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Perth Now
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
WA-raised star ready for her second act
Acting is a notoriously cut-throat industry to make a name in, but 10 years ago Fremantle-born Claire Lovering was a bona fide star on the rise. After graduating from the prestigious WA Academy of Performing Arts, in 2010, she hit the ground running enjoying the kind of dream run most aspiring actors would kill for. Straight out of WAAPA, she scored a role in Black Swan State Theatre Company's rendition of Tim Winton's play in 2011, Rising Water, in what The West Australian called a 'dazzling first-time performance' as a drunken backpacker led to more work with theatre companies across Australia. By her mid-20s, Lovering was the talk of creative circles when she won a coveted Blue Room award for her self-penned one-woman show, River, in 2015. She received the Mike Walsh Fellowship, so she could to travel to New York to study method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. But just as quickly as it seemed her trajectory was assured, the phone stopped ringing. And Lovering admits the sudden, unsettling silence, which came just before the pandemic, made her reassess whether she wanted to be a part of the acting industry at all. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'I'd been kicking around for about eight years at that point, doing a lot of theatre, but I wasn't getting much screen work,' Lovering explains from South Australia, where she's spending time with her partner before heading to LA later this year. 'I'd won this award and I thought, 'oh wow, NOW I've made it. Everything is going to change'. And then I didn't work for a year and a half.' It led to something of an existential crisis — 'my Saturn's Return period' says Lovering, referring to the pop culture astrology term that believers think shakes up people's lives in their late 20s. As she began to navigate who she was if she wasn't going to be a performer, she made big changes, both physical and emotional. 'I had been dying my hair blonde — I thought that would get me more roles — so I stopped doing that, and I cut it all off,' she laughs. 'I deleted social media, and stayed off it for four years; it was about me kind of getting back to the base level of 'who am I, without acting?'' Actor Claire Lovering will star in the TV series Austin. Credit: Kate Williams At her lowest ebbs, Lovering says she considered quitting the industry she loved, but that didn't appear to love her back. 'I wasn't working and it becomes humiliating when you are trying, and you feel like you are failing,' she says. 'You start to feel like the only way you can put yourself out of your misery is if you throw in the towel, and that kind of makes the pain stop.' But she hung on and small roles turned into bigger ones, from Class Of '07 to Celeste Barber's Wellmania, stints on Home And Away and Wolf Like Me, with Isla Fisher and Josh Gad, then a starring role in the offbeat ABC comedy Gold Diggers. This week, she'll appear on the much-loved and buzzed-about ABC comedy Austin, which stars Michael Theo, who found fame as the breakout on reality dating show Love On The Spectrum Australia. Austin, which also features Bridget Jones's Diary star Sally Phillips and actor and writer Ben Miller, is a hit at home and in the UK. Claire Lovering plays Austin's literary agent, and potential love interest, Greta. Credit: Supplied In the second season, Lovering plays Austin's 'posh, poised and ruthlessly effective' new book agent, Greta, who is determined to turn her new client into a neurodivergent media brand and poster boy. For Lovering, who has played both comedic and dramatic roles, the gig was a relished opportunity to join an already acclaimed cast — even if she didn't know exactly what she was signing up for. 'I actually auditioned before I'd seen season one,' she explains. 'I was in LA last year, so I couldn't watch it without a VPN (virtual private network) and when I was finally able to watch it, I had already booked the role. 'I immediately thought, 'this is genuinely funny, delightful and very watchable'. Sometimes watching shows feels like homework or hard work, but I found that I really wanted to keep clicking through to the next episode. I'm pretty sure I watched it all in one night. 'It's just this lovely, charming show, and I was already a fan of Michael's from Love On The Spectrum.' Claire Lovering starred alongside Danielle Walker in the riotously funny, Gold Diggers. Credit: ABC / TheWest The role came at the perfect time for Lovering, who has lived something of a nomadic life these past few years. Five years on from her crisis of confidence, she has radically remade her life, including whittling her possessions down to two 23kg suitcases. She goes where the work takes her; this year alone that has included Bondi, Canberra, Hong Kong, South Australia, and soon LA. 'I don't really have a home anymore — I am location-less,' Lovering says. 'In January I had lived in Bondi for five years, and I had been in Sydney for over 10 years, and then the apartment building I lived in was being developed, so there was no choice but to move out.' At a crossroads, Lovering decided not to sign on for another place and instead 'live out of a suitcase and follow my nose for a bit,' setting her sights on returning to LA, where she'd been based the year before. Her nose led her to Canberra to film Austin, then home to Perth (including a week on Rottnest), off to Bali and then two months in Hong Kong. Lovering was in the Asian city filming a project called The Season, set on superyachts and produced by the same people behind Crazy Rich Asians. It also features her good friend, Last King Of The Cross actor Lincoln Younes. 'When I got that audition, I was like, 'this will be nice for whoever gets this role' — and then I got it,' she says. 'It was me — I was the lucky girl!' The wherever-the-wind-blows philosophy is paying dividends; The Season is due out later this year, as is a film she shot last year called Play Dirty, which stars Mark Wahlberg. For Lovering, it's been a dream run — and given the roller coaster of the past, she doesn't take a second of it for granted. 'Actually, I am really glad I went through it all,' she says. 'When work started to trickle back in, I could hold it lightly and not be like, 'this is everything',' she muses. 'Now, I just try to make peace with the unknown; downtime between jobs I try to embrace, and lean into the peace of it. 'I know I will be OK no matter what, whether it's two weeks between jobs, six months, or even two years. Life is good regardless.'
