'My insecurities don't reign supreme any more'
Award-winning actress Rebecca Gibney opens up about taking risks and challenging herself
It’s official. We’re living in an era of reboots and relaunches with some of the country’s most popular TV series returning for sequels, prequels and new takes – and Halifax f.p. is no exception! Sitting down with Woman’s Day, the show’s star Rebecca Gibney tells us it’s the reassuring feeling of something known and loved that’s the perfect antidote to the pandemic-stricken universe we’re living in.
“I think the world is in such a state at the moment that there is something comforting about rebooting popular shows and characters that resonated with viewers,” says Rebecca.
“It’s a wonderful thing to be able to revisit a show and see how the characters and storylines have changed.”
Nine’s reimagining of the series, Halifax: Retribution, is premiering this week, and will see the 55-year-old mother-of-one slip straight back into the boots of forensic psychiatrist Jane Halifax – albeit 20 years later!
Despite having her plate full – the actress has also signed on to reprise her
role as Julie Rafter in Back To The Rafters – Rebecca say she’s been begging to play Jane again for years!
“This was my suggestion!” she laughs. “When I initially met [with Nine] to discuss doing another drama, Halifax was the first thing I thought of. [The show’s creator] Roger Simpson was actually in talks with them years ago about doing this, but for a number of reasons it didn’t [happen]. [Eventually when] Roger and I discussed bringing it back, we both agreed there was still a lot of ground to cover with the character… and of course the crime genre is one that is loved by so many so it just felt like perfect timing!”
While devoted fans are accepting any and all reboots with open arms, the TV WEEK Gold Logie winner insists Halifax is worthy of a new story.
“I think there is a sense of mystery about Jane. She was always slightly removed emotionally, which I think intrigued viewers... she’s super smart and strong but flawed, and I think a lot of people, in particular women, loved that she was forging ahead in a dark and sinister world,” Rebecca explains. “I think most of us like being armchair detectives.”
Set once again in Melbourne, the new series opens with a sniper terrorising the city, which results in Jane being lured back to police work, helping to find the killer. Initially thrilled at the prospect of returning to the field, Jane is content until someone close to her is murdered, which opens up secrets from her past.
Tortured, secretive and work obsessed, Rebecca insists Jane has a lot more going on in her private life than she does, but admits there are some similarities between them.
“Jane has a little bit more baggage… especially after an event happens in this series that will affect her for years to come,” she tells.
“Certainly, her anxiety issues are traits I can relate to. And I am quite meticulous in my approach to work as well. I have to read and re-read scripts to really get them stuck in my head and then
I’ll research whatever it is that the character is doing, which in this case often involved reading quite dark material,” she adds, noting that some light-hearted comedies were in need after filming the series.
LOOKING FOR A CHALLENGE
After crossing off a big to-do on her list and enjoying a lengthy and successful career, Rebecca says she’s on the hunt for similar roles that will test her.
“I just want to keep challenging myself and growing as an actor and as a human, so I am looking for characters that stretch me. I’m much more willing to take risks these days and that’s probably a lot to do with my age,” she says.
“Insecurity doesn’t reign supreme any more. I think any role that involves disappearing into it, physically and emotionally, is much more appealing”.