Episode 64: Interview with David Waters - Officer David Bridges

Welcome to Episode 64 of Talking Prisoner!

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

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

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

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

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

Production:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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