The Cast

Ben Watson
Ben hails from the far corner of the earth from a little place called Gisborne in New Zealand. After travelling for two years Ben knows all to well the trials and tribulations of backpacking round the world. Having made a daring escape from the trap of London life, he has been living in Edinburgh for about eight months. His past shows in New Zealand include Crazy for you, Les Miserables, A Slice of Saturday Night and Stags and Hens. Ben was thrilled to be cast as Trevor in The Good, the Bad and the Lonely and can’t wait to take part in the Fringe Festival for the first time.

Belinda Bretton
Belinda graduated from Otago University, New Zealand in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre Studies and Classics. At 23 she has been in numerous productions at Allen Hall Theatre in Dunedin, has appeared in the Wellington Fringe and has guest starred in Cloud 9’s production of Revelations. She currently lives in Edinburgh but has plans to travel further before returning home to NZ to pursue her passion for acting in early 2005. Belinda is very excited at being a part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2004, and who knows, now that she’s a company member of Living Stone Media perhaps she’ll be back again next year for more.

Justin Gould
Having been brought up in both England and New Zealand and now living in Scotland Justin considers himself somewhat of a Euro Kiwi and is often affectionately referred to as the one with the retarded accent. Justin has acted and directed in various non- professional and professional productions for both stage and small screen. Shows have included Oliver, Me and My Girl and The Crucible. Justin is also a founding member of Nottinghams successful Comic Improvisation troupe Mission Improbable.

Richard Ellis
Richard has participated in a diverse range of productions during his school and university career, including playing Schroeder in a musical version of the Peanuts comics, a chronic masturbator in Love Puke and a disembodied head in Cabinet of Mirrors. He studied Theatre and Film studies at The University of New South Wales before being lured into the hospitality industry by the promise of a regular paycheck and the opportunity to travel. Edinburgh has been home since October last year and when not acting he keeps the backpacker community well fed in his role as a pub chef. This is the second year he has promised his mum he'll be home for Christmas.

Kate Franklin
Although the majority of Kate’s theatrical experience has been during High School and University, drama remains to be an aspect of her life that she would like to progress. With a constant appreciation whilst travelling that life should be more about spending time doing the things you love, backpacking and living abroad has provided the stimulus and opportunity to re-ignite this pursuit.

Kate is eager to explore the uncanny and genuine reality of The Good, the Bad and The Lonely! And...when a few more pennies accumulate in her bank account, she’ll be off in search again of her ‘Danny’; so far he has somehow managed to elude her.

Dana Gishen
Dana Gishen graduated with a Bachelor of Dance from Victorian College of the Arts in 2002. Not satisfied with what Melbourne had to offer she decided to spread her wings and explore her options in Europe. Little did she realize the strength of allure these foreign exotic places would hold in store for her and it is with much surprise she finds nearly two years has passed, she lives in Edinburgh has friends she considers family from all over the world, and now has reclaimed her passion and talent for the stage. Dana is thrilled to explore the realm of the actor through her involvement with Living Stone Media in this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe production of The Good, The Bad and the Lonely.

Catherine Healy
Catherine, Melbourne born and bred, loves theatre! She has studied drama and theatre studies and performed in a number of productions over the years, including productions with University of Melbourne Student Union Theatre, Monash University and St Martins Youth Theatre Company. For the last two years she has managed to avoid doing anything remotely creative by backpacking her way across Europe in between stints of uninspiring employment in Edinburgh. She is thrilled to be involved in Living Stone Media’s debut production at this year’s festival.

Jordan Pakes
Jordan grew up in Melbourne, Australia, but since traveling has seen the likes of ‘base camp’ Mt Everest, Brandenberg Gate, Berlin to the sunny beaches of Greece. He initially came overseas to follow the love of his life a year and a half ago, but inevitably they were both drawn by the charm and charisma of Edinburgh and have settled here indefinitely. Jordan is making his International debut at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With a breakthrough performance, expect to see (or hear…) the likes of him in years to come.

Rebecca Barnes
Rebecca grew up in rural Australia in a small town called Armidale. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Business from QUT Brisbane, Rebecca decided to chase the summer and relocate to sunny Scotland. Since arriving in March, although missing the sun, she has fallen in love with the city of Edinburgh. Barnesy is very excited about being involved with Living Stone Media and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, she can be found in major cities around Europe searching for that perfect handbag.