growing up in the UK and his journey to Australia. They dive into David's theatre background, sharing fascinating stories of working with several Prisoner cast members on stage, including a special memory with Carol Burns (Frankie Doyle).

The conversation continues with insights into David's audition for Prisoner, how he landed the role of Officer David Bridges, and what it was like shooting his first scene in the officer’s staff room. David also reveals why he wanted to stay on the show longer than his initial 10-week stint and the steps he considered taking to extend his role.

Iconic moments from his time on the show are discussed, including the unforgettable scene with Babs McMillan in the garden shed. David reflects on his time working with legends like Sheila Florance and Maggie Kirkpatrick and shares his thoughts on his character and his experience on Prisoner.

Throughout the episode, fan questions are answered, and we also learn about David’s life beyond Prisoner in the restaurant industry.

Production:

David Waters – Officer David Bridges
Matt Batten – Host, Creator, Producer, and Writer
Don’t miss this insightful interview with David Waters. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more behind-the-scenes stories and interviews!

Welcome to Episode 6 of Corals Soapbox, where Coral Drouyn, a seasoned veteran of Australian television, delves into the depths of iconic TV shows. Coral's extensive resume includes work on beloved series like Neighbours, Home and Away, and, notably, Prisoner. As a script writer, Script Editor, Story Liner, and Story Editor on Prisoner, Coral shaped some of the show's most memorable characters and storylines.

In this episode, Coral joins Matt to explore the captivating Barnhurst 5 storyline from Prisoner. They delve into Coral's creative process behind crafting these characters and the pivotal flashback episode 536, which Coral penned. They dissect why certain characters, like May Collins portrayed by Billie Hammerberg, may not have been as robust as others, while Coral reveals her original vision for the Barnhurst 5.

Coral and Matt engage in a comprehensive discussion on each member of the Barnhurst 5, including Sonja Tallis, Jackie Woodburne, Kirsty Childs, Billie Hammerberg, and Debra Lawrance. They explore the complexities of characters like Nora Flynn and dissect the motivations behind their actions.

Throughout the episode, Coral addresses fan questions, offering insights into the creative decisions behind the Barnhurst 5 storyline. Matt also shares his theories on why the Barnhurst 5 were introduced into the series at that particular time.

In addition to their exploration of Prisoner's rich history, Coral and Matt touch on current events, including the Trial of President Donald Trump.

Don't miss this captivating episode of Corals Soapbox, and be sure to like and subscribe to the Talking Prisoner YouTube Channel for more engaging content.

Introducing Our New Co-Host: Director Tim Burns
We're thrilled to announce that Matt Batten will now be joined by a new co-host on Talking Prisoner—none other than independent filmmaker Tim Burns! With a portfolio of cinematic gems that encapsulate Australian culture and history, Tim is no stranger to compelling storytelling.
His cult classic film, "Boronia Boys, perfectly captures the essence of Australian suburbia in the late 2000s. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. His creative prowess extends to a myriad of projects, including "Mondo Maniacs," "The Honey Suckle Sisters," "Sizzle 77," "Boronia Backpackers," "Moonlight and Magic," and "Nancy Nancy." His documentary "Prisoner Queen," featuring Prisoner cast member Jude Kuring, bridges his cinematic vision with the world of "Prisoner," making him a perfect addition to our show.
Tim is no stranger to accolades, having won several awards, including honours from The Melbourne Underground Film Festival. A true collaborator, he has worked with numerous Prisoner cast members and has a reputation for "getting things done," as many in the industry will attest.
With Tim on board, you can expect Talking Prisoner to level up in so many ways. The duo is already lining up some incredible guests and have a plethora of exciting plans in the pipeline to make the show even more engaging for all you Prisoner fans out there.
So get ready to dive deeper into the world of "Prisoner" like never before, as Matt and Tim bring you unparalleled access and insight into one of Australia's most iconic television series.

Welcome to Episode 55 of Talking Prisoner, where your host, Matt Batten, has a profound conversation with Buddhist prison chaplain, Susan Shannon. Susan's remarkable career spans over four decades, with her most striking experiences centred around her work on death row at San Quentin Prison.
In this episode, we delve deep into Susan's life story, from her childhood years to her conversion to Tibetan Buddhism. Susan reveals her unexpected love for the hit TV show, The Sopranos, and shares a bit about her personal hobbies.
Our conversation transitions into her riveting journey at San Quentin Jail, from her very first day to her encounters with prison guards and inmates on death row. Susan recalls her initial visit to death row and describes the ambience that continues to stick with her.
Susan details the establishment of her Buddhist prison group, discussing its origin and evolution. She courageously shares her insights on the crimes committed by inmates she has worked with and provides an up-close look at the reality of life on death row.
Throughout the episode, we explore the challenges Susan faced in starting her chaplaincy within the prison system and her relentless efforts to make a difference. She reflects on the surreal experience of putting on a bullet/stab proof vest for the first time and her dedicated work with inmates on death row, particularly Albert 'Ru Al' Jones and Jarvis 'Jay' Masters.
We delve into a typical day in the life of an inmate on death row, discussing everything from meals and education to security protocols. The impact of Covid-19 on prisons also forms a vital part of our conversation.
Susan fondly reminisces about her meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and further unravels the harsh realities faced by inmates on death row.
Join us for this stirring episode that offers a rare, heartfelt insight into prison chaplaincy and the world within death row. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more engaging discussions.
#deathrow #susanshannon #prison #truecrime #podcast #prisonlife #sanquentin

