Taking to the set of Vendetta 19, actor Bernadette Hart will be playing a key role as one of Dolly’s Girls in Vendetta 19.
Although she has always dabbled in acting classes here and there, it wasn’t until I she was 33 that she decided to go back to acting, wnd we are glad she did.
Since making that decision she has appeared in several commercials both online and on television. In 2016 Bernadette won the “Best Actress“ Award for Crash Test Drama Geelong for her role as a Waitress in the play “What’s New Pussy Cat”
In 2018 she traveled to Los Angeles and studied at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting for the Summer Conservatory Program. Later that same year she got landed the role of Cornwell in the all female production of King Lear; simply titled “Lear”. This was a large production with a 4-month rehearsal period.
The production took place at the Geelong Gaol Museum. In February 2020, just before the first lockdown, she had the privilege of playing the character of Renee in her first ever feature film called “These Two Hands” the story of Tom Bowen. Tom Bowen was one of the greatest healers that ever lived, and Renee played a pivotal role in his life as his receptionist and best friend essentially.
She is excited to be part of Vendetta 19 and has met some awesome people so far and getting a free history lessons from Roy every time she see him… which she absolutely loves.
It’s an unavoidable truth that along with the stories of the people who became embroiled in the 1919 Fitzroy Vendetta, a number of them were highly vulnerable women and children. Among them was a cast of working girls who were often subjected to slavery and situations that even animals wouldn’t have to tolerate. Yet in that mix, Dolly Gray manages to create small pockets of safety and empowerment in that industry for her working girls.
Playing the role of one of Dolly’sgirla is none other than actor Ally Burnie. As a performer she is lighting up the acting world, having found her professional groove later in life. With a lifelong passion for storytelling and a knack for writing, she discovered a second love for bringing stories to life on the big screen.
Ally has starred in several major national TV commercials, as well as short films like “Unhinged” (2024) and “Thoughts Alone” (2023). You might also recognise her as the “Juice Bar Girl” on Home & Away (2022) or from her cheeky appearance in a major national Step One TVC (2022).
Since moving from Sydney to Melbourne in late 2023, Ally has been sharpening her acting skills at the elite Howard Fine Studio. She’s stoked to be part of the Vendetta 19 production, bringing Melbourne’s underground scene to life with her captivating performance.
Keep an eye on this redheaded star – Ally Burnie is just getting started!
The cast of Vendetta 19 has got some truly big shoes to fill as we try and depict some of the most unusual true crime figures from history. In the case of Indian Dick, no truer word could be said.
As far as criminals go, Indian Dick wasn’t a high achiever. He was a low-level crook from the Melbourne area who occasionally branched out to the odd safe heist. Yet it was his fighting technique that separated him out from the pack. As a street brawler, Indian Dick, whose real name was John George Woolpert, had a signature move that resulted in him obtaining the infamous nickname while inflicting a particular gruesome fate on his victims. Where Hulk Hogan used the “Big Leg”, and Mario Milano relied on the abdominal stretch to finish their fights, Indian Dick’s finishing move involved a swift and powerful kick to the groin of whoever he was fighting. His talent for this move resulted in at least one man losing one of his family jewels, and another being hospitalised.
So when we were casting the role, we needed an artist who could act incredibly well, but who could also manage the heavy fight sequence in the pilot episode. Despite some false starts, we couldn’t be happier with our selection, and can now announce that we have secured the incredibly talented Jackson Howe!
Originally from Queensland, Jackson brought the sunshine to the Sunshine State. He is no stranger to stage lights and cameras, and having discovered a love for singing, dancing and acting early, he made his stage debut at the age of 8 as Oliver. And the people said, ‘please sir, can we have some more?’
Then began a relentless passion for musical theatre that would see him play eleventy-million roles before he’d even finished high school. Serious about pursuing a career in musical theatre, he trained at the Australian Dancing Performance Institute where he completed an Advanced Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance. Developing his acting skills, he worked on a range of projects including feature film pilots, short films, commercials and music videos.
