When WHO visited Faye Marsay and Michelle Keegan on the set of Ten Pound Poms in Sydney’s Hawkesbury region, the actresses were dolled up in the finest Paris-inspired fashions from the ’50s as they prepared to film a party scene.
“There is just something about the dresses from that era that completely transform you into a different person,” says Keegan, 37, who is married to The One Way Is Essex star Mark Wright. “As soon as you slip them on, they instantly change your posture and make you sit up straight.”
Having had roles in Game of Thrones and the Plantagenet drama series The White Queen, Marsay is no stranger to slipping into historical garb.
“I’m not very fashionable in real life,” the 38-year-old says with a laugh. “But I think we look quite good. And they are essential for helping you walk in someone else’s shoes from that time.”
This is your second time filming the show in Australia. What did you miss the most between trips?
FAYE MARSAY: I stay in Bondi, so the first thing I did was head up to Ben Buckler Point and just look at the sea because it is just the most beautiful view. The first thing I ate was sushi because you guys do the best sushi here.
MICHELLE KEEGAN: Last time we were here, there was really bad weather with lots of floods, so I didn’t really venture out, but this time, I’ve really used the weekends to go and see the Blue Mountains, Palm Beach and the Hunter Valley, so I’ve loved being back.
Michelle, you’ve brought your husband Mark along. Which one of you gets recognised more here?
MK This time, I’d say me, because we were filming after Fool Me Once came out on Netflix and so many people watched it in Australia. Last time, it was definitely Mark.
Ten Pound Poms tells the story of a group of British immigrants who come to Australia hoping for a better life in the 1950s. Do you think you’d have taken up that opportunity?
MK Absolutely, because I’m a sun chaser and the weather in Britain isn’t that great. I’d have made the whole family move with me, though. I love the lifestyle here, which is so laid-back and outdoorsy.
FM I can’t imagine having Christmas in boiling hot sunshine, though. The thought of having a roast dinner in 35 degrees really puts me off. Your winter is the same as a British summer.
How relatable do you find your characters?
FM Playing a working class northern woman is very true to my upbringing and to the lives of my grandparents. I come from a very humble and hardworking family. But just like Annie, I knew I needed to get out and have a life somewhere else, without any disrespect to our roots.
MK My character, Kate, fights for what is right and I am very similar to that. If there has been an injustice, regardless of her circumstances, she isn’t afraid to speak up, which I definitely relate to.
Have you been shocked by some of the history which inspired the show?
MK It was a surprise to see that back when the scheme was invented, these people were promised the dream, but it didn’t really turn out like that. It’s an amazing part of history.
Ten Pound Poms S2 premieres Mon., Mar. 10 on Stan. Stream from $12 per month.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
