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Home , All Saints (season 2), All Saints (season 3), All Saints (season 5), All Saints (season 7), Always Greener, A Country Practice

Australia’s number one drama is back

A PLACE TO CALL HOME Holding the secret of James’ attempted Which secrets will come out? Which WAS THE MOST-WATCHED suicide forever linked Sarah’s future with secrets will be buried? the Blighs. AUSTRALIAN DRAMA A Place to Call Home is created by Bevan SERIES OF 2013. Over time, her connection with charming Lee, the man behind iconic Australian widower George Bligh developed into love, shows such as , It was lauded by critics who hailed it and the unexpected romance helped Sarah and Winners & Losers. ‘mesmerising’, ‘captivating’ and ‘a class move on from the death of her beloved The cast features act.’ With a combined weekly audience of husband Rene, murdered by the Nazis. 2.2 million viewers each week, it cemented as Sarah Adams, as its place in TV history and people’s hearts. This series will see Sarah move into Ash Elizabeth Bligh, BRETT CLIMO as George Park and work to prove herself a fitting Bligh, CRAIG HALL as Dr. Jack Duncan, Last year’s dramatic finale saw the lives of wife-to-be for George, while his mother SARA WISEMAN as Carolyn Bligh, DAVID the Bligh family imploding. Elizabeth plays a devious waiting game BERRY as James Bligh, ARIANWEN After paying off Bert to keep him quiet to see what Regina will unearth about PARKES-LOCKWOOD as Olivia Bligh, about his son James’ sexuality, George Sarah’s past in Europe. ABBY EARL as Anna Bligh, ALDO MIGNONE as Gino Poletti, MATT LEVETT as Andrew was furious when he attempted to extort Little does Sarah know, Elizabeth will Swanson and FRANKIE J. HOLDEN as more money for him. uncover information that blows life as Roy Briggs. Shortly afterwards, Bert’s body was seen Sarah knows it sky-high... floating on the surface of the river. Meanwhile, Jack is furious at Carolyn for The first few minutes of the new series will having kept secret the fact they have a continue to keep everyone guessing. daughter. She refuses to reveal the child’s A seemingly typical morning at Ash Park name, wanting to protect the current is revealed to be something else entirely... status quo. Increasingly upset and angry, Jack announces he’s going to find out the Season one saw mysterious nurse Sarah identity of their daughter, no matter what. Adams put down tentative roots in the picturesque town of Inverness. Anna arrives at the Poletti farm for a three-month trial to see if her relationship Working her passage home aboard an ocean with Gino can survive. And in the city, liner, Sarah came into contact with wealthy Olivia is increasingly disturbed by the pastoralists the Bligh family when she savage nature of James’ treatment to saved the life of the troubled James Bligh. ‘cure’ his homosexuality. SARAH ADAMS PLAYED BY MARTA DUSSELDORP

THE FIRST SEASON SAW Sarah now feels very much at home in Sarah is painfully aware more than most ENIGMATIC NURSE Inverness, forming close friendships that humanity has a dark side, and sadly, SARAH ADAMS PUT DOWN with local widower Roy Briggs and her even idyllic Inverness isn’t immune. employer, Dr. Jack Duncan. George isn’t Sarah’s forced to confront it head on when TENTATIVE ROOTS IN THE the only heart Sarah won, with Jack also James is blackmailed over his sexuality by PICTURESQUE TOWN OF professing his love for her. He’s accepted local thug Bert Ford – who turns up dead INVERNESS, AND BEGIN TO she’s in no position to return his feelings, soon after. and the experience has ultimately HEAL FROM THE HORRORS This series sees Sarah negotiating life at strengthened their friendship. SHE EXPERIENCED Ash Park, made all the more difficult by DURING WORLD WAR TWO. Sarah’s love affair with George has ruffled Elizabeth’s attempts to sabotage her the feathers of uncompromising matriarch relationship with George at every turn. Working her passage home aboard an Elizabeth Bligh. Fiercely protective of the “Sarah moves into Ash Park and we get ocean liner, Sarah came into contact Bligh legacy, Elizabeth has employed every to see her and Elizabeth at close quarters,” with wealthy Australian pastoralists the weapon in her significant arsenal to try to Marta says. “It’s a really interesting Bligh family, when she saved the life of thwart the romance, even stripping her son relationship, it’s a poker game.” the troubled James Bligh. A newlywed George of his Ash Park inheritance. tormented by his homosexuality, Sarah’s Little does Sarah know, Elizabeth will unwitting discovery of his potentially A convert to Judaism for her husband, unearth information that blows life as scandalous family secret forever linked Sarah is well aware of the vast chasm that Sarah knows it sky-high. her future with the Blighs. exists between her and the upper echelons of Australian society. It’s a challenge she’s Her immediate connection to James’ father, more than ready to take on. charming widower George Bligh, saw Sarah settle in Inverness, near the Bligh’s Determined to prove Sarah out of her beautiful estate, Ash Park. Over time, their depth, Elizabeth sets her a formidable connection developed into love, and the task. If Sarah can demonstrate she fits unexpected romance helped Sarah move into the Bligh’s social milieu, Elizabeth will on from the death of her beloved husband reinstate George as the heir to Ash Park. Rene, murdered by the Nazis. Although she knows Elizabeth is setting her up to fail, Sarah believes she owes it to George to at least try for his sake, and accepts the challenge. MARTA DUSSELDORP STARS AS SARAH ADAMS