In 2018, he made the move to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Whilst at the VCA, Jackson performed in ‘On The Town – The Musical Comedy Classic’ (directed by Adam Mitchell) and ‘Morning Melodies 2019’ at Hamer Hall (directed by Jayde Kirchert). In 2020 Jackson featured in the ensemble of ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’ (directed by Jason Langley) and played a leading role, Joe’s Dad, in the musical ‘Our House’ (directed by Tyran Parke).
In 2023, Jackson played a leading role Linus, in the musical ‘You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown’ (directed by Cameron O’Reilly) and played ensemble in ‘Kinky Boots the Musical’ (directed by Martin Croft), receiving a Green Room Award for Best Professional Independent Musical in 2023.
After delving into the world of Music Theatre, Jackson now is keen to pursue acting in film. In 2024, he has played leading roles in ‘Building Houses’ (directed by Alekh Chapman), ‘Elise and George’ (directed by Stephanie Bosshard) and Let’s be Frank’ (directed by Lily & Quynh Dinh and playing a supporting role in ‘Just Kids’ (directed by Helen Turton).
Jackson often swaps his tap shoes for running boots and when the camera’s off, you’ll find him teaching Drama in the classroom or cheering on his ultimate frisbee team. With a personal passion for filmmaking and cinematography, Jackson is incredibly eager to bring his skills to Vendetta 19 playing the role of Indian Dick.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts from the VCA, (Company “07”)Terry Yeboah has worked for the Red Stitch Actors Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Black Swan Theatre (Perth), Malthouse Theatre, Queensland Theatre Company, Capital Theatre, Princess Theatre and La Mama. Terry performed and toured a one man play titled Boxman, written for him by the well-known writer Daniel Keen. After finishing up a tour with Disney’s Lion King, Terry co-directed AMKA performed at the Fairfax Studio, Art Centre Melbourne, to sell-out crowds, being awarded one of the highest selling gross sales since the opening of the studio. Terry has been a guest Alumni speaker for the Graduating students of VCA, NIDA and WAPA. And just finished a 6-month tour with Hit productions “Sapphires”. He just finished assistant producing a movie titled “ RESIDENCE” with “BREEDING GROUND PRODUCTIONS”which comes out in the middle of the year 2024. Terry Yeboah just finished working with Melbourne Shakespeare company in Julius Caesar at 45 Downstairs.
Some of the TV and Film that Terry has been involved in are: Neighbour, Blue Heelers, Grist for the Gossip Mill, RUSH, Kath & Kimderella , The Librarians, We Only Know Violence, Australia on Trial, 10 terrorist, Residence, Hotel Underground, Sizzler 77, Sizzler 88, Sex and Death, Shoes Off, The Travel Councillor, Scams Incorporated, House Cleaner, I Love You Too, What Ever Happened To That Guy, The Girl Who Was An Almond, Will Alex Taylor Experience, Super Wog (SOAD).
Terry is about to embark on an amazing journey with Roy Maloy from True Crimes and Gracie – Gotch-Ya. He will be playing Arthur Skirrett on Roy’s true story of Vendetta 19 as he brings to life one of the most enigmatic and troubled characters of Melbourne’s true crime past.
As a young man Arthur Skerritt was a Sri Lankan lad who found himself alone on the streets of Fitzroy, Coburg and Melbourne. He made some of his living singing African American gospel songs as he busked on the streets, while also becoming involved in petty theft.
We look forward to seeing what Terry can make of this amazing role in Vendetta 19.
As filming gets underway for Vendetta 19, we are thrilled to announce another of our amazing cast with Tom Kulik joining the team.
As an actor, Tom brings a wealth of life skills along with the grit and determination of his unique acting style to the screenplay in the role of one of the Pentridge prison officers in Vendetta 19. Tom grew up struggling with obesity from a young age. His childhood was marked by a deep sense of insecurity, which kept him from pursuing his love of acting. Often glued to video games and movies, some of Tom’s fondest memories came to be movies. He became mesmerised by the actors on screen and dreamed of what it would be like to act like them.
