In 1999, when I was 17, 'prisoner' was shown on channel 5 here in the UK. At the time I was being badly bullied at school for my perceived sexulality, and every day was pure hell. At the time I somehow really resonated with the myra desmond character. I cannot explain exactly how, but that character gave me strength to push through life as a young man. I can not thank you enough, Coral ❤❤
When the news about Janet dropped, my heart dropped. Her last two acting credits Safe Home was one of the best roles I've seen someone in, and Fake alongside Asher Keddie. Rest Easy Janet the world is cruel.
You MUST come to UK Matt and Coral.....I'd love to meet you both....huge fan of these podcasts....do an event in Newcastle, Coral you'll remember Newcastle from your Gosforth days as I recall.....I can recommend some great venues to hold a meet n greet.
RIP Janet Andrewartha I was lucky enough to meet Janet 9th December 2023 at a Prisoner fan convention she was absolutely lovely, and thank you, Janet, for taking back Reylene Pearce birthday & Christmas card back to Australia for me
Really shocked about Janet . I think she was coming back to Neighbours. She was an amazing actress , played both a baddie and a goodie to perfection. I always loved the idea of her second stint that she was conning the system. We all love a baddie lol.
I loved the production in-joke about Officer Barfield and the fact she never spoke; Pixie came running into the wreck room midway through a discussion the women were having and said: "Sorry i'm late, I was with Officer Barfield, gosh, that woman can talk!" 😂 Priceless. Loved Pixie & Judy McBurney. She always delivered her lines with a sprinkling of fairy dust 😊
@WolvesofWilloughbyChase haha! There are a few more "in-jokes" dotted throughout the series. It's these little details that make Prisoner such a great show because even after multiple viewings, you can still spot, and hear things in the script, that you hadn't picked-up on before - this one about Officer Barfield is definitely one of those little gem moments in Prisoner. I only noticed in my most recent run as well. Great show!
My favourite character created by Coral is Sonia Stevens, played by the absolutely brilliant actress Tina Bursill. I originally "discovered" Prisoner in 1989 on Central ITV in the UK (it had began in April 1987 on Central and they aired three episodes every week so were miles ahead of all the other regional companies), and it was icy and manipulative Sonia, and also the superb David Bridges storyline, that got me hooked on Prisoner. My favourite scene has got to be the shocking reveal about David, with Randi on top of the boiler! I was 13 at the time, and that was it, my 35 year (so far) obsession with Prisoner began. I'm 47 now, and as someone else said in a comment below about Myra... her character resonated with me, and Myra was the friendly therapist I never had. I know you have talked extensively about Myra, but it was those episodes 394 onwards that got me into Prisoner: Sonia, David, and Myra's re entry in 429 - not the Bea Smith years - and I credit Coral with this, because she was the Head Writer and wrote the most amazing stories that kept me hooked! I also liked the much discussed Barnhurst characters. I'd love to know more about Coral's thoughts about Tina Bursill in the role of Sonia (she was so glamorous and amazing in Skyways as well), and her open-ended exit. Was the role created specifically with Tina in mind? Did she really die? I don't think so! Thanks, Matt, for making these podcasts a reality and thank you, Coral, for being the driving force behind our favourite show for five glorious years! ❤
Thank you both once again. Loved this. Keeping the Stories centred around the women in Prison is what I always preferred and wanted to see, there was a few storylines in the very early days such as Lynne Warner at Sid Butterfield's Nursery and Karen Travers at Uni which I had no interest in, I used to wish the scenes just went back into the Prison, I did not care about watching Karen and Lynne on the outside. Officer Barfield as an inmate, that's an interesting thought, imagine her on the White Line, and what would she have been charged with...
"Midnight Special" - when you watch those episodes, which I did only a few weeks ago, it's virtually impossible to get Jane Clifton and Kevin Summers singing it out of your head for DAYS !!! 😂
I loved "Midnight Special". I hadn't heard the song before and actually looked it up on Wikipedia to see what it was about. I loved the story that there was a prison somewhere in Texas that a train would pass around midnight and its light would shine in through the window, so the Midnight Special was a symbol of freedom. Seemed such a perfect song for a prisoner to sing in a concert.
@sarahtummey Yes. I did the same! I thought it was just a random library music song they played live on a guitar! How wrong I was! I suspect Jane Clifton may have suggested this song herself, as she is also a touring singer as well an actress. She was great in Prisoner wasn't she. I loved Margo. 😊
Yes, Jane's amazingly talented. Writes poetry, runs writing workshops (I wish she could come and do one in the UK), and an artist as well I think. I noticed Margot more after she started to sing, and wish they'd done more with her singing.
Thanks for this Matt and Coral. I have been looking forward to this dropping. It mut be satisfying to know that your fan Devonte seems so hung up on trolling you that he had to be the first to comment, i'm all for a bit of banter but to wish you a disaster on your cruise is frankly just vile, I wonder what secret superhero powers this person has to 'Bring this podcast fiasco down'. Melodramatic! I share the comments the other subscriber made about Maurie Fields, I am also from the UK and only knew Maurie from Prisoner and that's why for me personally he worked as a villian, whenever I am doing a run through of the series I always enjoy the Murphy era and look forward to that scrap where he and the Freak slug it out, I do understand why he was received differently by Australian viewers who already knew Maurie form his previous roles, it would be like Alf Garnett being written into the UK series Bad Girls as a big bad bent screw, it would not have worked for the same reason. On that subject...Coral...Did you watch Bad Girls? what did you think? also did you see the USA remake (of sorts!) Dangerous Women? again what were your thoughts.