DISTINGUISHED ACTRESS Since then she has worked extensively in With a career spanning more than two MARTA DUSSELDORP theatre, film and . Her film credits decades, her resume is teeming with SPEARHEADS THE include the critically acclaimed Praise, highlights but she counts her theatre credits Innocence and Burning Man. as her most memorable. “Playing to an TALENTED A PLACE TO audience is exhilarating and dangerous, one On the small screen, Marta has starred as CALL HOME CAST AS THE of the truest forms of human contact you Detective Sam Lawson in six Blackjack ENIGMATIC SARAH ADAMS. have,” she says. telemovies. Her other TV credits include The award-winning actress gravitated the telemovie Hell Has Harbour Views, the However, she’s relishing the opportunity of towards performing early in life. She took award-winning mini-series After The Deluge, sinking her teeth into a complex character ballet lessons from of four but it was opposite Guy Pearce, the ABC she can develop over the course of a series. her first speaking role in a school play which legal drama and more recently “That’s the beauty of television; you have sparked her interest in acting. . the opportunity to explore an amazing “I would have been about 10 or 11,” she Regarded as one of the country’s best stage character over however many episodes and recalls. “I did my first play and got my first , she was one of 12 actors who, in you don’t get that with a play,” she says. laugh. I remember hearing 300 people who 2005, were offered exclusive contracts by “Right now I’m in heaven. This is something were in the school hall laugh out loud and I the Theatre Company to form The I used to dream of.” thought, ‘This is brilliant to be able to bring Actors Company. Marta, 41, is married to /director Ben joy to people.’ During her three years with the STC, she Winspear, whom she met more than a “When I started using my voice, I realised appeared in The War of the Roses, which decade ago when they were both working the power of narration. I became addicted won her a Helpmann Award for Best at the . They to telling stories – initially it was with my Supporting Actress in 2009; Serpent’s reside in Sydney with their two daughters. body through dance and then I discovered Teeth, Mother Courage and Barrie Kosky’s my voice.” eight-hour The Lost Echo. After finishing school, she studied at the Her other notable theatre credits include University of NSW for two years, majoring in Theatre Company’s Three theatre and film, before being accepted into Sisters and The Balcony, Company B’s the Victorian College of the Arts. national tour of The Underpants, an international tour of and Like Soon after graduating in 1996, she received A Fishbone for the STC/Griffin Theatre; her big break in Bruce Beresford’s Paradise the STC production Victory opposite Judy Road, acting opposite Glenn Close, Frances Davis and most recently Never Did Me Any McDormand and . Harm, a dance theatre work by acclaimed choreographer . ELIZABETH BLIGH PLAYED BY NONI HAZLEHURST

FIERCELY PROTECTIVE In an attempt to shock George into Ever resourceful, Elizabeth applies the OF THE BLIGH DYNASTY, submission, Elizabeth changed her will to same test to Sarah. Having thrown every MATRIARCH ELIZABETH make grandson James the beneficiary of obstacle in Sarah’s path she could think the estate instead of George. She makes of, Elizabeth changes tack and invites her WILL DO ANYTHING IN it clear she will only reverse the decision into her own home, hoping to highlight the HER FORMIDABLE when George ends the affair. But George social divide between Sarah and George POWER TO ENSURE THE is his mother’s son, and made of stern and thereby instill doubts in her son about CONTINUED SUCCESS OF stuff. To Elizabeth’s dismay, her ultimatum the relationship. has the opposite effect, with George going THE FAMILY NAME. “I think inviting Sarah into the house is so straight to Sarah and proposing. A product of her generation, Elizabeth has uncharacteristic for Elizabeth,” Noni says. made many sacrifices for the sake of her Elizabeth’s need for control puts her at “There has to be some sort of agenda and family, putting propriety ahead of her own frequent loggerheads with her headstrong of course there is.” granddaughter Anna. Anna’s passionate personal . She sets unbending Armed with Sarah’s stolen employment romance with Italian farmhand Gino is a standards for herself and expects the records to aid her search, Regina is constant source of dismay for Elizabeth, same of others, and this exacting standard dispatched to Europe to uncover who is convinced the union is doomed, sees Elizabeth increasingly at odds with anything from Sarah’s mysterious past and will break Anna’s heart and ruin her those around her. that may rid them of the woman forever. reputation in the process. Her son George’s romance with Sarah (a In season two, the information Regina Elizabeth does what she can to neutralise nurse and a Jew no less) is perceived as a uncovers forever changes the state of potential scandal, even boldly enlisting threat to everything she holds dear – and play – and the subsequent fallout runs the help of local busy-body Doris Collins. for that reason, she will fight long and hard the risk of destroying Elizabeth’s But when Sarah, sympathetic to Anna’s to rid herself of the “menace”. relationship with her family. situation, helps orchestrate Anna’s move Such an iron-will comes at a cost. Season to the Poletti farm for a three-month trial, Elizabeth realises that regaining her one saw Elizabeth in hospital after even Elizabeth’s impressive ability to quell family’s respect will require an suffering a heart attack. But even from her gossip will be severely tested. audacious move – something that hospital bed, she was able to manipulate no-one thinks she is capable of. It’s a events, enlisting the help of wily Regina decision only a remarkable woman such Standish (George’s sister-in-law) in her as Elizabeth Bligh has the courage to do. efforts to destroy Sarah. NONI HAZLEHURST STARS AS ELIZABETH BLIGH

NONI HAZLEHURST’S it’s a role she still considers her favourite Her theatre credits are extensive, working NUMEROUS TALENTS and in 1998 she was honoured with an not only on London’s West End but across HAVE MADE HER A Order of (AM) for her services to the country. Most recently she played a straight children and children’s television. In the talking scientist in the Melbourne Theatre HOUSEHOLD NAME. 1990s, Noni hosted Better Homes and Company’s production of The . Gardens. During her 10 years with the She is one of Australia’s most distinguished As National Ambassador for children’s program, it won five for Most and respected actors with a career charity Barnardos, Noni thrives on her Popular Lifestyle Show. spanning over 40 years. charity work and is also an in-demand Born in Melbourne in the 1950s to Noni herself has received two Logies writer, penning articles for newspapers vaudevillian parents, show business for her performances in the mini-series and magazines, as well as contributing to was the natural choice for Noni. “It never Waterfront and Ride on Stranger as well several books. “I love it all,” she says. as four AFI Awards for Little Fish, Waiting occurred to me to do anything else,” “I don’t really care what I’m doing as long At The Royal, Fran and Monkey Grip. She’s she says. “Once they realised I had the as it’s a story worth telling and I’m working also received three AFI nominations for ambition and talent, they encouraged me with people I respect.” Her most prized role her roles in Fatty Finn, Bitter & Twisted and and made sure I was well prepared.” is as mother to sons Charlie and William, Candy, acting opposite Heath Ledger and who are both musicians. She learned how to sing, dance, act and Geoffrey . play piano; her versatility serving her well When she’s not working, Noni enjoys Her recent screen credits include the throughout her long career. After finishing gardening, cooking and teaching drama telemovies Stepfather of the Bride in 2006 school, she began studying drama at at the 16th Street Acting Studio. and Curtin (2007) and the gritty drama City Flinders University in in 1971. “It’s wonderful and rewarding,” she Homicide, where she played Detective says of her role as mentor and teacher. She graduated three years later and Superintendent Bernice Waverley from landed her first role as Sharon Lewis in 2007-2011. In the future, Noni’s keen to do more The Box in 1975 before joining the cast of directing. Her directorial debut The Fish In 2007, she added another notch to as Lil Duggan in 1976. More Are Safe garnered an AFI nomination for her impressive list of awards when she roles followed in the critically acclaimed Best Achievement in Direction in 2005. was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate telemovies The Shiralee and Nancy Wake. “There is plenty of wonderful work still of Philosophy from Flinders University to be done.” In 1978, she became a presenter on iconic in . Other notable children’s show Play School, becoming one awards include a Variety Club Award for of their most loved faces for the next 24 Achievement in Television and two Film years. In a career bursting with highlights, Critic’s Circle of Australia Awards. GEORGE BLIGH PLAYED BY BRETT CLIMO

