Star interviews
Interview with Alan Fletcher
aka Dr Karl Kennedy
How did you first get into acting?
My interest in acting started at school where I had the stimulation of wonderful teachers. We mounted many plays from Shakespeare to contemporary writers. As soon as I enrolled at University I also enrolled in the Dramatic Society. My studies took a back seat to theatre and I had many opportunities to work with professional actors and directors. Within three years one of these directors, John Milson, invited me to work at the Hole in the Wall Theatre professionally and the rest is history!
What would you have done if you hadn’t been an actor?
Probably pursued a career in Science like my father and older brother or done Philosophy and Politics.
What storylines have you enjoyed most during your time on Neighbours?
I love the comedy stories the best - arguments about rubbish bins, stealing garden gnomes, getting caught skinny-dipping.
Of course, the major stories like Karl/Sarah and Karl/Izzy have been challenging and rewarding. Any scenes I get to do with Jackie Woodburne that are high drama or high comedy are my faves.
What do you think has made Neighbours such a huge success?
It's fun! The show blends comedy and drama together in every episode. I think audiences can relate to the characters as being real people - albeit in some pretty unreal situations!
Do you prefer to act or sing? Have you always been interested in pursuing both as a career?
To me acting and singing go hand in hand. They are both creative pursuits that tell stories and aim to affect the viewer or listener emotionally. I could never choose between them, as they are both a vital part of the performer's tool kit. I have done quite a few musicals that marry both skills together but whether I am performing with the band or acting in Neighbours I have the same goal in mind - to entertain
How would you describe your character on the show? Do you like him/her?
Karl is a deeply flawed man with a heart of gold. Family is everything to him but he also carries many doubts about his own worth and about his contribution to life in general. What makes him fun to play is examining his flaws - of which there are many, and his passions - of which there are also many.
How has life changed for you since being on Neighbours – do you get recognised much? Have your everyday activities become more awkward?
Life has changed immeasurably. Yes, I am recognised a lot but there is no problem living a normal life. I love meeting people who love Neighbours. I wouldn't have this wonderful job without them and fans are always so nice and polite to me. Neighbours has created so many other work opportunities as well. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be part of this Aussie Icon.
What question do you hate being asked the most in interviews like this?
Is Jackie Woodburne covered in tattoos? (She isn't by the way)
What is the funniest rumour you’ve ever heard about yourself?
That I had a relationship with Kym Valentine, who plays Libby. (I didn't by the way - she's like a daughter to me)
How did you land your role on Neighbours? If you could be in a different role in Neighbours who would you like to play?
I worked for Grundy television, which made Neighbours, in a fab show called Embassy from 1990 to 1992. When the role of Karl came up they invited me to audition and I got the job. If I could play another character it would be Paul Robinson. I love to explore the dark side!
Were you a fan of Neighbours before you started working on the show, and now?
I wasn't a fan because I worked in the theatre a lot and could never see the show. Then I worked on Neighbours for three weeks and saw quite a bit of the show but, again, work prevented me from keeping up the interest. Now my whole family sits down to Neighbours every night. I like to see what all the other characters are up to.
Have you ever had any specific input in developing your character?
I get a lot of medical advice and consulted my real life next door Neighbour, who is a GP, about many aspects of life as a doctor. The story department often asks for suggestions on storylines for the character. Most of the development in Karl has come from working with Jackie to find the relationship between Karl and Susan and hence the character of Karl.
Who do you most enjoy working with on the show?
Every character is interesting to work with. I am always building relationships with new cast and Steve Bastoni, Nikki Coghill and Eloise Mignon who play the new Parker family are great to work with. Of course, my strongest relationships are with Susan, Harold, Toadie, Steph and Lou. I also love doing scenes with Paul. Great to explore the good vs. evil aspect of that relationship.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working on the show?
As an actor I am given incredibly varied material to work on. One week its comic, the next highly dramatic. Most jobs only allow you to explore a limited range. Neighbours satisfies almost all of my acting ambitions.
Do you ever find yourself not remembering your script?