I know I'm late (blame the Olympics) and others have said it, but yes, The Archers is indeed still going. It is the highest listened to non-news programme on BBC Radio 4 with an audience of about 5 million plus a further million online (6 million for an ancient radio programme!). It broadcasts 6 episodes per week. The first episode was broadcast on 1st January 1951 and the episode tonight (13th August 2024) is episode 20,369. It's last origianl actor (June Spencer) retired a couple of years ago aged about 102 (she is still with us thankfully) and some of us fans think that the best espisodes are where absolutely nothing happens!
Hey Coral. I didn't quite finish listening yet but if I don't comment now I'll forget what I wanted to say! Firstly, I'm very sorry that you feel like you have to spend 50% of these podcasts justifying and defending yourself against 'know it all's in the comments section who don't appreciate that you give your time and think they know more about the show than you!! I'm also sorry to hear about your loss and your former husband who was mentally ill. I too have experienced what it's like to be in a relationship with someone who was mentally ill and very abusive towards me and I had to get out for my own sanity. I totally appreciate the work that went in to Prisoner. I used a typewriter in my youth and can imagine what a nightmare it was. You're right, young people these days have no idea about life before the internet! It amazes me that so much material was produced in such a short space of time. I've watched the USA soaps for many years and I spent a couple of days on set at The Bold & The Beautiful and I get how hard everyone works, retakes are a luxury they can rarely afford. I am currently watching the show with my partner who's a first timer and enjoying it and I keep saying to him 'Coral Drouyn's era is coming up, it's going to get even better'. I always knew I liked the 300s -500s best and didn't like most of the 600s but didn't know why until I listened to these shows. My partner is younger than me and we're watching on VHS with the 90s ads which is nostalgic for me and a lot of fun for him. Interesting explanation re the dark era, it just goes to show that good creativity can come from negative experiences and darkness. I'm also intrigued as to which of the kids in that 'scared straight' story was yours!! I'll be paying attention next time around. I've struggled to get to Prisoner events, though I did manage one in 2008. If you guys come to England next year I will try my best to make it. I would LOVE to chat to you and Matt (I'll try not to swoon in the latter case). I wish someone somewhere had some footage of the trans story, that would've been great to see. I think you were right not to make the character flamboyant though, even today, in fact especially today, it's important that trans people are not portrayed in a negative light or in a way they'll be ridiculed. Edna Pearson may have been a mistake at the time but 30 years later it sold a ton of DVDs!!!! Thanks again guys, really appreciate all your work.
I've got Neighbours The Early Years DVD set and your episodes 16-20 are really good. I thought the 1985 season of Neighbours was much darker and dramatic than the lighter and more comedic seasons that followed on Ten. I just wish Pacific Drive would be released on DVD so we can all enjoy Coral's storylines on that wonderful series as well.
When I met Janet in December 2023, when it came to having my photo with her I said I've come to avenge my Phyllis She laughed out loud and gave me a huge hug As she was taking Reylenes birthday and Christmas cards back to Australia with her for me
Wow, that's amazing. I'd have loved to have met Janet. Not only a great actress, but also a lovely human being as well from the interviews I've seen and read over the years. I love that she laughed about poor old Phyl and gave you a big hug. 😊
@dieselgav Janet was truly lovely to meet. She took her time talking to us individually when we went up to get our photos etc signed Janet could act, without question! Sorry you didn't get to meet her 😔
Another fab watch! Could you ask Coral if she has seen the Russel T Davis mini series Nolly about Noel Gordon and her demise in the UK soap opera Crossroads? I can't help but think Coral's life would make a fantastic series. Did Coral work much with Reg Watson? I just wondered if he ever talked to her about his creations (series and characters), its so fantastic to have Coral give these insights into her work otherwise they would be lost forever. To my knowledge Reg Watson never did any in depth interviews about his work which is a travesty.
The showrunner role/title has been in existence in the UK since at least 2005 - Russell T Davies was called this from the time that Doctor Who was rebooted
I know it was not during your time Coral but not only was this the very first scene of Prisoner I ever saw but it is for me the most heart breaking and the one that has stayed with me, it was when the character of Edith Wharton (played by Coleen Clifford) was chatting away to her Horris, unaware he had passed away. Heartbreaking! The other scene that instantly comes to mind when I think of Prisoner is the Kate Peterson 'TICK TICK TICK NEVER STOPPING NEVER STOPPNG' scene.
Maurie Fields was and is unknown here in Sweden so I only knew him as Len and he was amazing. Now what scene do I think of for Prisoner? It's Kate Peterson trying to strangle Judy :) That period of Prisoner with Kate Peterson and Marie Winter is my favourite and Olivia Hamnett and Maggie Millar what amazing actors and seeing them together is a thing of beauty. Thanks Coral and Matt for doing this I love it!
Wow - I'm surprised by that with Maurie in Sweden - he was a lead cast member on The Flying Doctors too which "...aired originally in Sweden and has been re-broadcast on TV4 Guld in 2017 with back to back episodes on weekdays."
Maurie was one of those that was the total opposite of his character , when it comes to Len. A lovely man. He did play other roles in the show. He was fantastic as Len though.
Some of Kate Peterson's scenes where she is in psychosis are a masterclass in acting, when Kate is being sent to the facility and Margo speaks with her and the smile that Kate gives, always leaves me wondering if she played everyone. Worst? Anytime Nick Clarke is on screen and is attempting to act but can't.
The woman who played the 2nd Mikki Wallace with Ginger hair and had that drongo of a boyfriend and the Greek girl Mizza and her father is the worst piece of acting throughout Prisoner . The first Mikki Wallace with Dark hair was wonderful
People seem to do that these days, watch things just to complain about it or be offended about it, they clearly have far to much time on their hands and must lead a pretty sad life.