West Australian
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Shalom Brune-Franklin's latest TV project sees her star with Keeley Hawes & Freddie Highmore in The Assassin
Most of us will never get to experience even an inkling of what it's like to live like a one percenter. But for a glorious few months last year, British-born, Perth-raised actor Shalom Brune-Franklin got about as close as any of us are likely to get to living like the super rich during filming of her new drama, The Assassin. The story, created by Harry and Jack Williams (the brotherly creative duo behind Stan's hit series The Tourist) is all about a retired middle-aged assassin, Julie, played by British actress, Keeley Hawes. She reunites with her estranged son Edward (The Good Doctor's Freddie Highmore), who has no idea who his mother really is, only for them both to be thrust headlong into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse after Julie's past unexpectedly catches up with her. Brune-Franklin plays Eddie's fiance Kayla, the daughter of a billionaire, who is holidaying on a super yacht off the coast of the Greek Islands when something happens that forces her into their orbit and on the run together — it's heaps of fun. 'I had wanted to play one of the (super rich) 'one per cent' in, like, forever, mostly because of the amazing locations and the things you get to do and wear — and it was just incredible,' says Brune-Franklin, who is chatting to PLAY from her home in London. 'The first two days of filming we were on this beautiful yacht you see in the first episode — I couldn't complain; it was amazing. 'And then we shot in Athens.' It was a far cry from the actor's last experience working with the Williams brothers on The Tourist. That series shot in outback South Australia amidst the flies, the red dirt and the heat, 'and not that the Australian outback doesn't have its charm — I love eating a chicken parmie or a chicken schnitty in a country pub — but Athens had a few more food options, which we were very grateful for!' Brune-Franklin's recent stint working in Greece is just the latest in a long line of roles that have taken her to all manner of places, for all manner of projects. In the past five years, the accomplished actor, who graduated from WAAPA in 2015, leaving Western Australia for Sydney then London, has starred in some of the must buzzed-about shows in the world — and they've shot just about everywhere. In Australia, there was The Tourist and Binge's acclaimed drama Love Me, then it was over to the UK for roles in Line Of Duty and Great Expectations alongside Olivia Colman. There was time working in Budapest filming last year's Dune: Prophecy — she'll return there soon to continue shooting the second season — and she's just returned from co-starring with Bella Ramsey and Neil Patrick Harris on a film in Scotland. Prior to that she filmed her role in the TV phenomenon, Baby Reindeer, which also shot in the UK. With The Assassin already getting plenty of buzz ahead of its premiere, it's not a stretch to say she's likely to find herself front and centre in another water-cooler TV moment — and potentially off to other beautiful locations if the show goes to a second season. 'I always just go off the feeling I have when I read the script,' she says of her knack for picking projects that land with audiences. 'If I have this feeling of wanting to inhale it, you can't go wrong, right? 'And if there's an amazing group of people attached, you just want to be around those people. 'But I think it's also just luck …' Luck doesn't really seem to play into it — her talent, certainly. So did she have a sense when signing on to star in Richard Gadd's self-penned and part-autobiographical Baby Reindeer that it could be something special? 'A thousand per cent,' she explains. 'I had the exact same feeling that I had when I read the Tourist, and (The Assassin) — but with that, I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that it was true; that it was someone's actual experience. 'I kept making jokes to Richard, saying, 'I think this is going to be the biggest show in the world', and he was like, 'we have got to make it first'. But I was like, 'no, I really have a feeling about this'. 'Or it will completely bomb, but there is no way that that is going to happen, once you get on set and you see the work everyone is doing. 'I mean, how could it not be (incredible) — it was just so interesting.' All her career success — and all that global jet-setting — has meant a trip back to Perth to visit family has had to be popped on the back-burner, 'but hopefully I can get back to Aus at some point,' she says. 'It's been a while — and I miss Mullaloo Beach. That's where we moved when we first came to Australia when I was 15, and I still think it's the best beach in Australia.'
