VAL LEHMAN'S "PRISONER" 30th ANNIVERSARY EVENT...

February 2009 sees the 30th Anniversary of the first episode going to air of an iconic Australian television series "Prisoner", (known as Prisoner Cell Block H to its UK and US fans).

In the early 1980's this multi award winning, ground breaking series did much for the Australian industry, showing in prime time to a viewing audience of 39 million in the US, it pioneered the Australian accent and idiom. Mind you for some it was a little too explicit, it's daring content saw it banned in Salt Lake City!

Even in the 1990's after it was picked up by the UK, programme managers only dared put it to air late at night, causing "Prisoner" to become one of the most video recorded programmes on UK television, second only to Thomas The Tank Engine! With a predominately female cast it took character actors out of cameo roles and gave them the leads.

Most memorable and popular original characters being: Gestapo style prison Officer, Vera (Vinegar Tits) Bennett played by Fiona Spence; Oldest most loveable inmate of them all Lizzie Birdsworth played by the late Sheila Florance; Toughest murderess with a heart of gold (you're ever likely to meet), Bea Smith, Cell Block H's Top Dog, played by Val Lehman.
However there was glamour too. Peta Toppano playing the abused wife Karen Travers who's Psycho style finally had enough and knifed her husband in the shower. A very young Kerry Armstrong took the screen, as a nanny falsely accused of burying her young charge alive, whilst sex kitten Maryln Mason played by Margaret Laurence seduced the electrician in the ceiling.

Many of the cast members from the first episode, along with other special guests including: Sigrid Thornton (Ros Coulson), Collette Mann (Doreen Burns), Jane Clifton (Margo Gaffney), Amanda Muggleton (Chrissie Latham), Betty Bobbitt (Judy Bryant), Fiona Spence (Officer Vera Bennet) will be attending a 30th Anniversary Event to reunite, and celebrate the phenomenal worldwide success of Prisoner.

This gourmet BBQ mounted by Val Lehman, and Captive Audience Events will also be open to a strictly restricted number of fans. To be held Sunday February 22nd 2009 at the original home of Prisoner, Global Studios Nunawading Victoria, it will include food and drink, a memorabilia auction, fabulous door prizes and the chance to meet and mingle with the stars of one of Australia's most successful Television series.

Funds from the auction, and raised from autograph and photo sales will go to Val Lehman's chosen charity, 'Positive Women' an association that deals with the problems of women who are HIV Aids positive.

If you missed all the fun that is and was Prisoner, there's no excuse; Shock recently released all 692 Episodes on DVD!

For more info / ticket info, please visit - www.val-lehman.com

VAL LEHMAN ("Bea Smith") is available for media interviews.

[Above] Actor VAL LEHMAN played "Bea Smith"

[Above] Actor AMANDA MUGGLETON played "Chrissie Latham"

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