I sold The Herald back in 1979 to 1981 in Prahran (Met a lot of the cast at Prahran Courthouse as well as The Court Jester (Pub). Back then we had The Herald Final in the afternoon up to 4pm and then after 4pm it was The Herald Final Extra.
As for whether Prisoner's airing predated Neighbours in the UK? Yes, but only just/and sort of! And we have to remember that Prisoner has an odd history in the UK, as it was never fully networked (until the new Channel 5 showed the first UK repeat of it from 1997-2001). The various regional TV companies around the UK started showing it in different years, and then showed it at different paces too - anything from once a week to three times a week. It began in 1984 in the Yorkshire region only. It wasn't until 1988 that all regions of the UK (bar Northern Ireland that started it in 1989) were showing it. Neighbours started in the UK in October 1986 - on BBC - therefore fully networked (same episodes nationally)
''Eddie Stevens, he's a lovely man'' and ''Mason doesn't seem the type to want to escape Mrs Powell''. and ''Thanks, I was reading that''. are three of the most memorable lines I remember her delivering.
So interesting about Blue Heelers and Grace Pilkington stepping in when the original script wasn't good enough. I'll be on IMDB now, looking to see what episodes those were. I thought it was odd that I could only find you listed as writer on 2 episodes on there - Maggie's death and "Lost and Found", so thanks for explaining why.
Or was it Geraldine Pilkington? Apparently Grace Pilkington is an actress, but they both start with a G! One of the episodes, "Without Judgment", I remember particularly. If any Prisoner fans want to see how Coral might have done an AIDS storyline, you should watch that.
Great to listen to as always. One scene I often recall was when Lizzie set fire to the house she inherited from Sid Humpreys to prevent his rapacious son from getting his hands on it. Must have been a technically difficult scene to make.
Judi Connelli, when she was Anne-Marie Austin, in The Young Doctors, would frequently burst out in a few cabaret tunes in "Bunnies" ! She's a fabulous singer. I really liked Cookie as well but I already knew about Judi being a huge star on the Australian stage and had a feeling this is why her guest stint was short.😊 Edit: just remembered, on the DVD release of The Young Doctors, you can see Judi performing a duet in Bunnies with Peter Adams, as "Clarrie", but we all know him better as Bob Moran!
Never disappointed. Fascinating that Corals daughter was one of the Scared Straight characters. I thought the actress of that group with black hair had that something. Potential to go on to gave a decent career. Be interesting to see that actress get interviewed Matt, if possible. Otherwise, I love this channel and the Facebook page. Not a big fan of fb itself though, but hey ho. :)
Best scene - for me - not the hand in press, but Lizzie setting fire to Sid's house, especially with the beautiful theme playing over the top, is the most memorable for me. No matter how many times I see it it still breaks my heart and reduces me to tears. The worst. The "I hate you meg, I hate you all" from Nick whatshisname.
Great Soapbox - lots of controversy and talking points. I’m still a bit confused about the trans story as Coral said in the same couple of minutes that it aired and also that it didn’t air. It makes sense if it didn’t air as if it did and was subsequently cut, we’d be left with shorter episodes around that period and scenes that didn’t make sense like with the cut Edna scenes. And we never had that. Like others, I thought Alex Menglet played Gay Ray perfectly. I mentioned to a friend who said: “That's MENTAL! Gay Ray couldn't be any gayer if he was Queen Erica's Christmassy cat dressed in a sailor suit sashaying along the yellow brick road past a row of pink tents, on the way to Pride with I Am What I Am playing in the background! You can say what you like about his persuasions, but he knows how to handle a sausage!” 😂 Wishing Coral a fantastic cruise 🛳️ and looking forward to the Soapbox return!
Best scenes in no order ( just my opinion) 1.dr kate peterson in the cell when ready to leave and doing her make up. 2 the fire episode when bea clobbered joan from behind. 3. Vera showing vulnerability through alcohol. 4 phil cleary being shot lol 5. Bea amnesia running down the corridor.
Sorry Coral - that was all my fault, opening up the Ellen/Alan thread under your last video. I misunderstood what you were saying and my comment opened you up for criticism from mad trolls, which wasn't my intention at all! I love listening to you and Matt, and I savour everything you say. Please come to the UK soon! ❤
Question for Coral: Regaining minor characters such as: Maureen Edwards, Kyle Shilling, Jenny Young, Vivian Gray, Anne Haddy to name a few. Do you think these characters could have stayed longer? And if why wasn’t there written that way? In the early years of Neighbours 1985 when you was there. Jenny Young who played a minor character call Sally Phillips in Prisoner. Went on to play Kim Taylor 16 years old. Her on screen mother Marcia also played a minor character in Prisoner. Both strong & well performed actors with strong stories ahead of its time. Would be great if there were regulars, unfortunately only staying approx 6 months. Like the character of Maria Ramsey played by Dasha Blahova. Question: Why were these characters only written as a 6 months contract? Did they expect he show to only last until September 1985? Was it you decision for the character of Kim Taylor & Paul Robinson to have sexual intercourse off screen. Making Paul Robinson committed criminal offences by having sex with a minor at that time. The revelation wasn’t reveal until 2017 when Kim returned back into Neighbours, to reveal that her twin’s son father was Paul Robinson. However earlier this year when David dead on screen, Kim didn’t appear on the show. Is the actor okay in real life. Carole Skinner was another interesting character that could have been explored. She was only in a couple of episodes in the early years of Neighbours. Prisoner was ahead of its time in stories, well done to all contributed to the show. Was it based on a real prison or prisoners known at the time? Apart from Justine Saunders who developed her character & Sarah's role. Were there others that contributed to creating (writing their storyline etc? Nicola Charles contributed in creating stories for her characters, which went in her favour of successful stories to date! I believe she has written a book about her life journey covering the acting industry. In the UK now Neighbours is shown on Amazon Freevee. I believe in Australia is now shown on terrestrial TV. Is it still 5 episodes a week its now 4 episodes in Britain now. QUESTION for Matt: Was you watching Prisoner in 1979, when it started & were there anyone your age group watching. Did you write to the producers for potential stories you believed was needed to be shown? Jason Herbison used to do this for Neighbours before getting to work on the story behind the scenes. Ryan who plays Toadie used to visit Pin Oak Court & watch the filming live on the street before working on the show. Did you visit Prisoner set/studio?