Welcome to Episode 56 of Talking Prisoner where your host, Matt Batten, enjoys a sit-down with Lynne McGranger, best known for her role as Irene Roberts on the long-running soap, Home and Away. With nearly three decades on the show, Lynne proudly holds the title of longest-serving female cast member.
Before capturing our hearts as Irene, Lynne graced several other Australian TV shows such as The Flying Doctors, Skirts, Street Angels, Seven Deadly Sins, and Sky Trackers. In this episode, Lynne recounts her journey from her humble beginnings in Sydney, her time as a school teacher, and how she landed her enduring part on Home and Away.
We delve into the mystery surrounding Jacqy Phillips's departure and why she didn't continue as Irene. Lynne shares her insightful thoughts on the end of Neighbours and the future of free-to-air TV. With a fondness for theatre acting, Lynne has appeared in many pantomimes over the years which are also discussed in our conversation.
In the 1980s, Lynne was part of the comedy group, The Natural Normans, performing alongside Denise Scott, Sally-Anne Upton, and Lynda Gibson. Lynne reminisces about the laughs and the learning during her comedy stint.
In 2014, Lynne put on her dancing shoes for Dancing with the Stars, emerging as the runner-up. We chat about the intense schedule of learning to dance and the unforgettable experiences on the show. Lynne shares her journey of penning down her book, “Me, Myself and Irene,” and the process that led to its creation.
Interestingly, Lynne reveals that she discovered through a radio interview with Jonesy and Amanda that her character Irene was set to be axed in 2002. Fortunately, Coral Drouyn, a Prisoner Writer who had been hired to boost Home and Away's ratings, saved Irene, believing her character had many storylines left to explore.
Lynne also shares cherished memories of working with Chris Hemsworth who played Kim Hyde on Home and Away and a hilarious encounter with a fan during dinner with Ray Meagher after a long day of shooting.
Don't forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel to ensure you never miss an episode of Talking Prisoner!
 
#lynnemcgranger #homeandaway #chrishemsworth #neighbours

Talking Prisoner EP 54 Interview with Governor Eddie Mullins Mountjoy Prison

Welcome to Episode 54 of Talking Prisoner where our host, Matt Batten, has an enlightening conversation with Governor Eddie Mullins of Mountjoy Prison in Ireland.

In this episode, Eddie shares his life's journey that led him to the prison service in 1991 and his eventual ascension to the role of governor.

Our conversation delves into various aspects of prison life, including the rehabilitation process, the prevalence of weapons, and the day-to-day lives of inmates.

We also explore the realities of serving as a governor, how Eddie manages to distance himself from the inmates' crimes, and the struggles ex-inmates face in finding employment due to Ireland's spent convictions scheme.

Governor Mullins sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prison life, the role of education and health in prisons, and the quality of prison food. We also discuss the intricate dynamics of the court system, sentencing procedures, and the oftentimes complicated relationship between politicians and the prison system.

Additionally, Eddie shares the uplifting story of Mountjoy's prison choir and teases some exclusive news about the next chapter of his career.

Join us for this compelling conversation and don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more deep dives into the world of True Crime

#mountjoy #truecrime #prison #eddiemullins #ireland

Welcome to Episode 53 of Talking Prisoner, where we shine the spotlight on the creative genius behind Prisoner's hauntingly beautiful theme song, 'On the Inside'.
 
Our special guest today is none other than the legendary Allan Caswell, a luminary in the Australian country music scene with a Golden Guitar, multiple chart-topping hits, and over 900 songs to his credit. Although he never made an on-screen appearance in Prisoner, his contribution to the series' atmosphere and mood through 'On the Inside' is indelible. The song not only reached platinum status in Australia, but it also topped the UK singles chart, forever linking Allan to the iconic series.
In this in-depth conversation, host Matt Batten uncovers Allan's early life and school years, his impressive music portfolio, and his unique experiences performing in diverse locations like LA, Nashville, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Allan also delves into the recognition he's earned through his eight Golden Guitar awards.
 
A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to exploring the history of 'On the Inside': how it came to be, Grundy's initial approach to Allan, how Lyn Hamilton came to lend her voice to it, and the fascinating fact that the original Prisoner theme song was supposed to be 'Unchained Melody'.
 
Allan imparts valuable wisdom for aspiring songwriters, candidly discusses the current state of the industry, and examines the impact streaming platforms like Spotify have had on music creation and consumption.
 
Join us in this captivating episode as we delve into the life and career of a country music legend. Please like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon on our YouTube channel to keep up with future Talking Prisoner interviews. Enjoy the conversation!"
 