SENSITIVE LANDOWNER He confronts James, unable to mask his Influenced by Sarah’s love, George has a GEORGE BLIGH BEGAN revulsion, suggesting it may have been choice – put propriety above all else like his TO EMERGE FROM HIS better if James had succeeded in killing mother, or allow himself to be guided by his himself on the ship. The ugly exchange heart. In 1950s Australia, it’s not an easy INDOMITABLE MOTHER’S triggers an emotional breakdown in his choice for a man to make. SHADOW AND EMBRACE already conflicted son. George isn’t proud “Coming into season two, so much is A LIFE OF HIS OWN IN of his reaction but finds it difficult to shake thrown at George, he really is being pushed a lifetime of social conditioning. SEASON ONE. in a way that he really can’t help but Having lost his adored wife Elaine during George’s attempts to put it all behind him become an open minded man,” Brett says. the bombing of Darwin, George takes are thwarted when local thug Bert Ford tentative steps towards love again, falling blackmails him over James’ sexuality. for the enigmatic Sarah Adams – much to George pays up, hoping to buy his silence, the irate disapproval of Elizabeth. but is pushed to breaking point when Bert refuses to go quietly as arranged. The romance, and his mother’s opposition to it, constantly tests his resolve. When Bert’s body is found in the river, Determined to put his own happiness the question has to be asked – what first for once, George proposes, and is lengths was George willing to take in order delighted when Sarah accepts. to protect his family? His biggest emotional challenge was the This season sees George continue to discovery of his beloved son James’ secret be challenged to overcome the attraction to men. Torn between love for his conditioning of his upbringing and be son and disgust, George battles to keep a more open-minded man. the news from becoming public and ruining his son’s life forever. BRETT CLIMO STARS AS GEORGE BLIGH

BRETT CLIMO HAS WORKED Brett then scored a permanent role in the More recently he was seen in IN MANY OF AUSTRALIA’S much-loved as nurse Files: Tell Them Lucifer Was Here, Killing MOST SUCCESSFUL DRAMAS Michael Langley, which he played from Time and the docudrama Myall Creek. 1987-1989. “It’s lovely to think you’ve made His film credits include Lost and Found, IN A CAREER SPANNING something that someone has watched and where he starred alongside Rebecca OVER THREE DECADES. enjoyed,” he says of his most recognisable Gibney and A Place to Call Home co-star role. “It gave me a healthy idea of what His role on A Place to Call Home marked Frankie J. Holden, Ana Kokkinos’ Blessed, acting is. It was my first full-time role and I his return to Channel Seven, the network Wild Poppies, Double Vision, The Inner really wanted that security.” where he made his television acting , Blackwater Trail, The Wicked debut in 1983 on the classic soap Sons He’d just met chef Michelle Louis, who would and Going Sane. and Daughters. go on to become his wife. “We’d just begun Brett has performed on stage in The dating and I remember really wanting to “It’s a dream come true,” he said after Lady in the Van for the Sydney Theatre provide us with some sort of stability.” winning the role of George Bligh. “It’s Company; Fred and Hay Fever for the More TV appearances followed in Embassy, wonderful to be part of a show which is Melbourne Theatre Company; The Ishmael G.P, mini-series Tracks of Glory, Snowy and so expertly crafted.” Club and Crazy Brave for Playbox Theatre; Body Melt before he landed a role on The and A Hard God for the Queensland Brett began acting lessons when he was Flying Doctors as Dr David Ratcliffe, which Theatre Company. in high school. His mother was concerned he played from 1987-94. he wasn’t performing academically so In his spare time, his interests include After roles in Pacific Drive, Snowy River: enrolled him in classes, where he showed travelling as well as home renovation The McGregor Saga, and talent. “I needed something to spark my and design. “If I wasn’t an actor, I would Halifax f.p: Without Consent, he returned interest and one thing led to another.” have loved to have been an architect.” to Channel Seven in playing After finishing school, he began doing Lisa McCune’s bad boy brother Robbie Originally from Sydney, Brett, 49, now TV commercials and extra work before Doyle, from 1997-98. lives in Melbourne with Michelle, a landing his first TV role. His big break hospitality/training manager. came in 1987 in the critically acclaimed He’s worked consistently since then mini-series Vietnam. “I’m still very proud landing parts in Water Rats, Stingers, of my work in that. I worked with such Something in the Air, , The talented and respected people like John Elephant Princess, Cops LAC and All Duigan and Chris Noonan.” Saints, playing Dr Malcolm Pussle, a love interest of ’s character Sister Terri Sullivan. DR JACK DUNCAN PLAYED BY CRAIG HALL