ooh, Best scene for me I know it's cheating because i have two but when Ferguson is being brought in and the inmates learn that theres a "security issue" and the "Ferguson chant" echos through the prison. The other is the fight scene during the fire. Worst: The "midnight walk" when Joan literally assaults Paddy for a piece of paper.
Matt, I had huge panic attacks about death/ dying I had to have councilling at secondary school, It would just hit me, I'm gonna die, I would stand up and start banging the table in class 😢 I can't believe this is just it, like you Matt, what's the point of us being here then?? I thought Maureen Edwards, Dorothy Cutts & Marion Dimmick were strong enough actresses to hold a storyline oh and Kathy Gordon good actress too with potential
I remember Dorothy Cutts did get a little storyline where you saw her in civvies when she was accused of falsifying invoices and I was hanging on for her to get more screen-time as she was a cracking actress. I’ve always wondered if she is related to the British actress Marilyn Cutts as - when Marilyn was in her 50s - the resemblance between her then (2000s) and Dorothy in the 1980s was very strong.
This comment is very much tongue in cheek because I know that tv is very different to radio, but with regard to non-speaking characters. Going back to The Archers, there are many non speaking characters whose stories are told through the speaking characters - indeed, at one point there was a wedding between two non-speaking characters and the whole ceremony was relayed by the vicar at the front of the church and a couple of speaking characters at the very back of the church!
I think a wasted opportunity and happy hear matt coral comments was 1. It been better if len murphy killed sarah Higgins than the minor character. It would made more of a reason for the women to hate him. If he threatened judy as he hated her he want kill her like Higgins and could let it slip and It made more reason for him to go the way he did. 2. This was after Coral left but Meg was so under used in the last year. All she did was be Marty mum Considering prisoner was the story of the good guy verses the bad guy. We all know joan was the ultimate bad character and The good one was the one who wanted to help the woman was Meg . 2 things Meg would had wanted as happy ending would been either the governor role or find lasting love. They could wrote that she was conflicted taking the governor role or if dennis was to come back, move overseas with him to get married. Joan got her final but Meg did not.
To be honest I thought it was diabolical the way that ITV treated Prisoner like something they dug out of their ear, ignored constant requests from fans to improve it's timeslot even though it was outperforming some of their 9:00 shows in the ratings and then they make their own version of it and put it on in prime time!!
The best era of Prisoner is 1983(The year The Freak joined). The second best era was the 1st two seasons. 1981,1983, and 1986 were O.K. The reason I didn’t like 1884 as much is because they got rid of so many good characters a lot of the old ones we’re used to seeing and new ones we gotten used to( like Cass and Rick). Ther worst era of Prisoner was 1985. Lexie,Jenny Hartley. and The Barnhurst Five and Nora was the worst top dog ever.
Yeah i think the Freak joined in 82. Her and Bea Smith rivalry stil stands to me as the best ever. About the Barnhurst 5 yes it was bad but i actually think the last year was crap . It essentially became a comedy .
The should have promoted Mr. Carlson to Governor after Mrs. Davidson left instead of flaky Ann. Maybe could of had Po Face leave her husband and start a relationship with Carlson.
In 1999, when I was 17, 'prisoner' was shown on channel 5 here in the UK. At the time I was being badly bullied at school for my perceived sexulality, and every day was pure hell. At the time I somehow really resonated with the myra desmond character. I cannot explain exactly how, but that character gave me strength to push through life as a young man. I can not thank you enough, Coral ❤❤
When the news about Janet dropped, my heart dropped. Her last two acting credits Safe Home was one of the best roles I've seen someone in, and Fake alongside Asher Keddie. Rest Easy Janet the world is cruel.
You MUST come to UK Matt and Coral.....I'd love to meet you both....huge fan of these podcasts....do an event in Newcastle, Coral you'll remember Newcastle from your Gosforth days as I recall.....I can recommend some great venues to hold a meet n greet.
RIP Janet Andrewartha
I was lucky enough to meet Janet 9th December 2023 at a Prisoner fan convention she was absolutely lovely, and thank you, Janet, for taking back Reylene Pearce birthday & Christmas card back to Australia for me
Really shocked about Janet . I think she was coming back to Neighbours. She was an amazing actress , played both a baddie and a goodie to perfection. I always loved the idea of her second stint that she was conning the system. We all love a baddie lol.
I loved the production in-joke about Officer Barfield and the fact she never spoke;
Pixie came running into the wreck room midway through a discussion the women were having and said: "Sorry i'm late, I was with Officer Barfield, gosh, that woman can talk!" 😂
Priceless. Loved Pixie & Judy McBurney. She always delivered her lines with a sprinkling of fairy dust 😊
Yes! I saw this ep again recently, such a great line.
@WolvesofWilloughbyChase haha! There are a few more "in-jokes" dotted throughout the series. It's these little details that make Prisoner such a great show because even after multiple viewings, you can still spot, and hear things in the script, that you hadn't picked-up on before - this one about Officer Barfield is definitely one of those little gem moments in Prisoner. I only noticed in my most recent run as well. Great show!