Perth Now
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
This Perth actress lands yet ANOTHER TV hit
Most of us will never get to experience even an inkling of what it's like to live like a one percenter. But for a glorious few months last year, British-born, Perth-raised actor Shalom Brune-Franklin got about as close as any of us are likely to get to living like the super rich during filming of her new drama, The Assassin. The story, created by Harry and Jack Williams (the brotherly creative duo behind Stan's hit series The Tourist) is all about a retired middle-aged assassin, Julie, played by British actress, Keeley Hawes. She reunites with her estranged son Edward (The Good Doctor's Freddie Highmore), who has no idea who his mother really is, only for them both to be thrust headlong into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse after Julie's past unexpectedly catches up with her. Brune-Franklin plays Eddie's fiance Kayla, the daughter of a billionaire, who is holidaying on a super yacht off the coast of the Greek Islands when something happens that forces her into their orbit and on the run together — it's heaps of fun. 'I had wanted to play one of the (super rich) 'one per cent' in, like, forever, mostly because of the amazing locations and the things you get to do and wear — and it was just incredible,' says Brune-Franklin, who is chatting to PLAY from her home in London. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'The first two days of filming we were on this beautiful yacht you see in the first episode — I couldn't complain; it was amazing. 'And then we shot in Athens.' It was a far cry from the actor's last experience working with the Williams brothers on The Tourist. That series shot in outback South Australia amidst the flies, the red dirt and the heat, 'and not that the Australian outback doesn't have its charm — I love eating a chicken parmie or a chicken schnitty in a country pub — but Athens had a few more food options, which we were very grateful for!' Brune-Franklin's recent stint working in Greece is just the latest in a long line of roles that have taken her to all manner of places, for all manner of projects. In the past five years, the accomplished actor, who graduated from WAAPA in 2015, leaving Western Australia for Sydney then London, has starred in some of the must buzzed-about shows in the world — and they've shot just about everywhere. Shalom Brune-Franklin in Line Of Duty. Credit: Unknown In Australia, there was The Tourist and Binge's acclaimed drama Love Me, then it was over to the UK for roles in Line Of Duty and Great Expectations alongside Olivia Colman. There was time working in Budapest filming last year's Dune: Prophecy — she'll return there soon to continue shooting the second season — and she's just returned from co-starring with Bella Ramsey and Neil Patrick Harris on a film in Scotland. Prior to that she filmed her role in the TV phenomenon, Baby Reindeer, which also shot in the UK. With The Assassin already getting plenty of buzz ahead of its premiere, it's not a stretch to say she's likely to find herself front and centre in another water-cooler TV moment — and potentially off to other beautiful locations if the show goes to a second season. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'I always just go off the feeling I have when I read the script,' she says of her knack for picking projects that land with audiences. 'If I have this feeling of wanting to inhale it, you can't go wrong, right? 'And if there's an amazing group of people attached, you just want to be around those people. 'But I think it's also just luck …' Luck doesn't really seem to play into it — her talent, certainly. Shalom Brune-Franklin starred alongside Richard Gadd in his award-winning Netflix series, Baby Reindeer. Credit: Supplied / Netflix So did she have a sense when signing on to star in Richard Gadd's self-penned and part-autobiographical Baby Reindeer that it could be something special? 'A thousand per cent,' she explains. 'I had the exact same feeling that I had when I read the Tourist, and (The Assassin) — but with that, I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that it was true; that it was someone's actual experience. 'I kept making jokes to Richard, saying, 'I think this is going to be the biggest show in the world', and he was like, 'we have got to make it first'. But I was like, 'no, I really have a feeling about this'. 'Or it will completely bomb, but there is no way that that is going to happen, once you get on set and you see the work everyone is doing. 'I mean, how could it not be (incredible) — it was just so interesting.' All her career success — and all that global jet-setting — has meant a trip back to Perth to visit family has had to be popped on the back-burner, 'but hopefully I can get back to Aus at some point,' she says. 'It's been a while — and I miss Mullaloo Beach. That's where we moved when we first came to Australia when I was 15, and I still think it's the best beach in Australia.'
