Foreign Exchange (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television drama series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | John Rapsey (concept developer) |
Area served | Australia, Ireland |
| Products | Television drama series |
| Parent | Southern Star, RTÉ |
Foreign Exchange is a television drama produced by Southern Star in collaboration with Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann). It was broadcast on the Nine Network from 5 November until 27 December 2004. The series comprises 26 episodes and features Lynn Styles portraying Hannah O'Flaherty, an Irish teenager, alongside Zachary Garred as Brett Miller, an Australian youth, both linked by a mysterious dimensional gateway. The concept was developed by Australian writer John Rapsey, with direction by Annie Murtagh-Monks and Gillian Reynolos.
Synopsis
The storyline of Foreign Exchange unfolds across two key settings: Galway, Ireland, and Perth, Western Australia. Brett Miller’s family operates a restaurant under which they discover a stone that serves as a portal to the basement of O'Keeffe's College, an Irish boarding school (the filming location being Castlehackett House near Tuam, County Galway). Through this portal, Brett encounters Hannah O'Flaherty, who learns she can use a similar stone to travel between Ireland’s winter and Australia’s summer seasons. The plot primarily follows these two characters as the exclusive users of the portal, apart from Cormac MacNamara, who later uncovers its existence during the season.
Characters
- Brett Miller (Zachary Garred): An Australian surfer who stumbles upon a portal in the basement of O'Keeffe's College in Ireland. He forms a close friendship with Hannah and maintains the portal’s secrecy. Brett resides with his mother Jackie, stepfather Craig, stepsiblings Wayne and Meredith, and holds a position assisting the janitor while in Ireland. Although initially drawn to Tara, he eventually acknowledges his deeper affection for Hannah.
- Hannah O'Flaherty (Lynn Styles): A student at O'Keeffe's College from Ireland and Brett’s trusted friend. She shares her boarding accommodations with Tara and is recognized for her intellect and friendship with Cormac, the school’s leading inventor. The school director, Miss Murphy, grows suspicious of Hannah’s frequent trips to Australia. She has close connections to Brett’s family and is regarded as a surfer by Australians.
- Cormac MacNamara (Robert Sheehan): A highly talented pupil at O'Keeffe's College known for his inventive skills and strong friendship with Hannah.
- Tara Keegan (Danielle Fox-Clarke): Hannah’s fashionable roommate who remains unaware of the portal’s existence. Focused on social status, shopping, and gossip, Tara dates Martin Staunton and initially attracts Brett’s interest.
- Martin Staunton (Dan Colley): The son of O'Keeffe's College’s vice-director and Tara’s boyfriend; he comes from an affluent background.
- Meredith Payne (Chelsea Jones): Craig’s daughter, Brett’s stepsister, and Wayne’s sister. She is intelligent, kind-hearted, and supportive of Brett and Hannah’s relationship.
- Wayne Payne (Joel Turner): Brett’s stepbrother who frequently bullies him.
- Jackie Miller-Payne (Kirsty Hillhouse): Mother to Brett and proprietor of the family restaurant; stepmother to Meredith and Wayne.
- Craig Payne (Greg McNeill): Husband to Jackie and father to Wayne and Meredith; acts as stepfather to Brett; aims to maintain family harmony.
- Seamus McCracken (Peter Dineen): Janitor and caretaker at O'Keeffe's College; serves as Brett’s supervisor.
- Eilish Murphy (Barbara Griffin): Director of O'Keeffe's College who suspects that Brett and Hannah are concealing something significant.