I loved Judy's impression of Mrs Barfield lol. Great to see Coral again.
And Home and Away is on channel 5 in the UK. I liked old Home and Away 1988 to 2004. I'm not sure what's happened to it now. 😢
My favourite character created by Coral is Sonia Stevens, played by the absolutely brilliant actress Tina Bursill. I originally "discovered" Prisoner in 1989 on Central ITV in the UK (it had began in April 1987 on Central and they aired three episodes every week so were miles ahead of all the other regional companies), and it was icy and manipulative Sonia, and also the superb David Bridges storyline, that got me hooked on Prisoner. My favourite scene has got to be the shocking reveal about David, with Randi on top of the boiler! I was 13 at the time, and that was it, my 35 year (so far) obsession with Prisoner began. I'm 47 now, and as someone else said in a comment below about Myra... her character resonated with me, and Myra was the friendly therapist I never had. I know you have talked extensively about Myra, but it was those episodes 394 onwards that got me into Prisoner: Sonia, David, and Myra's re entry in 429 - not the Bea Smith years - and I credit Coral with this, because she was the Head Writer and wrote the most amazing stories that kept me hooked! I also liked the much discussed Barnhurst characters.
I'd love to know more about Coral's thoughts about Tina Bursill in the role of Sonia (she was so glamorous and amazing in Skyways as well), and her open-ended exit. Was the role created specifically with Tina in mind? Did she really die? I don't think so!
Thanks, Matt, for making these podcasts a reality and thank you, Coral, for being the driving force behind our favourite show for five glorious years! ❤
Thank you both once again. Loved this. Keeping the Stories centred around the women in Prison is what I always preferred and wanted to see, there was a few storylines in the very early days such as Lynne Warner at Sid Butterfield's Nursery and Karen Travers at Uni which I had no interest in, I used to wish the scenes just went back into the Prison, I did not care about watching Karen and Lynne on the outside. Officer Barfield as an inmate, that's an interesting thought, imagine her on the White Line, and what would she have been charged with...
"Midnight Special" - when you watch those episodes, which I did only a few weeks ago, it's virtually impossible to get Jane Clifton and Kevin Summers singing it out of your head for DAYS !!! 😂
I loved "Midnight Special". I hadn't heard the song before and actually looked it up on Wikipedia to see what it was about. I loved the story that there was a prison somewhere in Texas that a train would pass around midnight and its light would shine in through the window, so the Midnight Special was a symbol of freedom. Seemed such a perfect song for a prisoner to sing in a concert.
@sarahtummey Yes. I did the same! I thought it was just a random library music song they played live on a guitar! How wrong I was! I suspect Jane Clifton may have suggested this song herself, as she is also a touring singer as well an actress. She was great in Prisoner wasn't she. I loved Margo. 😊
Yes, Jane's amazingly talented. Writes poetry, runs writing workshops (I wish she could come and do one in the UK), and an artist as well I think.
I noticed Margot more after she started to sing, and wish they'd done more with her singing.
Thanks for this Matt and Coral. I have been looking forward to this dropping. It mut be satisfying to know that your fan Devonte seems so hung up on trolling you that he had to be the first to comment, i'm all for a bit of banter but to wish you a disaster on your cruise is frankly just vile, I wonder what secret superhero powers this person has to 'Bring this podcast fiasco down'. Melodramatic! I share the comments the other subscriber made about Maurie Fields, I am also from the UK and only knew Maurie from Prisoner and that's why for me personally he worked as a villian, whenever I am doing a run through of the series I always enjoy the Murphy era and look forward to that scrap where he and the Freak slug it out, I do understand why he was received differently by Australian viewers who already knew Maurie form his previous roles, it would be like Alf Garnett being written into the UK series Bad Girls as a big bad bent screw, it would not have worked for the same reason. On that subject...Coral...Did you watch Bad Girls? what did you think? also did you see the USA remake (of sorts!) Dangerous Women? again what were your thoughts.
I know I'm late (blame the Olympics) and others have said it, but yes, The Archers is indeed still going. It is the highest listened to non-news programme on BBC Radio 4 with an audience of about 5 million plus a further million online (6 million for an ancient radio programme!). It broadcasts 6 episodes per week. The first episode was broadcast on 1st January 1951 and the episode tonight (13th August 2024) is episode 20,369. It's last origianl actor (June Spencer) retired a couple of years ago aged about 102 (she is still with us thankfully) and some of us fans think that the best espisodes are where absolutely nothing happens!
Hey Coral. I didn't quite finish listening yet but if I don't comment now I'll forget what I wanted to say!
Firstly, I'm very sorry that you feel like you have to spend 50% of these podcasts justifying and defending yourself against 'know it all's in the comments section who don't appreciate that you give your time and think they know more about the show than you!!
I'm also sorry to hear about your loss and your former husband who was mentally ill. I too have experienced what it's like to be in a relationship with someone who was mentally ill and very abusive towards me and I had to get out for my own sanity.
I totally appreciate the work that went in to Prisoner. I used a typewriter in my youth and can imagine what a nightmare it was. You're right, young people these days have no idea about life before the internet!
It amazes me that so much material was produced in such a short space of time. I've watched the USA soaps for many years and I spent a couple of days on set at The Bold & The Beautiful and I get how hard everyone works, retakes are a luxury they can rarely afford.
I am currently watching the show with my partner who's a first timer and enjoying it and I keep saying to him 'Coral Drouyn's era is coming up, it's going to get even better'. I always knew I liked the 300s -500s best and didn't like most of the 600s but didn't know why until I listened to these shows. My partner is younger than me and we're watching on VHS with the 90s ads which is nostalgic for me and a lot of fun for him.
