Kirsty Sturgess talks about working alongside veteran actors for Ten’s new thriller ‘North Shore’

Competition from streaming platforms has seen a resurgence in Aussie drama enticing expats like Kirsty Sturgess to return from overseas to star in shows like Ten’s new thriller North Shore.

Kirsty Sturgess is one of the 10 Australian faces to watch this year. Picture: Supplied

For decades, Australian actors have trod a well-worn path overseas, seeking success with limited local opportunities. But it appears the tide is turning.

Just as Covid opened the floodgates for international interest in local filming, it brought a heap of ex-pats home.

The pandemic saw Kirsty Sturgess return after studying in the UK, but it’s the exciting prospects which are now keeping her here.

Sturgess plays homicide Detective Meg Driscoll in Network Ten’s new drama North Shore. Picture: Supplied

“When it was just television, there was a limited number of timeslots and so a limited number of productions,’ she said.

“Now we’re at this really exciting time where so much has been commissioned (because of streaming), which means so many more opportunities for actors, so many stories can be told.

“This is a really exciting time for Australia to really find its own because we’ve got so much to offer across the board when it comes to TV and film.

“Hopefully, we’re really smart with it and really run with it. And then people will want to stay and keep investing in our industry.”

Named of one of our Aussie actors 10 Faces to Watch this year, Sturgess is currently starring as homicide Detective Meg Driscoll in 10’s crime thriller North Shore.

It’s her first major role and it’s been a masterclass alongside a plethora of big local names including Rob Carlton, Matt Passmore, and Rhys Muldoon.

Kirsty Sturgess is excited for Australia’s film and television industry. Picture: Tony Kalajzich

Rhys Muldoon plays Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Newell. Picture: Daniel Asher Smith

There are also Brit acting legends – Game Of Thrones’ John Bradley and Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt, a Golden Globe winner.

Sturgess couldn’t believe it when she was offered the role of the uptight Detective, who keeps her cards close to her chest.

“Somebody pinch me. Is this real life? All the high hopes, close calls and heartbreaks have lead to the stars aligning for this opportunity and for them all I am grateful,” Sturgess posted at the time, and adds “It’s a dream come true.

“Honestly, I love the Brits. I chose to study in the UK for a reason. I just love the quality of work.

“So for my first big show to be with such amazing British actors – I just, I laughed, to be honest.

“They were very, very kind, generous actors. I just felt very, very fortunate to get the chance to work with them.”

Joanne Froggatt with Kristy Sturgess (left) and John Bradley in a promotional image for Channel 10’s North Shore. Picture: Ten

There is an element of impostor syndrome for Sturgess, who could have been a doctor, studying medical science at uni before she “skipped out of doing her final exam” convincing her best friend to move to New York with her.

“I’m still like ‘am I really qualified to be doing all of this?’,” Sturgess said, despite graduating from London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

“At the same time, once you’re on set and you get into a groove, it’s almost like being back at drama school, making really exciting, fun work that you just love doing.

“It just happens to be on a scale where a lot more people are going to see what you did.”

North Shore, Wednesday, 8.40pm, Ten