Dolly Gray Archives - Page 5 of 5

June 17, 2024August 10, 2024

THE LONG ROAD BESIDE DOLLY

HETTIE WILLIAMS – Sophie Graham

In the biography of Dolly Gray we see a character glance off by the main story that unfolds in Bendigo in 1905 when Dolly and Hettie Williams are arrested for selling sly grog. Later we see Hettie re-emerge alongside equally infamous gangster Minnie Clark, who would go on to become Squizzy Taylor’s enemy.

Hettie is one of a number of working girls whose story has never truly been told, until now.

Playing the role of Hettie Williams will be an unusually talented actor named Sophie Graham. She hails from Aotearoa (New Zealand), where she completed a BPA and a BA in Theatres at the University of Otago. During her time at university and the years following, Sophie was involved in the performing arts scenes in both Dunedin, and Wellington NZ, and a highlight from this time was playing the role of Bernadette in Arcade Theatre Company’s production of “Lemon Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons” in 2019. In 2022, Sophie relocated to Melbourne to attend the Full Time Professional Actors Programme at 16th Street Actors Studio, as well as the Postgraduate Programme “The American Way.” Since graduating, Sophie has continued to develop her craft by completing a variety of short courses for the stage and the screen, including a MasterClass with Miranda Harcourt. In 2023, she worked on several short films, as well as the web series “My Personal Lycan King.” In 2024 so far, Sophie has played the role of Cariola in Arrant Knaves Theatre Company’s production of “The Duchess of Malfi” by John Webster, as well as the role of Tiffany in CG Production Company’s production of “Blackrock” by Nick Enright. Her commercial credits include campaigns with Schweppes, Savers and Pure Blonde. Sophie is currently shooting the web series “Let Me Taste Your Husband,” has a role in the upcoming feature film “It’s Showtime, Dan,” and is rehearsing for the role of Kayleen in an upcoming production of “Gruesome Playground Injuries” by Rajiv Joseph. Alongside her acting pursuits, Sophie teaches drama with Stage School Australia and studies Youth Work.

We are extremely keen to see Sophie in this role, which she has even committed to a Hair colour change for!!

June 17, 2024August 10, 2024

DOLLY’S GIRLS – Bernadette Hart

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.

June 15, 2024August 9, 2024

FIRST DAY OF FILMING

With the first day of filming complete, what an amazing epic journey. All the actors were on at 5am and they put in an enormous effort. Thank you to the Geelong Gaol Museum for your amazing support yet again, and all of our amazing cast, crew, and all of your beautiful supporters. As we grow head towards the date when Vendetta 19 drops: please remember to share these posts and help us meet new people who can get excited about this incredible project.

June 14, 2024August 9, 2024

DOLLY’S GIRLS – Ally Burnie

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!

May 25, 2024August 8, 2024

VENDETTA 19 PREMIER

IT’S OFFICIAL!!!

Only 21 days until filming commences on Vendetta 19, we are thrilled to announce that we have secured a cinema screening premier venue where the pilot episode will be screened on October 2, 2024 (now October 9, 2024).

Without question, the Sun Theatre Yarraville has been an icon in Australian cinema for generations. And we couldn’t be more grateful to them for their incredible support, generosity, and willingness to support this project. It will be a night to remember and everybody is so excited!!

April 28, 2024August 8, 2024

FIGHT REHEARSALS

What an amazing day!

Today the cast of Vendetta 19 came together for our first live rehearsal and it was incredible. Such an amazing and talented team! We were also super excited to have Herald Sun, and a number of more local heavyweight social media content creators with us too!