#ontheinside #allancaswell #lynhamilton #prisoner #cellblockh

Welcome to this special episode of Talking Prisoner. Today, we're thrilled to host our guest, Louise Siversen, as we discuss her new theatre production, 'Under Ms Archer,' currently playing at St. Martin's Theatre in South Yarra.
 
Under Ms Archer is a unique blend of drama and comedy that brings a 21st-century woman face-to-face with a medieval man, sparking a culture war that takes no prisoners. In this episode, Louise and I delve into the genesis of the show, the inspiration behind it, and the experience of performing again post-Melbourne lockdowns.
 
This theatrical performance features two of Melbourne's favorite actors, Louise Siversen, known for her roles in House Husbands, Prisoner, Love Me, MTC Noises Off, and Peter Houghton, recognized for his performances in The Pitch, Shakespeare in Love, Killing Time. Both actors are fresh off their recent collaboration in MTC’s hit comedy, 'Heartbreak Choir.'
 
Under Ms Archer has already made its mark, with Stage UK calling it a 'comic and performing tour de force... Great invention and extraordinary physicality... A virtuoso piece of acting, delivered with great bravura.'
 
Over the last four decades, Louise has built a formidable reputation in Australian Film, Theatre, and TV productions. Her leading roles in shows like PRISONER, THE FLYING DOCTORS, BOOTLEG, CHANCES, EUGENIE SANDLER P.I, HIGH FLYERS, SHORTCUTS, NEIGHBOURS, STINGERS, THE SECRET LIFE OF US, HALIFAX F.P, JANUS, BACKBERNER, HOUSE HUSBANDS, FIVE BEDROOMS, LOVE ME, among others, have made her one of the country's most recognisable actors, celebrated for her dynamic comedic and dramatic portrayals.
 
Under Ms Archer is now in its final week at St. Martin's Theatre. Don't miss out on this spectacular show. Tickets are available at www.undermsarcher.com. See you there

Talking Prisoner Cell Block H  EP 52 Interview with Susan Guerin Barbara Fields

Welcome to Talking Prisoner Episode 52! Join hosts Ken Mulholland and Matt Batten as they sit down with Susan Guerin, famous for her role as the memorable inmate Barbara Fields in Prisoner. Susan contributed her talents to 26 unforgettable episodes in 1982, ending her journey with the series finale of the year. Beyond Prisoner, Susan has made notable appearances in Sara Dane, Cop Shop, and the TV movie, Robbery Under Arms.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Susan opens up about her life journey, from her childhood in South Australia to managing her mother's mental illness. She candidly discusses her successful venture as a restaurant owner and her career transition into nursing after acting. Susan's rich and varied career also includes her time in radio plays and her experience landing the role of Barbara Fields on the iconic Australian show, Prisoner.

Dive deep into Susan's experience on Prisoner, as she shares the behind-the-scenes of the audition process, working with the legendary cast including Val Lehman, Maggie Kirkpatrick, Colette Mann, Wayne Jaratt, and Sheila Florance. Listen as Susan reflects on her character, Barbara, her weekly commute to Melbourne for shooting the show, and a hilarious anecdote about Sheila Florance.

The episode is jam-packed with details about Susan's involvement in the dramatic fire episodes of Prisoner, her relationship with co-star Anna Hruby, and the reasons behind her exit from the show. As always, we've included fan questions, all answered by Susan herself.

Don't forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more exclusive interviews and content.

#prisoner #cellblockh #susanguerin #maggiekirkpatrick

Welcome to Episode 7 of Talking Prisoner Presents, where hosts Ken Mulholland and Matt Batten had an engaging conversation with the legendary Australian TV actor, Shane Withington. Boasting a career spanning over four decades, Shane is best known for his roles as Brendan Jones in A Country Practice and John Palmer in Home and Away.
In this insightful interview, Shane shares his childhood experiences and the origins of his passion for acting. As an avid sailor, he also recounts some adventurous sailing tales that could easily be mistaken for scenes from Home and Away.
Shane delves into his time on A Country Practice, discussing the audition process for the role of Nurse Brendan Jones, working with the show's beloved actors, and the intricacies of shooting the iconic series. He also touches on one of the most memorable death scenes in Australian television history: the passing of Molly.
The conversation shifts to Shane's encounter with David Bowie and his amusing anecdote about their meeting. He then speaks about his experience working on Out of The Blue, his role as Simon Wilson, and the story behind the conclusion of Willing and Abel, a show he worked on with fellow A Country Practice alumni Grant Dodwell.
Currently appearing in Home and Away for the past 13 years and over 1600 episodes, Shane shares insights into his character John Palmer and his initial appearance on the show in 2006 as Colin Page. He also talks about working with co-stars like Sonia Todd, Ray Meagher, and other notable cast members, as well as offering valuable advice for aspiring actors seeking to break into the industry.
Shane's personal life intertwines with his on-screen story, as he is married to Anne Tenney, who played his wife Molly in A Country Practice. He opens up about their meeting, Anne's departure from the show, and his decision to remain for an additional six months. Finally, Shane addresses questions submitted by fans, offering a comprehensive and entertaining look into his life and career.
 
#homeandaway #shanewithington #acountrypractice #davidbowie