Despite his fascination with acting, Tom never dared to explore his passion. The mirror was his harshest critic, reflecting back a boy who felt he didn’t belong in the world of the confident and glamorous. As an adult, driven by an unyielding desire to change his life, Tom shed 60 kilograms and dropped 12 pants sizes in 13 months, and fell in love with fitness.
Over the past decade, Tom has channelled his experience and passion into coaching men through extreme weight loss, helping others to reclaim their lives just as he did. His journey from insecurity to empowerment has been nothing short of inspiring. The physical transformation was profound, but the emotional and psychological shifts were even more significant. It was this newfound confidence that reignited his long-held dream of acting, a dream he now felt ready to chase with fervour.
We believe that Tom’s years of overcoming personal battles and combating those who tormented him, trying to tie him to a troubled past version of himself that no longer exists, will bring a unique depth to his performance. By channelling these experiences, he will be able to understand and convey the complex dynamics of his character. This raw, authentic emotion will be an asset to the film as he works to bring his character to life.
Vendetta 19 begins filming on 15 June and will drop in October 2024. We are excited to see Tom’s incredible journey unfold on screen, and we know audiences will be moved by the depth and intensity he brings to his performance.
In the pilot of Vendetta 19, the much anticipated presentation of Valentine Keating is coupled by that of his best mate, John Collins.
Played by actor Nicholas Zervas, he is a well-rounded and accomplished actor who brings a huge amount of gangster to the role. Nicholas started his acting journey at the age of 12 after watching the 3 stooges he would often reenact scenes that he liked where his family noticed he had a natural talent for acting and that he should try and pursue it. At the age of 13 he presented the lead role in a number of short films while in high school and attending the Australian College of Dramatic Arts. Nicholas has been a stand-out feature in several Indi short Films and a feature Films including the acclaimed “Evil Orders”.
Nicholas is trained in firearms with digger tactical while also being a talented and trained in Martial Arts, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai and Jujitsu.
Nick will be playing the part of jewellery thief, standover man, police extortionist and thug, John Collins of North Melbourne’s Crutchie Push.
There can be no mistaking it, the diversity of our history was whitewashed by the journalists who recorded the stories. Yet, being able to include and reintroduce the people of colour and the Aboriginal characters to this incredible narrative is an essential component of Vendetta 19.
Born in Mildura and raised in Robinvale, on Muthi Muthi and Dadi Dadi country, Matty Chilly is an incredible artist and creator. Raised in a large family, surrounded by family members who encouraged his talent, seeing his natural talent for the creative arts,
Matty is a self-motivated, ambitious, and proud multi-clan nation man, with ties to the Wiradjuri, Wemba Wemba, Muthi Muthi, Yorta Yorta & Gubbi Gubbi Aboriginal Tribes. Matthew also has shared ancestry with Māori Iwi’s in New Zealand.
Matt will be playing the role of Aboriginal celebrity rough rider and rodeo champion Combo George in the upcoming Vebdetta 19 production. His character was both a World War IVeterans and the victim of the system who had no desire to fit in with any kind of social norms at that time. Landing in prison over and over again throughout his life, Combo George not only adds a truly fascinating element to the narrative, but also represents the story of the Aboriginal overrepresentation in custody that is still an enormous issue even today this day.
We look forward to Matty shining in this role and can’t wait to join you all at the screening of Vendetta 19 this October!
With all the fine details tuned just right, Vendetta 19 is shaping up to be one of Australia’s most exciting upcoming projects.
We are thrilled to introduce Daniel Sultana as William Edwards, Squizzy Taylor’s right hand man.
Daniel began his career with a plethora of Featured Extra roles in film & television productions, including the iconic soap opera, ‘Neighbours’ and the mysterious drama, ’Ms Fishers Modern Murder Mysteries’. Professionally trained with The Australian College of Dramatic Arts and Screen Actors Australia. His first job in the industry, A Kelly Gang member, working alongside George MacKay on the Australian feature film, True History of the Kelly Gang. Daniel has worked on a range of different projects including: commercials, plays, music videos and short films, such as Bitten Tongue, working with notable actor Travis Jeffery (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes)
He’s not shy from showing off his dancing skills either. A live gig at south east Melbourne Phoenix basketball game where he had to dance around in underwear to promote the infamous Australian menswear brand, ‘TRADIE’. Sorry Melbourne United but you’re not scoring any goals whilst Daniel is pumping out the moves.
