News Story
Ryan Moloney has been a central figure in the hit soap Neighbours for nearly 30 years. He’s joining us in Worthing with Toad on the Road to talk all things Toadie. After three decades on Ramsay Street he’s got a story or two to share. We heard from Ryan ahead of his show.
How excited are you to get back on the road again to meet the fans?
I’m so excited to be heading around the UK and meeting fans and hearing what they think about the show, and the Reboot and Toadie’s journey. A lot of what they’re saying matches up with what I’ve written within the show. There is going be something in for everyone in this show, plus more!
What made you want to head out on a tour of your own?
I want people to know just what exactly goes into making shows like these, all the mechanics, the thoughts and feelings behind it all. Viewers see the end product but there’s a lot that happens that they don’t know about so I want to take them on that ride and show them
What can people expect from the tour, and what are you looking forward to talking about that you didn’t get the chance to discuss while on the Celebration Tour?
The celebration tour was fairly surface level look at neighbours and the interactions between cast and storylines and viewers. My show is an in-depth dive into the world of film and television, of performing, and of Me. Toadie has had some of the biggest storylines neighbours has ever done and within that there are stories you’ve never heard and I’d like to share some of those stories.
How have you found playing Toadie since the show came back given all the changes in his life?
I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to tell a mental health storyline. I think for Toadies final story after 30 years of being on Neighbours, it’s only right that all of the trauma that has gone on in his life for the past 30 years catches up with him. These issues exist within our communities and our families and then not always shown, or very rarely shown.
Does there feel like a new energy on set since the return, and does it feel different in any way?
Absolutely it’s a very different show to make in itself. The production values have increased the stories have raised in intensity and everyone is bringing their “A” game. It’s very much a different product.
Are you enjoying getting to see more of the UK, and is there anything you would like to do on this tour should you get any downtime?
I’m loving it so far, I’m used to coming to the UK when it is freezing cold and dark and wet so the fact that I can wear shorts I’m pretty happy. In terms of seeing things, some historic buildings, some pretty countryside and the odd beer garden is all I need.
How do you begin trying to cram everything Toadie has done into a two hour show? Have you found yourself discovering storylines that you had completely forgotten about?
Writing the show has given me a chance to look back at the past 30 years and actually remember most of it. It’s been a pretty cool experience but you’re right, there is a lot to cram in! In all honesty, I think I’ve could’ve written about five shows but the one that we have produced, I’m pretty proud of.
How does it feel to interact with the fans of the show and to see how passionate they are about it?
I love meeting the fans and hearing what they think and feel. Performing is all about connecting to an audience so when you get the opportunity to see whether or not you’re work is actually doing that, I love hearing about it.