DR. JACK DUNCAN HAS The harrowing experience made Jack fall off HAD A TUMULTUOUS YEAR. the wagon, to be rescued by Sarah. Under INDEBTED TO ELIZABETH the of alcohol, Jack told Sarah he loved her, and was embarrassed when she BLIGH FOR FUNDING HIS gently spurned his affections. MEDICAL TRAINING, JACK FINDS HIMSELF CAUGHT The experience drew them even closer, deepening their friendship. But nothing can IN THE MIDDLE OF HER prepare Jack for the biggest shock of all - the CAMPAIGN AGAINST NURSE return of his first love, Carolyn Bligh, with the SARAH ADAMS. bombshell that he fathered a child. Tortured by the Japanese as a POW, Jack This series sees Jack embark on a quest to is a private man, with many dark secrets. A find out the identity of his daughter, unaware teetotaller, the tragic suicide of a former army that it is none other than Anna. mate nearly sent Jack back to the bottle. It Thrown into close proximity with Carolyn was only the intervention of long-time ally Bligh for the first time in years, Jack is Elizabeth that saved him from his demons. reminded of the reasons why he was Working closely with Sarah, Jack found attracted to her so long ago, and begins to himself drawn to his enigmatic nurse, sensing fall for her all over again. a similar troubled soul scarred by her own But he’s not the man he once was, and the wartime experiences. scars from his wartime experiences will For Jack, the past returned with terrifying come back to haunt him. “In series two, Jack clarity when he was forced to face his enemy is forced to reveal his darkest secret, a secret once again at a reception for the Japanese, which threatens to rob him of the one thing hosted by George Bligh. he wants most,” Craig says. CRAIG HALL STARS AS DR JACK DUNCAN

CRAIG HALL IS AN It led to parts in short films and ad work Craig moved to Sydney in 2011 with his ESTABLISHED ACTOR before he scored a role on the TV series wife, actress and costar Sara Wiseman, OF BOTH THE SCREEN Hercules in 1996. whom he met over a decade ago whilst working on a short film. He lists Sara, who More TV roles followed. Craig’s recent AND STAGE. is also a household name in , TV work includes: Outrageous Fortune, as one of his favourite actors. “My wife Born and raised in Auckland, Craig East Of Everything, Underbelly: Razor, is an amazing actress,” he says proudly. remembers vividly the moment when he Tricky Business, Rake and the telemovie “She’s very inspiring to me.” first decided to become an actor. Bloodlines, in which he won the 2011 AFTA It was Michael J Fox’s star-turn as for Best Supporting Actor. Most recently Away from work, Craig enjoys riding Marty McFly in Back to the Future which he was seen in the mini-series Howzat! motorcycles, martial arts and yoga. convinced the then 10-year-old acting as Gavin Warner and an episode of Miss was for him. Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. “I remember seeing that film and thinking, Craig made his feature film debut in ‘Wow! I’d like to do that!’” he laughs. 1998 in Savage Honeymoon and further movie roles continued in King Kong, The He convinced his dad to take him to an World’s Fastest Indian, The Water Horse, agency after spotting an advertisement for Boy, Love Birds, The Devil’s Rock, Show film extras in a newspaper. Nothing came Of Hands, 30 Days of Night, Eagle vs of it at that point because, as Craig puts Shark and most recently The Hobbit: The it, he “had braces and looked a complete Desolation of Smaug, his second film with mess” but the budding actor didn’t give up. Peter Jackson. A workshop in 1993 with acting coach Craig also has a strong theatre Kenneth McGregor, who was in New background having performed in various Zealand working on The Piano, opened stage productions with his most recent doors for him after Kenneth recommended performances being Killer Joe in 2009 and him to an agency. The Lover in 2010. CAROLYN BLIGH PLAYED BY SARA WISEMAN

THE BLACK SHEEP OF THE History seemed to be repeating when Anna As they find themselves falling in love again, BLIGH FAMILY, CAROLYN arrived on Carolyn’s doorstep, seeking help it will take all of her considerable skills to HAS SPENT MOST OF HER for an unexpected pregnancy. The situation find a way to vanquish Jack’s torments enabled Carolyn to finally be honest with and demons – and when the horrific truth ADULT LIFE LIVING IN THE Anna. She supported her daughter’s need to emerges, it isn’t something she expects. CITY, FAR FROM THE STUFFY process things in her own time, deciding not “A passionate and free spirit at heart, ENVIRONS OF ASH PARK to tell George she knew the truth. Carolyn is longing for the man who will AND THE CONTROLLING Seeking advice on what to say if Anna ever embrace her and all she has become,” ORBIT OF HER MOTHER asked about her real father, Carolyn finally Sara says. “She can only hope it is her long ELIZABETH. came clean to Jack about what took place lost love, Jack. She must face her mother all those years ago. She expected a strong as the independent woman she now is and Whilst at university, young Carolyn fell reaction, but was unprepared for the depth accept the consequences of her choices, pregnant to the great love of her life, Jack of his anger about the considered choice whatever the outcome may bring.” Duncan. Determined to avoid any scandal, she made. Elizabeth bundled her daughter overseas to give birth to the baby without anyone knowing. This series sees Carolyn treading a difficult path, wanting to protect both George and To protect Jack from possible ruin, Carolyn her daughter by keeping Anna’s identity a ended their relationship, breaking his heart secret from Jack. But Jack is determined in the process and keeping him in the dark to discover who his daughter is, and to hell about what had taken place. Her daughter with Carolyn’s reasoning. Anna was raised by Carolyn’s brother George and his wife Elaine, with Carolyn Add to the mix the complication of past forced to play the role of aunty. romantic feelings being rekindled, and Carolyn is in for a very tumultuous ride. To protect herself, Carolyn fled to the relative safety of the city, hiding her heartache behind a façade of bohemian parties and the company of glorious misfits. A life she came to embrace. SARA WISEMAN STARS AS CAROLYN BLIGH