Perth Now
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Dani Shuey to fill Katie Lamb's spot on 92.9 Triple M Breakfast alongside Xavier Ellis
Triple M Breakfast presenter Katie Lamb believes her job is in good hands while she is off on maternity leave, tackling motherhood for the first time. The radio personality will leave the airwaves on Friday, with her replacement taking the reins alongside Xavier Ellis later this month on July 21. Lamb's successor for the rest of the year, before she returns in the new year, is Dani Shuey. No stranger to radio and already a familiar face within the media, Shuey is ready to get stuck into the role but admitted she has big shoes to fill. Ironically, the pair are preparing to tag team as they grew up knowing of each other during school and even went down the same career path. Both graduated with a diploma in broadcasting from WAAPA and ended up with jobs in the media. 'I just think it's a great fit. Dani coming in, she's already part of the Triple M team, but just to take over and bring her energy. I just think it will be a really smooth transition,' Lamb said. While Lamb, who has been doing radio for 12 years, is sad to wrap up, she's excited for the next phase in her life — raising her first child. 'I'm just super excited to dive into motherhood. I guess I'm scared as well, but I'm just excited to take on this role now with my partner, and we're doing it together, and hopefully all goes well, but the actual birth itself is freaking me out,' she said. Camera Icon Dani Shuey, Katie Lamb and Xavier Ellis. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian Shuey, who has two kids with her husband and former West Coast Eagles star Luke Shuey, had three words of advice for her friend: 'Embrace the chaos.' 'It's the best thing that'll happen to you, and there's also some really crazy times within it as well. But we're only a phone call away. Xav and I, we're seasoned parents, so anytime you want to drop by the studio during your time off, we'll happily help you rock a little one to sleep or change a nappy for you.' Lamb responded: 'When you said it was just three words, I thought your advice was just going to be 'Keep them alive. '' 'Honestly, that's my biggest concern. I can barely look after myself. So bringing in another one into the world, I'm nervous.' Lamb said she had felt privileged to live out her dream job. 'I love being creative in that content space, being able to have a bit of fun working with Xav as well. It's just like working with one of your best mates. We've got good banter on air and off air,' she said. 'So yeah, I feel really privileged to be able to wake up, even though you have to wake up at 4am every morning. That's not fun. That's the downside. But being able to go to work and have some banter with your friend on air. It's pretty much my dream job.' While Shuey doesn't have any big ideas for the show up her sleeve yet, she said she's not going to overthink the job for fear of 'not being herself'. 'I'm just hoping to bring some light-hearted banter, a few laughs, an insight into some funny stories about my life and some funny stories from being friends with Xav for so long,' she said. 'I'm going to try not to overthink it too much, because I think your best radio comes out when you're just being yourself and you're being natural. 'I love the immediacy of radio and connecting with the listeners. I think that's the best part about it.' But for now, Shuey is gearing up for the early morning starts. 'I'm a little bit nervous, it's going to be a little bit of change to the way we do things at home,' she said. 'I know that eventually I'll get used to it. But winter is definitely going to be testing.'
West Australian
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Aussie tennis great Evonne Goolagong immortalised on the small screen in new drama series for ABC
Cameras are rolling on a new ABC mini-series based on the inspiring true story of Aussie tennis legend, Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Playing the title role in the three-part series titled Goolagong is WAAPA graduate and proud Whadjuk and Ballardong Noongar woman, Lila McGuire (The Twelve). 'Lila McGuire brings something truly special to the role of Evonne — we're excited for audiences to see her in this breakout role and to be moved by Evonne's inspiring story,' Werner Films Productions Producer, Joanna Werner, said. Joining her in lead roles are Marton Csokas (Asylum, Equalizer), Felix Mallard (Ginny and Georgia) and Luke Carroll (Scrublands). The series will tell the story of one of Australia's best known and most loved female sporting heroes, charting Goolagong Cawley's journey from the tiny NSW regional town of Barellan, to centre courts around the world as she became the world's number one-ranked female tennis player in the 1970s. 'Along the way, the obstacles will be immense,' an official release reads. 'At age 12, Evonne will leave behind her family to be coached by the imperious Vic Edwards (Csokas). 'While the on-court success that follows unites a nation, a deeply disturbing dynamic is playing out behind the scenes that will threaten to tear everything apart. 'And, when she falls deeply in love with Roger Cawley (Mallard), Evonne will have to decide whether to follow her heart or follow her career. Or, whether she can do both.' The series is directed by esteemed director Wayne Blair (Total Control) and executive produced by Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Roger Cawley. ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine, said: 'This is the story of a true sporting trailblazer whose resilience, humility and grace created a legacy that continues to reverberate around the globe. With an exceptional creative team bringing this remarkable life to screen, Goolagong promises to be a landmark television event'. Goolagong will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2026.