After 30 years of learning lines I don't tend to have problems remembering lines. A well-written script is easy to learn. However, a badly written script can be very difficult to memorize.
Can you describe a typical day on the set?
Neighbours shoots and rehearses 10 episodes simultaneously, five days a week, 13 hours a day on location and in studio. Typical days start at 6:30 am and finishes around 7:30pm. The actors can be moving between location and studio all day. Some days are long and very arduous. However, there are days when there are long breaks or early finishes.
How did your band Waiting Room first come about? Did you ever imagine the band would be as successful as it is today?
I met Tommy Rando and Chris Hawker at one of their gigs and got up to sing a couple of numbers with them. We decided to form a band to play at the Neighbours Nights at the Elephant to see how it went. Thankfully the fans seem to love the music and within 6 months there was sufficient interest in the band to plan our first UK tour in May 2005. I am thrilled to say the tour went off! The debut album In the Waiting Room was also released in conjunction with that tour and has sold above our expectations. By 2006 we were ready to expand the band with the addition of drummer Jeff Consi.
I could never have imagined that the band would enjoy such success. I am always surprised and flattered that so many fans come out for shows and give us such wonderful feedback.
What is the best night of your week?
Monday night at the Elephant - of course! And watching the Bombers play.
You often appear at the Official Neighbours Night at the Elephant & Wheelbarrow, what is the best part of taking part in the night?
I love the night because it’s such fun! Everyone dancing and singing not to mention all the love in the room for the stars. And, of course, performing with WAITING ROOM is the best fun I could ever have sober!
Do you enjoy meeting your fans?
Working in television has one drawback - you don't see the audience. We work 48 weeks of the year making comedy and drama but have no idea how the public feels about our work. Meeting fans or exchanging emails and message board posts gives me the chance to hear and experience first hand the fan's feelings about the show. I love that! We make the show for the fans and meeting them is the bonus of the job.
Do you have any funny stories/best memories from the Official Neighbours Night?
My best memories of the night revolve around meeting fans that have seen Waiting Room in the UK and reminiscing about those gigs. I have also met some very special fans on the night that have had to make a special effort to be there because of illness or a handicap. Every night I go home buzzing from having so much fun and positive feedback and love from the fans.
Why do you think people love the Official Neighbours Night so much?
The Neighbours Night has become a must see tourist event for Neighbours fans. The other night I looked around the room at about 10:30pm and all I could see was happy (and merry) people dancing their hearts out. The prizes are terrific and having Kym Valentine and Waiting Room perform makes the night so much more special than just having a meet and greet.
Thanks for your time!
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Star interviews
Interview with Stephen Lovatt
aka Max Hoyland
What storylines did you enjoy most during your time on Neighbours?
Gus the mate that went bad.
How did you feel on your last day on the show? Do you still keep in touch with any of your old cast mates?
I felt relieved, but sad as well. Yes, I stay in good contact with several of the cast.
What are you doing now that you have left the show? Would you ever go back on Neighbours if given the opportunity?
I’m doing plenty of theatre work, auditioning and getting on with other things. Of course I’d go back.
What are your plans for your career in the future?
I’m going to direct more, write more. Get active on climate change.
How would you describe your character on the show? Do you like him/her?
Solid, at least to begin with. Bemused by the world. I think he was too strict sometimes.
How has life changed for you since being on Neighbours – do you get recognised much? Have your everyday activities become more awkward?
I get recognised regularly and people are very pleasant. My everyday activities were not made any more arduous or easy.
What question do you hate being asked the most in interviews like this?
Haven’t come across one yet.
What is the funniest rumour you’ve ever heard about yourself?
That I was an Oscar nominee for a role in ‘Apocalypto’.
Were you a fan of Neighbours before you started working on the show, and now?
No. I didn’t know it was still being made.
Did you ever have any specific input in developing your character?
No. I always let the writers do what they will with him. Poor guy ended up with the best looking woman on the show but STILL unhappy.
Who did you most enjoy working with on the show?
Almost everyone. Seriously.
Thanks for your time.