Barry Conrad – Neighbours

By starrymag | January 7, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been busy working on?

A) Mainly trying to survive COVID, to be honest! Lots of reading, cooking, exercise, Zoom sessions, food and Netflix.

 

Q) How did your return to “Neighbours” come about?

A) It’s been almost a year now since people saw Kane head to prison. Even I thought that was the end of the road for him. There wasn’t really anything to hint that he’d be back, you know? Then, I got word from casting director, Thea McLeod, that the executive producer, Jason Herbison, wanted to bring him back and here we are.

 

Q) What was your first reaction when they mentioned Kane would be coming back?

A) Pure and utter joy! [laughs] I’ve always thought there’s more to Kane, so the thought of exploring that was super exciting. Also, considering it happened right in the middle of a pandemic made being back on a set again that much more special.

 

Q) Who were you most looking forward to working with more (or even at all) this time around?

A) Last time my storyline was mainly with Ben Hall, so naturally I thought I’d have more to do with him. But I really didn’t know because I just had no idea which direction the writers were wanting to take Kane next. I did hope I’d get to work with more of the cast though and thankfully I did.

 

Q) What backstory were you given about Kane initially?

A) Other than being a tough gym rat who’s unafraid of pain or risk, not a whole lot. But I think the upside of that is I got to really go away and carve out more of a backstory to draw from for myself – Why is Kane the way he is, what kind of family does he come from, what are the things he loves and hates…? Sometimes when it’s not all on the page for you, it forces you to be more creative as an actor and I’ve enjoyed that process even more this time around.

 

Q) Will we be getting to see any of your dance moves this season?

A) [laughs] After seeing Benny [Turland] absolutely kill it on the new promo vid, I’m not sure that’s a good idea! But hey, in the future, who knows? Anything can happen on Ramsay Street.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Neighbours” that continues to make it such a fan favorite series?

A) People have been asking me that a lot lately. I really think it’s the sense of nostalgia that the show creates. Each day people come home and tune in they know the type of escape they’re about to have. I reckon there’s a comfort and familiarity in that. Even though characters come and go, that “feeling” is the constant through-line. The team have done such an amazing job of maintaining that for more than thirty-five years, which is why I think it’s become so iconic.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to episodes?

A) Yeah, it’s pretty cool being able to get that immediate feedback on your work. Of course, you’re always gonna have trolls because not everyone realizes we’re just actors playing characters, not the characters themselves! But so far, it’s been way more positive than negative and I’m genuinely so happy that people get to see more of Kane.

 

Q) You’re also a really talented musician. Will fans be able to check out some new music from you soon?

A) Thanks so much. I’ve actually just re-released an EP called Epitome. I say “re-released” because I wrote and recorded it a while back and it was produced over in Nashville, but I initially released it under a different name. And in the spirit of just wanting a fresh start after this crazy year, I felt inspired to put it out there again for everyone this time (with cover art shot by Wesley Tan). Most people would never have even heard these songs otherwise, so I’m stoked to share them. I also have a new single on the way that I wrote and recorded during lockdown, which I’m even more excited about. Stay tuned for more on that very soon.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) Just a huge thank you, to all those who’ve supported me for a while and also to anyone who’s just come on board. Your support really means a lot and I’m thankful to have you on the ride with me. Let’s all have the best 2021!