SARA WISEMAN REMEMBERS On the big screen, Sara’s starred in “It’s weird and wonderful,” she says of PRECISELY THE MOMENT Luella Miller, Sione’s Wedding, Matariki, working with her partner on A Place To SHE KNEW SHE WANTED TO for which she won Best Supporting Call Home. “Wonderful because we are Actress in a Feature Film at the NZ Film always aiming to rinse the most out of BECOME AN ACTOR. and Television awards in 2011, and The every scene we share. Weird because, It was 1994 and she was asked to stand Insatiable Moon, which earned her Best when we are in a scene, I don’t see Craig, in for on the set of Peter Lead Actress in a Feature Film nomination I only see Jack.” at the same awards. Jackson’s film Heavenly Creatures. When she’s not busy acting, Sara guest “It was like being hit in the stomach with a Her theatre appearances are numerous, tutors aspiring students at The Actors’ sledgehammer,” she recalls. including Death of a Salesman, Amy’s Program, a one year, full time course View, Collected Stories, and she co-founded in Auckland in 2011 and After completing a Bachelor of Performing Ladies Night with the Auckland Theatre records voiceovers for campaigns in both & Screen Arts in Auckland in 1988, Sara Company; Under Milk Wood and This Is Australia and New Zealand. has consistently worked on both stage How It Goes at the Silo Theatre; Proof and screen. with Lethal Set Productions; Killer Joe Her big break came in 2001 when she was and The Vagina Monologues with Royale offered the lead in the TV series Mercy Productions and her portrayal of Roberta Peak as Dr Nicky Sommerville, which in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea earned earned her nominations for Best Actress her Best Theatre performance of 2004 at the 2002, 2003 and 2005 NZ Film and according to Metro Magazine. Her latest Television Awards. stage performance was in 2013; Hate with Malthouse in Melbourne. More TV roles followed in Outrageous Fortune, The Cult, , Born in Auckland, Sara moved to Sydney The Almighty Johnsons and Crownies. in 2011 with husband, actor Craig Hall, She won Best Actress for playing Kate also her co-star on A Place to Call Home. Sheppard in What Really Happened: The They’ve worked together several times on Women’s Vote at the NZ Television Awards stage or screen, the latest being the 2013 in 2012. Sydney psychological thriller Nerve and last year’s Tourism campaign. JAMES BLIGH PLAYED BY DAVID BERRY

NEWLY MARRIED TO But when Bert blackmails George, OLIVIA, AND WITH THE propelling him to the city to confront his NEWS THAT HE IS TO son, James suffers a breakdown and is committed to an institution. Undergoing BECOME A FATHER, JAMES electro-shock treatment, James descends STRUGGLES TO PUT HIS into a living hell, increasingly disoriented SECRET ATTRACTION TO and confused. MEN BEHIND HIM. This series sees James continue to But the reappearance of an old flame, struggle between his private nature and Harry Polson, throws his resolve. the expectations placed on him. With his Determined to escape his desires and loved ones prevented from seeing him in commit to his marriage, James decides hospital, James is isolated, at the mercy of to relocate to the city. When Harry asks a zealous medical fraternity determined to for a kiss to remember him by, James “cure” him at all costs. momentarily succumbs to temptation, It will take all of James’ courage to face his unaware farmhand Bert Ford has demons and escape his self-imposed prison. witnessed the moment. James arrives in the city, determined to seek professional help to cure his “perversion”. Olivia is by his side, heartened by James’ commitment to her and their unborn child. DAVID BERRY STARS AS JAMES BLIGH

WHILE DAVID BERRY’S Returning to Australia, he began his David married law student Kristina in ALWAYS HAD A KEEN Masters in Media Practice at the 2012, who he met whilst studying in INTEREST IN ACTING, , while also working Canada. When he’s not working, the as a researcher in the newsroom for Daniel Day Lewis fan has a keen interest THE ROAD THAT’S LED Channel Seven. in music and singing. HIM TO HERE HAS BEEN LONG AND WINDING. Shortly after, David decided to abandon As a member of the all-male singing a career in media and return to his true group Jersey to Motown, he’s toured “I’ve always been searching for the thing passion, the performing arts. all around Australia performing with two I wanted to do. I think I might have found of his best friends. He was accepted into the National it,” he smiles, acknowledging his fortune Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 2008, David, 30, isn’t the only member of his in landing the complex role of James in A where he performed in several theatre family in the entertainment industry. Place to Call Home. productions: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, His younger sister, WAAPA graduate Born in Toronto, Canada, to Australian A Threepenny Opera, Medea Material, Caitlin Berry, is an accomplished parents, David Berry moved to Sydney Assassins and Lost Illusions. performer, who’s toured the country in when he was seven. While at school, he Doctor Zhivago and . After completing his studies in 2010, he developed a passion for music and the landed parts in playing arts and was awarded a full scholarship Logan in a love triangle storyline opposite for singing and violin. Samara Weaving (Indi) and Luke Mitchell Throughout school, David balanced his (Romeo) and Miss Fisher’s Murder studies and professional commitments to Mysteries. and other independent A Place to Call Home is his first major production groups. television role. “It’s a terrific opportunity,” After finishing high school, he was he says. “This has got real dimensionality awarded an academic scholarship to to it. The stakes are real and strong. It’s study at one of the world’s top ranked wonderful to be part of something that’s universities, McGill in Montreal, where he so ambitious.” completed a B.A. in Political Sciences and Cultural Studies. OLIVIA BLIGH (nee Brackley) PLAYED BY ARIANWEN PARKES-LOCKWOOD

OLIVIA CONFRONTED The prospect of becoming a mother is the THE HEARTBREAKING one ray of hope in a confusing time. TRUTH ABOUT HER When James is admitted to hospital, HUSBAND JAMES AND HIS Olivia remains loyal and deeply worried ATTRACTION TO MEN about her husband. Witnessing George’s LAST SERIES. disgust and the tragic affect this had on her husband, Olivia spiritedly defended The subsequent discovery that he was in James, displaying unexpected strength. love with her own brother when he married Olivia is pushed to the brink of her Olivia only compounded her heartache. endurance this series, with tragic Furious at Elizabeth for arranging the circumstances forcing her into an unlikely marriage as a cover for her grandson, alliance with an unexpected source. She Olivia felt condemned to a lifetime of proves she will do anything she can to compromise. The knowledge that Elizabeth’s hang onto the man she loves – even break husband was also homosexual isn’t a the law… comfort – if anything, the thought that she too might become a bitter old woman like Elizabeth makes her situation worse. On the brink of leaving James, the discovery that she’s pregnant forced Olivia to reconsider her future. James’ commitment to their unborn child, and his desperation to find a cure for his attraction to men, provided Olivia with a way forward. ARIANWEN PARKES-LOCKWOOD STARS AS OLIVIA BLIGH

