By Derek Schlennstedt
Homegrown Healesville talent Senie Priti was a recent addition on the TV finale of the ABC’s Dr Blake Mysteries.
The daughter of local restaurateur, Antar Firak of The Bodhi Tree Cafe, recently appeared in the ABC telemovie, alongside veteran Aussie actors Craig McLachlan, Nadine Garner and John Woods.
In the dramatic season 5 finale to the hit TV show, Senie played Peggy Allen, a vengeful character who has been scorned by a man she once loved.
“I played Peggy Allen, she was a family friend of the Tynemans, John Wood being the patriarch of the Tynemans,” Senie said.
“My character and Edward Tyneman were once betrothed to each other, and the idea is one day they’ll grow up and get married, but that doesn’t go to plan, and he’s not very kind to her.”
“A lot of her storyline is dealing with the repercussions of that … It was a great experience playing Peggy, there’s a depth and complexity to her story.”
Senie has also worked on a number of award-winning short films, including Daughter (2016), starring alongside Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why).
Though this was Senie’s first time featuring in a TV show, she said it was extremely interesting to see what occured behind the camera.
“Super fun, so much fun, it’s quite fast-paced because you don’t have much time to do everything, you have to be there and get it right, right away, it’s exciting, fun and fast paced,” Senie said of her time on the show.
“The cast and crew were an absolute delight to work with.”
The much-loved period crime show The Doctor Blake Mysteries on the ABC came to a close in September, though those who missed the finale ‘family portrait’ can watch the show and Senie’s portrayal of Peggy on ABC iView.