FIVE MINUTES WITH … FAYE MARSAY

In the new Stan Original Series Ten Pound Poms, Faye Marsay plays Annie Roberts, a housewife who convinces her returned serviceman husband, Terry to head to Australia for a new life. But when they arrive the 300 days of sunshine they were promised comes with a lot more problems. With the drama now streaming, only on Stan, the Game

of Thrones actress chats to The Weekly about what led her to up sticks from the UK and spend four months filming Down Under.

Who inspired Annie for you?

I drew on my amazing grandmothers. They were from that time. They faced the same working class post-war Britain as Annie. I love that Annie is willing to push the boundaries of what is expected for a woman of that era.

Was this your first time in Oz?

Yes! My first reaction was realising how beautiful Sydney is. The fact you can be on a beach, or hidden away in some calming cove and yet have the vibrancy of the city right there, all at your disposal, that was incredible. The food in Australia blew my mind, too. I was terrified of coming to a country where most animals, if they bite you, you may die! Luckily, we didn’t see anything too nasty as it was winter. Also, The Welcome to Country ceremony we did up in the Blue Mountains was a really special and moving moment. The history of the country is rich and complicated, and I made a point of educating myself about the land I was lucky enough to be working on.

What surprised you about the real Ten Pound Poms?

The fact their passports were taken away from them for two years. That must have been daunting for some of them. Also, the promise of big houses and good jobs on arrival wasn’t exactly the way it went. It took time to forge out a place and a space for these families.

Along with the Brits, there’s a great Aussie cast, including Stephen Curry and Rob Collins.

The Australian cast and crew were some of the most welcoming, talented and interesting human beings I have ever had the good fortune to work with. They meant and continue to mean a lot to me. I felt very taken care of by all of them. When you are so far away from home, that really counted.

Apart from friends, what else did you take home?

I loved how everyone has a nickname, nobody is really called by their name. I ended up with “Fazza Mazza”. Given to me by the incredible Australian actress, Hattie Hook, who plays my daughter.

Actors are nomadic. What does home mean to you?

Home is where I recharge. It’s where my favourite people are. It’s where I get to have a laugh and not apologise for it. It moves depending on where the people are, as that’s what home is, really. AWW

The Stan Original Series Ten Pound Poms, now streaming, only on Stan.