If you’re lucky enough to attend one of Daniel’s Trivia Nights, you’ll be glad you did. Daniel hosts a wide range of events across Victoria. Most predominantly on the Bellarine Peninusla, Geelong and Surf Coast Region, or perhaps you’ll catch his Summer Trivia Session aboard the Spirit of Tasmania. And…It’s not just Trivia, his event promotion is something to marvel, having being hired by one of Victoria’s highest educational precinct schools, ‘Kardinia International College’ to facilitate fundraisers, promoted BYD Automotive for their launch to the Australian automobile market and an Entertainer for Online Accounting software company Xero on their corporate retreat. With sponsored events by noteworthy brands such as SportsGirl, MECCA, and The Body Shop, Daniel has solidified his place as the go to spruiker for many businesses.
Now undertaking the role of William Edwards with award winning author, Roy Maloy’s directorial debut, Vendetta 19, Daniel brings a range of fascinating skills to the role.
Without question, the cast of Vendetta 19 have been drawn from some of the most extraordinary places in order to meet the incredibly diverse nature of the script. In particular, the three-time prison escapee, bomb maker, pistols shooting, jewelry shop robbing, standover man named John Clark who was a Crutchie Push member. Better known as the husband of notorious sly grog and bordello madam, Minnie Clark, they formed an underworld power couple from 1907 up until her death in the early 1930’s. Playing John Clark is a man of many talents, with Tyson Popplestone bringing the role to life.
A professional Stand-Up comedian, Tyson has graced numerous venues across Melbourne for close to a decade, honing his impeccable timing. These skills made him an excellent choice for the role, along with the athletic requirements he will face as he represents one of the most notorious and interesting True Crime Organized Crime Gangsters of all time. The role of John Clark is one of the principal roles that is heavily involved in a complex, choreographed fight sequence that will require Tyson to be able to keep up with professionally trained fighters. Backing up his comedy skills, Tyson’s athletic prowess played a significant part in securing the role as he also boasts an inspiring career as a professional runner. Having won the Melbourne Marathon 10km, the Victorian State Mile, and representing Australia at the QS World University Cross Country Championships in 2010, he brings a huge amount of prowess to the table as an actor and athlete. We are thrilled to have him on board!!
As filming gets underway for Vendetta 19, we are thrilled to announce another of our amazing cast with Sam Warren, playing the role of Claude Taylor.
Sam grew up in the outer suburb of Mount Evelyn, nestled in the Yarra Ranges. Vendetta 19 is his breakthrough into film, as a steep departure from his budding boxing career. Sam has been training at MVC Boxing for over 5 years, and has competed in 15+ amateur Boxing bouts. Australian Olympic Boxing icon, Steve Marks described Sam as a “brilliant fighter”, and he has since gone on to inspire us with his diverse skills as an actor too.
Sam has travelled extensively across Australia in his boxing career, and has been seen training with professional and olympic boxers. His move to film was as a result of a chance meeting, with a friend of a friend recommending him for the role. Writer of Vendetta 19, Roy Maloy, explains that “we had already cast an incredible actor for the role, however, he got injured while training and had to withdraw. So I began asking around, looking for a replacement actor. The difficulty with this role is that the artist needs to be good looking, be able to fight, be under 25 years old and have the kind of temperament we need from the actors who will be working on this project. One of my contacts rang back and told me about a young man he’d seen boxing who fitted all of those things. So we met, and he was a perfect fit. The only catching point was when I had to deliver the hard news to him that we are working on a period piece and the character he will be playing didn’t have a moustache or a mullet. Sam took a deep breath and agreed to have a shave and a haircut and the rest was history”.
We believe that Sam’s years of experience in boxing will be an asset to him in his portrayal of the volatile and unpredictable criminal Claude Taylor as he works to replicate his savagely unpredictable fighting style.
Vendett 19 begins filming on 15 June and will drop in October 2024.