A PLACE TO CALL HOME After finishing high school, having received Arianwen is married to actor/writer/ IS THE FIRST MAJOR the NSW Premier’s Award for All-Round director Marcello Fabrizi, with whom TELEVISION ROLE Excellence in the HSC, she scored her she runs the production company first professional role – again in Hamlet, Marshmallow Films. FOR ARIANWEN but this time playing Ophelia – with the Formed in 2010, their company has PARKES-LOCKWOOD. Shakespeare Globe Centre in Sydney. released a number of short films including Scoring the part of Olivia Bligh was a It meant moving to Sydney at age 17. The The Filmmaker, which was a huge hit on dream come true for the talented 26-year- following year she successfully auditioned for the international festival circuit winning old. “I’ve always loved period dramas,” the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). Best Short Film at the 2011 New Jersey she says. “I fell in love with this show Film Festival. straightaway. The 50s was such an During her three years at NIDA, she exciting time because society was on the performed in a variety of works including Following its success, she received the cusp of a new era and there was a sense The Wood Demon (early draft of Uncle Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship of hope and possibility.” Vanya), The Servant of Two Masters for acting and filmmaking, established by and Julius Caesar. “Being at NIDA really the late John Chisholm Marten to support The name Arianwen, Welsh for white, was developed my instincts,” she says. “It was talented Australian artists achieve their chosen by her parents as she was born on an incredible learning experience and an dreams. Marshmallow Films is currently in a wintry night in her hometown of Armidale, opportunity to make acting my profession pre-production on a comedy series as well in the Northern Tablelands, NSW. as well as my love.” as a stop-motion animation series about a prawn called Prawn. The acting bug hit when she played the After graduating in 2008, Arianwen played title role in Hamlet in a school play when Abigail in the Sydney Theatre Company’s A woman of many talents, Arianwen also she was just 11 years of age. “I had this production of , alongside cast enjoys cooking vegan foods, yoga and wonderful primary school teacher, Mr mate Marta Dusseldorp. learning French and Italian in her spare time. Grant, and he decided that for our end of year concert we were going to tackle She went on to appear in Underbelly: She looks up to versatile actresses like Hamlet,” she remembers. “I just loved it. Razor, playing Dolly Green, wife of Carey Mulligan and Anne Hathaway as That was the big spark for me.” notorious gangster Frank ‘The Little well as her co-stars, particularly Noni Gunman’ Green as well as ’s Tough Hazlehurst, whom she grew up watching She began attending classes at Stage One Nuts and The Kangaroo Gang for BBC. on Play School. Theatre for Young People in her local area. Through her “wonderful mentor”, Astrid She has also become a busy voice-over Blake, she learned the beginnings of artist, featuring in many national radio and stagecraft and storytelling, and developed television campaigns. a love for the world of acting. ANNA BLIGH PLAYED BY ABBY EARL

NEVER ONE TO FOLLOW To Anna’s shock, Carolyn admits that she With the blessing of Gino’s parents, it is THE EXPECTED PATH, did exactly the same thing when she fell agreed that Anna will move to the Poletti ANNA HAS HER HEART SET pregnant in her youth. Believing Anna farm for three months to face the realities might make a different decision if she of living like a married couple – separate ON MARRYING HANDSOME knew the whole truth, Carolyn makes the bedrooms of course. ITALIAN FARMHAND GINO startling revelation that the baby she gave This series sees Anna torn between POLETTI, IN SPITE OF up was in fact Anna. The woman Anna two different worlds – her past life as a always thought was her aunt is actually SOCIAL CONVENTION. privileged Bligh, and her future life as her mother. An ardent supporter of following one’s a farmer’s wife. It will take every ounce heart, Anna is a vocal champion of her Anna suffered a miscarriage and she of courage to remain true to her heart, father’s new romance, hoping it will make and Gino grieved the child they lost. in the face of fierce societal and familial him more open to her own relationship The experience strengthened their opposition. commitment and they decided to spend with Gino. Added to the mix is her dilemma over the the night together before telling their news of her biological parents. Loyal to Dodging her grandmother’s attempts at families of their intention to marry. matchmaking with the wealthy Andrew George, she wants to protect the man Swanson, Anna begins a passionate affair Discovered the next morning by Sarah, who raised her as his own daughter, while with Gino. she offered to talk to George on their simultaneously curious over the identity of behalf. He is troubled and deeply sceptical her real father. She heads to the city to stay with her of the relationship’s long-term viability - Little does she know, he’s closer to home unconventional Aunt Carolyn, hoping she but in light of his engagement to Sarah than she realises… will help organise contraception. But it’s and extreme reaction to James’ dilemma, too late – Anna discovers she is already he agrees to give the young couple a pregnant. chance. Unable to terminate and unable to marry, Anna proposes she go abroad to give birth, and give the baby up for adoption. ABBY EARL STARS AS ANNA BLIGH

ABBY EARL MAY HAVE For the next two years, she majored the script I realised Anna was by far the ENDED UP A DANCER HAD in drama and dance and represented most interesting character I had read IT NOT BEEN FOR HER Australia at the United Nations as a since graduating, so I knew I had to tell her Global Youth Leader. After finishing high story,” she says. ASTUTE BALLET TEACHER. school, she scored her first television All it took was one audition and the part “I REMEMBER MY TEACHER role in . Working alongside was hers. Acting opposite the likes of Noni SAYING TO ME, ‘ABBY! YOUR such accomplished performers as Asher Hazlehurst, Marta Dusseldorp and Brett Keddie and Dan Wylie was a great learning FACE MOVES MORE THAN Climo is a dream come true. “You can’t experience. “They just treated me like an YOUR FEET. YOU SHOULD BE ask for better mentors when you’re just equal,” she remembers. AN ACTOR.” out of acting school.” In 2009 she began a three-year acting Abby was only six at the time but her Along with her co-stars, Abby lists Oscar course at the Western Australian Academy teacher’s words rang true. “She was winner Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet and of Performing Arts (WAAPA), during which absolutely right. That’s when I thought, Tilda Swinton among her favourite actors she starred as Anna in Anna Karenina, ‘I like the sound of that!’” along with veterans , Helen Clytemnestra in The Oresteia and Masha Mirren and Jackie Weaver. “I like careers Throughout school, the awkward teenager in The Seagull. that have endured; actors who have found solace in drama. “My drama teacher Whilst still at drama school, during her gone through what Streep calls the ‘age would give me monologues and plays third year, she scored a lead role in The of disappearance’ where they just drop to read. Every lunch time I would take Great Mint Swindle, playing Diana, the off our screens once they turn 50. These refuge in the drama room and read these love interest of ’s character women have come through that no man’s characters and inhabit their world.” Peter Mickelberg. Her other co-star Grant land and made it to the other side.” At the age of 15, Abby begged her parents Bowler became a mentor to her during the During her last production break, Abby to let her audition for Newtown’s High shoot and long after. starred in the Bell Shakespeare’s production School of Performing Arts. She got in “He instilled me with confidence and a of Phèdre opposite Catherine McClements. but it meant a move to Sydney from her sense of self-worth on set,” she says. hometown of Broulee, on the south coast Abby, 25, still enjoys dancing in her of NSW. “I was pretty innocent coming After graduating from WAAPA – where she spare time, along with reading and has from the country,” she says. “A small town won two awards for Best Female Actor in an interest in international politics and girl moving to the heart of a busy city, it Theatre and Best Female Actor in Film – humanitarian issues. completely opened my eyes. It felt like I she landed a role on Underbelly: Badness grew up overnight; each day brought new before winning the part of Anna Bligh. “I experiences, some good and some bad, wanted the role so badly, after reading but I grew because of them all.” GINO POLETTI PLAYED BY ALDO MIGNONE