Interesting explanation re the dark era, it just goes to show that good creativity can come from negative experiences and darkness. I'm also intrigued as to which of the kids in that 'scared straight' story was yours!! I'll be paying attention next time around.
I've struggled to get to Prisoner events, though I did manage one in 2008. If you guys come to England next year I will try my best to make it. I would LOVE to chat to you and Matt (I'll try not to swoon in the latter case).
I wish someone somewhere had some footage of the trans story, that would've been great to see. I think you were right not to make the character flamboyant though, even today, in fact especially today, it's important that trans people are not portrayed in a negative light or in a way they'll be ridiculed.
Edna Pearson may have been a mistake at the time but 30 years later it sold a ton of DVDs!!!!
Thanks again guys, really appreciate all your work.
I would love Coral to watch Prisoner from the time she left until the end and review the stories.
Wow as usual...great episode so much info flys around ❤ you seem to have the trolls jumping this week! 😂🎉 looking forward to the next Soap box already
The Archers is legendary! Still on every afternoon on BBC Radio 4. Longest running soap in the world!
Coral, you must go on forever! You're a force of nature!! I'll come to a UK event!
Coral, as for hugging Matt, all I can say is lucky you and that a well deserved reward for you for all you've done! 😂
I've got Neighbours The Early Years DVD set and your episodes 16-20 are really good. I thought the 1985 season of Neighbours was much darker and dramatic than the lighter and more comedic seasons that followed on Ten.
I just wish Pacific Drive would be released on DVD so we can all enjoy Coral's storylines on that wonderful series as well.
When I met Janet in December 2023, when it came to having my photo with her
I said I've come to avenge my Phyllis
She laughed out loud and gave me a huge hug
As she was taking Reylenes birthday and Christmas cards back to Australia with her for me
Wow, that's amazing. I'd have loved to have met Janet. Not only a great actress, but also a lovely human being as well from the interviews I've seen and read over the years. I love that she laughed about poor old Phyl and gave you a big hug. 😊
@dieselgav Janet was truly lovely to meet. She took her time talking to us individually when we went up to get our photos etc signed
Janet could act, without question!
Sorry you didn't get to meet her 😔
Another fab watch! Could you ask Coral if she has seen the Russel T Davis mini series Nolly about Noel Gordon and her demise in the UK soap opera Crossroads? I can't help but think Coral's life would make a fantastic series. Did Coral work much with Reg Watson? I just wondered if he ever talked to her about his creations (series and characters), its so fantastic to have Coral give these insights into her work otherwise they would be lost forever. To my knowledge Reg Watson never did any in depth interviews about his work which is a travesty.
The showrunner role/title has been in existence in the UK since at least 2005 - Russell T Davies was called this from the time that Doctor Who was rebooted
I know it was not during your time Coral but not only was this the very first scene of Prisoner I ever saw but it is for me the most heart breaking and the one that has stayed with me, it was when the character of Edith Wharton (played by Coleen Clifford) was chatting away to her Horris, unaware he had passed away. Heartbreaking! The other scene that instantly comes to mind when I think of Prisoner is the Kate Peterson 'TICK TICK TICK NEVER STOPPING NEVER STOPPNG' scene.
The tick tick ticking scene is the one I think of too. 🙀
Maurie Fields was and is unknown here in Sweden so I only knew him as Len and he was amazing. Now what scene do I think of for Prisoner? It's Kate Peterson trying to strangle Judy :) That period of Prisoner with Kate Peterson and Marie Winter is my favourite and Olivia Hamnett and Maggie Millar what amazing actors and seeing them together is a thing of beauty. Thanks Coral and Matt for doing this I love it!
Wow - I'm surprised by that with Maurie in Sweden - he was a lead cast member on The Flying Doctors too which "...aired originally in Sweden and has been re-broadcast on TV4 Guld in 2017 with back to back episodes on weekdays."
Maurie was one of those that was the total opposite of his character , when it comes to Len. A lovely man. He did play other roles in the show. He was fantastic as Len though.
OH yeah he played Maurie opposite Fay Quinn her deceased father's mate into betting on horses
@@SamsonMckinnon That's right . He was very much team Judy . Then afterwards very much not team Judy haha.
Some of Kate Peterson's scenes where she is in psychosis are a masterclass in acting, when Kate is being sent to the facility and Margo speaks with her and the smile that Kate gives, always leaves me wondering if she played everyone. Worst? Anytime Nick Clarke is on screen and is attempting to act but can't.
Oh yes. Kate Peterson was one of the best characters. I would have loved for her to stay longer.
The woman who played the 2nd Mikki Wallace with Ginger hair and had that drongo of a boyfriend and the Greek girl Mizza and her father is the worst piece of acting throughout Prisoner . The first Mikki Wallace with Dark hair was wonderful
@@SamsonMckinnon Him faking a heart attack is the worst acting I've ever seen lol
@@philiphayes6733Spot on mate it was hideous 😂😂😂😂
Olivia was incredible in that role .
"The haters watched every minute" Coral Drouyn (2024) :D
People seem to do that these days, watch things just to complain about it or be offended about it, they clearly have far to much time on their hands and must lead a pretty sad life.
I sold The Herald back in 1979 to 1981 in Prahran (Met a lot of the cast at Prahran Courthouse as well as The Court Jester (Pub). Back then we had The Herald Final in the afternoon up to 4pm and then after 4pm it was The Herald Final Extra.
Yes, the Archers is still running today.
