Susie Porter, known for playing gritty characters in her acting career of nearly three decades, has taken on a new role as Chief Inspector Sarah Craven in Paramount+’s No Escape. The Australian actress expressed her excitement about portraying a strong female protagonist in the series, highlighting the hard work and perseverance required for women to achieve equality in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Porter, who has previously played criminals in productions like Wentworth Prison and Irreverent, appreciates the opportunity to showcase the strength and resilience of female characters. In an interview on Mediaweek and Chattr’s The Entertainment Hotline podcast, she emphasized her interest in exploring the experiences of women who have fought for their place in a male-dominated world.
No Escape is a seven-part series adapted from the novel The Blue by Lucy Clarke. It follows the story of best friends Kitty and Lana, who escape their lives in the UK and set sail to South East Asia on a yacht named The Blue. When the yacht is discovered adrift in Queensland waters with no one on board, Chief Inspector Craven is assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance.
While preparing for her role, Porter was advised not to read the novel, as the adaptation had made significant changes. When asked about the modifications made to stories for the screen, she expressed a preference for whatever serves the story best and makes it more interesting and exciting for the audience. Sometimes artistic and creative liberties need to be taken to enhance the viewing experience.
One notable change in the series was the recreation of the stunning Philippines backdrop in Thailand. Despite being set in Australia and originally intended for Thailand, the location confusion during filming provided a unique challenge for the cast and crew. However, Porter took it in stride and shared a lighthearted acknowledgment of the situation.
To prepare for her role as Chief Inspector Craven, Porter delved into studying real-life detectives such as Gary Jubelin, Australia’s renowned homicide detective. By reading Jubelin’s book, Porter gained insights into practical interviewing techniques and a deeper understanding of the demanding nature of police work.
Working alongside talented up-and-coming actors, Porter found herself learning from her younger co-stars. She specifically mentioned Abigail Laurie, who plays Lana in the series, as someone from whom she gained valuable insights. Porter believes that age and experience are not barriers to learning, emphasizing the importance of mutual exchange and organic talent.
No Escape is now available for streaming on Paramount+. With intriguing murder mysteries, flashbacks, and a strong female lead, the series promises to captivate audiences. Susie Porter’s portrayal of Chief Inspector Sarah Craven adds depth and complexity to the character, making her a compelling protagonist to follow.
Listen to the full interview with Susie Porter on The Entertainment Hotline Podcast to dive deeper into her experiences and insights.