SON OF ITALIAN FARMHANDS, Forced to keep his love a secret, Gino is GINO HAS BEEN RAISED often frustrated, and longs for the day AS A GOOD CATHOLIC when they can publicly declare their BOY. BUT UNLIKE HIS relationship. TRADITIONAL PARENTS, A sensitive man, Gino helped Anna come GINO HAS A DREAM OF LIFE to terms with the miscarriage of their unborn baby, organising a moving secret UNFOLDING BEYOND THE ceremony. Loyal to his family and hard- PATH EXPECTED OF HIM. working, Gino craves a simple life, eked In love with the beautiful and wealthy Anna from the land – and one day, with Mrs Bligh, Gino is in many ways the epitome of Anna Poletti by his side. the modern generation – keen to escape This series sees Gino forced to become the stuffy attitudes of the past and forge a a man. Having a secret romance is one new life, not bound by class restraints. thing. The true test is negotiating the He knows they face major opposition from transition to public acceptance, especially both their families, not least because of in the face of formidable foes like Andrew their religious differences. But for a free Swanson and Elizabeth Bligh. spirit like Gino, the yearnings of his heart The challenge for Gino is to maintain his are far more important, and he’s never integrity and purity of spirit – the very doubted the depth of passion between qualities that made Anna fall in love with him and Anna. him all those years ago. Not an easy task Despite Anna’s unswerving devotion when facing adversity at every step. to her Italian beau, he is threatened by During his darkest moments, even Gino the presence of rich socialite Andrew will wonder if the divide between him and Swanson, who persists in pursuing Anna Anna is too great. as a potential bride. ALDO MIGNONE STARS AS GINO POLETTI

FOR ALDO MIGNONE, He did several courses at Flinders Working on the drama has been a family THERE WAS NO LIGHT- University Drama Centre before moving affair for Aldo. His real-life girlfriend BULB MOMENT WHEN HE to Sydney at the end of 2008 to study Jacinta Acevski also guest stars in the further. Two years into his acting studies, series as Alma Grey, a nurse at Inverness KNEW HE WANTED TO he won a role in the SBS action comedy Hospital. And his sister Louisa, who’s BE AN ACTOR. HOWEVER, series Danger 5, where he played Pierre, appeared in Rake and the film Two Fists ROLE PLAYING WITH HIS one of five international spies on a mission One Heart, was part of the casting process FOUR OLDER SISTERS to kill Adolf Hitler. “That was so much fun and encouraged Aldo to try out for the WAS A BIG PART OF HIS to work on,” he says. “It was ridiculous part of Gino. “I owe this to her,” he says. action and comedy mashed together.” CHILDHOOD GROWING UP Away from the cameras, Aldo is an ardent IN ADELAIDE. Aldo’s other credits include the popular foodie who enjoys cooking and trying out web spoof Italian Spiderman. His theatre new restaurants, especially Italian and “I’ve seen videos of us on Beta tape experience includes roles in As You Like Spanish. “I’m not the best cook but I love putting on performances with my sisters,” It, The Crucible, Waiting for Lefty and The to cook and watch other people cooking,” he recalls. “I remember seeing a tape Winter’s Take for NIDA. he says. of me as a little cowboy not having any lines and being quite bored with it all. And Scoring a role on A Place to Call Home is a In the future, the 29-year-old hopes to then another one where I’m dressed as a dream realised for Aldo, who lists Geoffrey establish a production company with his woman by the fire place!” Rush and Vincent Gallo among his acting acting friends. “There are so many great idols. “ has created something performers, directors and writers out After finishing school, Aldo dabbled in amazing and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” there and it’s a struggle to get projects furniture design and toyed with the idea he says. “We’ve got an incredible cast and off the ground,” he says. “So I’d love to of becoming a chef but acting won out it’s fantastic to be working with actors like form a creative hub where we write and after his sister Louisa ventured into drama. Noni, who I grew up seeing on TV.” create our own films and theatre shows. “She was stoked and really supportive of That would be amazing.” my decision,” he says. ANDREW SWANSON PLAYED BY MATT LEVETT

WHEN YOUR FATHER IS “As the son of a very wealthy politician, ONE OF THE STATE’S TOP Andrew has a real sense of entitlement,” POLITICIANS AND YOUR Matt says. “But there’s a lot of pressure from his family to get married and settle FAMILY IS ONE OF THE his playboy ways.” WEALTHIEST IN THE COUNTRY, IT’S NATURAL That is, of course, until Anna Bligh comes on to his radar. Not only does she tick all TO HAVE AN AIR OF of the boxes, but she also has something SELF-IMPORTANCE AND he’s never experienced before – the ability ENTITLEMENT. to say ‘no’. But it’s also a strain being the target for It’s not a word that Andrew readily mothers and grandmothers with daughters accepts. And Anna has no idea how of an eligible age. Especially when you’re dangerous Andrew can be when his as handsome as Andrew is. affections are spurned. “He enjoys the challenge of trying to win her over,” Andrew Swanson is what is known as Matt says. a good catch. But he has assiduously avoided his mother’s machinations to In this season, Andrew has his sights set match him with the daughter of some on avenging the slight to his honour and good family. is determined to make Anna pay – if not directly, then by causing harm to the Bligh It’s not that he doesn’t want to marry. It’s family in some way. just that he wants to marry a woman with some fire. And one who is physically and And little does Olivia suspect that she’s an sexually stimulating. Until he finds her, integral part of his plans for revenge…. he’s happy to be footloose and fancy free. MATT LEVETT STARS AS ANDREW SWANSON