As for whether Prisoner's airing predated Neighbours in the UK? Yes, but only just/and sort of! And we have to remember that Prisoner has an odd history in the UK, as it was never fully networked (until the new Channel 5 showed the first UK repeat of it from 1997-2001). The various regional TV companies around the UK started showing it in different years, and then showed it at different paces too - anything from once a week to three times a week. It began in 1984 in the Yorkshire region only. It wasn't until 1988 that all regions of the UK (bar Northern Ireland that started it in 1989) were showing it. Neighbours started in the UK in October 1986 - on BBC - therefore fully networked (same episodes nationally)
So sad to hear the news of Janet Andrewarthas' passing...she was fantastic as reb Keane.
I actually liked the character of Ray 😂
Yes he was very funny 😂
Me too :)
Me as well. 🤗💜
Actually Officer Barfield had several talking scenes throughout Prisoner.
Yes she talks about Eddie Stevens to the freak says he is a lovely man
''Eddie Stevens, he's a lovely man'' and ''Mason doesn't seem the type to want to escape Mrs Powell''. and ''Thanks, I was reading that''. are three of the most memorable lines I remember her delivering.
I always found it funny that Officer Barfield was seemingly always sick and had to have an officer cover her shift 😂
And Andrea Radcliffe too I remember her phoning in sick and once, i remember that she phoned in because she had a flat tyre. 😂
Be lovely to meet you Matt .Greg UK .
So interesting about Blue Heelers and Grace Pilkington stepping in when the original script wasn't good enough. I'll be on IMDB now, looking to see what episodes those were. I thought it was odd that I could only find you listed as writer on 2 episodes on there - Maggie's death and "Lost and Found", so thanks for explaining why.
Or was it Geraldine Pilkington? Apparently Grace Pilkington is an actress, but they both start with a G!
One of the episodes, "Without Judgment", I remember particularly. If any Prisoner fans want to see how Coral might have done an AIDS storyline, you should watch that.
When is the next episode
The mannerisms of Ferguson in Wentworth always reminds me of Prisoner's Bev Baker. They were both psychopaths whereas Prisoner's Joan wasn't.
Great to listen to as always. One scene I often recall was when Lizzie set fire to the house she inherited from Sid Humpreys to prevent his rapacious son from getting his hands on it. Must have been a technically difficult scene to make.
I think there's a video of that on youtube it's a good video
Judi Connelli, when she was Anne-Marie Austin, in The Young Doctors, would frequently burst out in a few cabaret tunes in "Bunnies" ! She's a fabulous singer. I really liked Cookie as well but I already knew about Judi being a huge star on the Australian stage and had a feeling this is why her guest stint was short.😊
Edit: just remembered, on the DVD release of The Young Doctors, you can see Judi performing a duet in Bunnies with Peter Adams, as "Clarrie", but we all know him better as Bob Moran!
Never disappointed. Fascinating that Corals daughter was one of the Scared Straight characters. I thought the actress of that group with black hair had that something. Potential to go on to gave a decent career. Be interesting to see that actress get interviewed Matt, if possible. Otherwise, I love this channel and the Facebook page. Not a big fan of fb itself though, but hey ho. :)
Nice to hear Coral talk favourably about Wentworth at last!! 😉 (and yes, I also think the standard of acting was generally superior to PCBH)
Best scene - for me - not the hand in press, but Lizzie setting fire to Sid's house, especially with the beautiful theme playing over the top, is the most memorable for me. No matter how many times I see it it still breaks my heart and reduces me to tears.
The worst. The "I hate you meg, I hate you all" from Nick whatshisname.
And whilst we are at it - I know it's very cruel but for me it has to be the AM coffee and PMT line from Lou to Daphne
Great Soapbox - lots of controversy and talking points.
I’m still a bit confused about the trans story as Coral said in the same couple of minutes that it aired and also that it didn’t air. It makes sense if it didn’t air as if it did and was subsequently cut, we’d be left with shorter episodes around that period and scenes that didn’t make sense like with the cut Edna scenes. And we never had that.
Like others, I thought Alex Menglet played Gay Ray perfectly. I mentioned to a friend who said: “That's MENTAL! Gay Ray couldn't be any gayer if he was Queen Erica's Christmassy cat dressed in a sailor suit sashaying along the yellow brick road past a row of pink tents, on the way to Pride with I Am What I Am playing in the background! You can say what you like about his persuasions, but he knows how to handle a sausage!” 😂
Wishing Coral a fantastic cruise 🛳️ and looking forward to the Soapbox return!
Yes I'm confused too. Was she saying it was shown once in the original broadcast and subsequently cut from any future repeats or overseas showings?
Best scenes in no order ( just my opinion) 1.dr kate peterson in the cell when ready to leave and doing her make up. 2 the fire episode when bea clobbered joan from behind. 3. Vera showing vulnerability through alcohol. 4 phil cleary being shot lol 5. Bea amnesia running down the corridor.
Sorry Coral - that was all my fault, opening up the Ellen/Alan thread under your last video. I misunderstood what you were saying and my comment opened you up for criticism from mad trolls, which wasn't my intention at all! I love listening to you and Matt, and I savour everything you say. Please come to the UK soon! ❤
Question for Coral: Regaining minor characters such as: Maureen Edwards, Kyle Shilling, Jenny Young, Vivian Gray, Anne Haddy to name a few. Do you think these characters could have stayed longer? And if why wasn’t there written that way?
In the early years of Neighbours 1985 when you was there.
Jenny Young who played a minor character call Sally Phillips in Prisoner. Went on to play Kim Taylor 16 years old. Her on screen mother Marcia also played a minor character in Prisoner. Both strong & well performed actors with strong stories ahead of its time. Would be great if there were regulars, unfortunately only staying approx 6 months. Like the character of Maria Ramsey played by Dasha Blahova.
Question: Why were these characters only written as a 6 months contract?
Did they expect he show to only last until September 1985?
Was it you decision for the character of Kim Taylor & Paul Robinson to have sexual intercourse off screen. Making Paul Robinson committed criminal offences by having sex with a minor at that time.
The revelation wasn’t reveal until 2017 when Kim returned back into Neighbours, to reveal that her twin’s son father was Paul Robinson.
However earlier this year when David dead on screen, Kim didn’t appear on the show. Is the actor okay in real life.
Carole Skinner was another interesting character that could have been explored. She was only in a couple of episodes in the early years of Neighbours.
Prisoner was ahead of its time in stories, well done to all contributed to the show.
Was it based on a real prison or prisoners known at the time?
Apart from Justine Saunders who developed her character & Sarah's role. Were there others that contributed to creating (writing their storyline etc?
Nicola Charles contributed in creating stories for her characters, which went in her favour of successful stories to date! I believe she has written a book about her life journey covering the acting industry. In the UK now Neighbours is shown on Amazon Freevee. I believe in Australia is now shown on terrestrial TV. Is it still 5 episodes a week its now 4 episodes in Britain now.
QUESTION for Matt: Was you watching Prisoner in 1979, when it started & were there anyone your age group watching. Did you write to the producers for potential stories you believed was needed to be shown?
Jason Herbison used to do this for Neighbours before getting to work on the story behind the scenes. Ryan who plays Toadie used to visit Pin Oak Court & watch the filming live on the street before working on the show. Did you visit Prisoner set/studio?
Your point about Paul and Jenny - it was a "retcon" - a rather ridiculous one at that! A plot device invented in order to bring the character back
ooh, Best scene for me I know it's cheating because i have two but when Ferguson is being brought in and the inmates learn that theres a "security issue" and the "Ferguson chant" echos through the prison. The other is the fight scene during the fire.
Worst: The "midnight walk" when Joan literally assaults Paddy for a piece of paper.
Neighbours is on Freeview in the UK. It's very good still. Shane is a great Producer, fair play. It's a bit woke at times, but I love it.
Matt, I had huge panic attacks about death/ dying I had to have councilling at secondary school, It would just hit me, I'm gonna die, I would stand up and start banging the table in class 😢
I can't believe this is just it, like you Matt, what's the point of us being here then??
I thought Maureen Edwards, Dorothy Cutts & Marion Dimmick were strong enough actresses to hold a storyline oh and Kathy Gordon good actress too with potential
I remember Dorothy Cutts did get a little storyline where you saw her in civvies when she was accused of falsifying invoices and I was hanging on for her to get more screen-time as she was a cracking actress. I’ve always wondered if she is related to the British actress Marilyn Cutts as - when Marilyn was in her 50s - the resemblance between her then (2000s) and Dorothy in the 1980s was very strong.
This comment is very much tongue in cheek because I know that tv is very different to radio, but with regard to non-speaking characters. Going back to The Archers, there are many non speaking characters whose stories are told through the speaking characters - indeed, at one point there was a wedding between two non-speaking characters and the whole ceremony was relayed by the vicar at the front of the church and a couple of speaking characters at the very back of the church!
Pretty happy that Queen Cookie never happened.
The story of the couple where the man dressed as a woman was absolutely ridiculous whst happened at the strip search 😅😅😅
I always assumed a show runner did the fetching and carrying on set!
That's just a "runner" - the lowliest job in film and TV production!
I think a wasted opportunity and happy hear matt coral comments was
1. It been better if len murphy killed sarah Higgins than the minor character. It would made more of a reason for the women to hate him. If he threatened judy as he hated her he want kill her like Higgins and could let it slip and It made more reason for him to go the way he did.
2. This was after Coral left but Meg was so under used in the last year. All she did was be Marty mum
Considering prisoner was the story of the good guy verses the bad guy. We all know joan was the ultimate bad character and The good one was the one who wanted to help the woman was Meg . 2 things Meg would had wanted as happy ending would been either the governor role or find lasting love. They could wrote that she was conflicted taking the governor role or if dennis was to come back, move overseas with him to get married. Joan got her final but Meg did not.
The creators of Bad Girls made no secret of the fact they loved Prisoner and were heavily influenced by it.
To be honest I thought it was diabolical the way that ITV treated Prisoner like something they dug out of their ear, ignored constant requests from fans to improve it's timeslot even though it was outperforming some of their 9:00 shows in the ratings and then they make their own version of it and put it on in prime time!!
Coral, you look beautiful ❤😊
Speaking of Blue Heelers as it's airing on 7plus whoever put the seasons up put every single episode out of order 🤣
The best era of Prisoner is 1983(The year The Freak joined). The second best era was the 1st two seasons. 1981,1983, and 1986 were O.K. The reason I didn’t like 1884 as much is because they got rid of so many good characters a lot of the old ones we’re used to seeing and new ones we gotten used to( like Cass and Rick). Ther worst era of Prisoner was 1985. Lexie,Jenny Hartley. and The Barnhurst Five and Nora was the worst top dog ever.
Correction 1982 was the best era of Prisoner.
Lexie was a good character (and actress) though. But I get what you mean.
Yeah i think the Freak joined in 82. Her and Bea Smith rivalry stil stands to me as the best ever. About the Barnhurst 5 yes it was bad but i actually think the last year was crap . It essentially became a comedy .
@@andrews6341 I did correct myself in a later post I ment1982 was the best season for prisoner.
Blimey devontehuntley harsh much 😳
The should have promoted Mr. Carlson to Governor after Mrs. Davidson left instead of flaky Ann. Maybe could of had Po Face leave her husband and start a relationship with Carlson.
I love these episodes, I love Coral.....but I'm for Trump all the way.