MATT LEVETT ALWAYS After guest roles in , Home and Matt will also be seen this year in Foxtel’s KNEW HE WANTED TO BE Away, Two Twisted and Rescue Special mini-series The Devil’s Playground, where AN ACTOR. IT ALL STARTED Ops, he scored his first big break in the he plays a character completely removed 2010 ABC series Bed of Roses. from the world of Ash Park. “He’s a street IN THE BACKYARD OF HIS kid in the late 1980s who has to hustle, More roles followed in Winners & Losers and FAMILY’S SYDNEY HOME steal, and do whatever he can to survive Dance Academy before he landed the role of WHEN HE’D PERFORM WITH so it was really the polar opposite. I had Andrew Swanson in A Place to Call Home. HIS . this crazy peroxided hair and a bit of After a supporting role in the first series, mullet happening. I feel very fortunate to “When I was very young my older brother Matt’s role has been expanded in series two. have played two very challenging, very Simon would direct these plays for the different roles in the same year.” neighbourhood,” he says. “He would put “Last year I had a taste of it,” he says. “I on these great musical circuses where all was fortunate enough to be brought back Matt counts , Cate the kids would come to our place and play this season. What I love about Andrew is Blanchett, Joel Edgerton, Phillip Seymour various roles. I was always stuck playing that he is so determined to win at all costs, Hoffman and Michael Fassbender among the lion and he was always the ring leader he has such a sense of entitlement and his his acting idols. “I like actors that are able so I actually never got to say much…just schemes are so inventive, you never know to move freely from stage to film, I also roared really. I was really good at roaring. what he has up his sleeve. look up to people that have created their own work.” “I did a lot of plays and musicals at high “Turning up for work was a real blessing. school but I never thought I’d be crazy The costumes and sets were so rich In his spare time, Matt enjoys travelling enough to make a career out of it.” and wonderful, dressing up in suits, and trekking with Nepal, Vietnam, Israel driving around in fancy cars and portraying and Jordan among his past expeditions. After finishing high school, Matt studied someone of such extraordinary wealth and The 30-year-old is also a writer and film at Macquarie University majoring in power in the 1950s was a lot of fun to play.” media and screen production. Then at director. His 2012 short Unwanted Friend age 23 he was accepted into the Western was a finalist in the world’s biggest film Australian Academy of Performing Arts festival Tropfest. (WAAPA) acting course, graduating three years later. ROY BRIGGS PLAYED BY FRANKIE J. HOLDEN

A FARMER WHO’S LIVED Last season they formed a close bond, IN THE SAME HOUSE HIS eventually leading to Roy inviting Sarah WHOLE LIFE, ROY’S INNATE to move into his farmhouse. She’s like a daughter to him, and she has come to rely SENSE OF HUMOUR AND on his fatherly advice. KINDNESS HAS BEEN HIDDEN BENEATH A This series sees Roy and Sarah depend on each other in ways they never expected. GRUFF VENEER FOR MANY Sarah’s move to Ash Park affects Roy YEARS, THE REACTION TO more than he’d ever let on. But one thing’s A STRING OF TRAGEDIES IN never in doubt – Sarah’s got a lifelong HIS LIFE. mate in Roy Briggs, and he’d move heaven and earth to protect her. Losing both sons in the War, and then his wife soon after of a broken heart, Roy retreated behind a crusty grumpiness, designed to keep people at bay. After a rocky beginning, Roy senses a kindred spirit in Sarah Adams, a woman guarding similar heartache. FRANKIE J. HOLDEN STARS AS ROY BRIGGS

FRANKIE J. HOLDEN IS He’s also appeared in more than 30 films The pair, who are parents to 11-year-old RECOGNISED AS ONE both here and overseas. His film work Georgia Rose, hosted their own travel/ OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST includes High Tide, Evil Angels, The Big caravanning show Discover Downunder in Steal, Proof, Hammers Over The Anvil, 2010 and currently appear as a family on VERSATILE AND POPULAR Fortunes of War and Clubland, where What’s Up Downunder. PERFORMERS. he earned an AFI Best Supporting Actor It’s a passion close to their hearts as nomination. His 1989 film Return Home He was born in 1952, the same year the owners of Tathra Caravan Park, situated earned Frankie the Best Performance in a FJ Holden was manufactured, which he close to their home on the Sapphire Feature Film award at the AFI’s, an event adopted as his stage name. Coast of NSW. he has hosted on three occasions. Frankie began his show business career He recently turned 60 and shows no In theatre, Frankie has appeared in The in the 1970s with the legendary rock signs of slowing down. “I have been Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1981), group Ol’55, alongside Wilbur Wilde. blessed to have had a career that has The Rocky Horror Show (1992), Grease After disbanding in 1981, Frankie went on been fun and in the process entertain (1994), Summer of the Seventeenth Doll to forge a successful television and film people,” he says. career. He has created some of Australian (1995), Daylight Saving (2001/2002) and television’s most memorable characters Don Parties On (2011). When he’s not working, he enjoys surfing and playing golf. He also still through leading roles in shows such as Frankie says the key to his career performs corporate gigs around , Round the Twist, Something longevity has been his versatility. “I think the country. in the Air, Underbelly and Embassy. being able and willing to try different He has also played guest roles in virtually things. I have a broad range I can draw on.” every drama and sitcom on Australian Well versed in singing, presenting, acting, television such as Prisoner, A Country he’s loathe to pick a favourite. “I love them Practice, The Strip, All Saints and Blue all,” he says. “I enjoy the variety. It keeps Heelers. In 1990, he was awarded Best you fresh.” Actor in a Telemovie by Film Institute for his performance in Police Crop. Frankie is married to actress Michelle Pettigrove, best known for her long He’s also a successful television running role as Kate Bryant in the much- presenter. From 1993 to 1996, he roamed loved series A Country Practice. the world as a reporter on The Great Outdoors. In the mid-1990s, he hosted his own live variety program for three years, which he lists as one of his career highlights. JASON VOLBEDA For further information, please contact Seven Publicity Melbourne T 0477 753 508 E [email protected]