Beth Allen

What are some of your favourite things about summer?
Swimming in the ocean; glasses of rose' in the sun; seafood; long dusky evenings; reading entire books in one sitting.

Can you tell us about one of your stand-out summer memories?
Standing on the sand dunes overlooking the beach at sunrise at Whangapoua on January 1st, 2000.
Stripping down to our undies, about to take off the rest for a new-millennium skinny-dip...and looking down the beach and realising that several hundred other holiday-makers were also all up at 6am to see the sunrise. Undies stayed on, swim still had, as the storm rolled out. Awesome.

Any advice for getting ready for summer?
Smile. We all do so much more of it as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer and everyone seems so much more beautiful and happy.

source

Shortland Street actress Beth Allen is swapping nursing scenes for nude scenes on the stage in a black comedy opening in Auckland.

The 25-year-old, who plays GP sex siren Brooke Freeman in the Kiwi soap, is to bare all in Killing Joe, starring alongside real-life love interest Charlie McDermott. At first Allen, who on screen has bedded many of Shortland Street's leading men, thought she could act her way out of getting undressed.

"I just thought `oh no, I'll just find a way to get around that,' but as we've worked though it, it has become obvious I don't need to find a way through it because the script is good enough and protects you enough that you don't need to worry about it ... it's not going to look gratuitous," she said."It is confronting. I wouldn't do it unless it was really necessary. Most people probably say that, but the piece kind of requires it. It's essential to the character's development and it saves having to write 15 pages of explanation really."

But it's clear from Allen's nervous grin she's apprehensive about three weeks of nude scenes. "I'm completely nude. Not quite full frontal... you're not going to see everything," she said. "It's taken me quite a while to get to the point of being fine with it."

Like every actress, Allen knew that sooner or later a script would force her to decide whether she was prepared to disrobe for a role."I totally accept whatever any actress decides to do," she said. "You see it on the screen all the time, women have obviously said, `No, I'm not going to have a bare chest,' then Anna Paquin is in True Blood getting her tits out and you think `good on ya, girl'."

"Killer Joe", which opens on Friday, tells the story of a Texan trailer park family who try to solve a cash crisis by hiring a bent cop to kill their mother so they can collect her life insurance.

"I think there's lots to like about it. There are lots of exciting things going on, on stage. It's really funny and it's really black as well ... it might make you squirm quite a bit."

Allen plays Dottie, a shy and dreamy young girl who has a somewhat "inappropriate" relationship with her brother Chris, played by McDermott. Colin Moy, who starred as Dr Brett Valentine in Shortland Street, plays the hired assassin.

"It's part of the killer ingratiating himself in the family. He gets involved with Dottie so there's a scene between him and her where he kind of takes control of the situation, not in a forceful way.

"It's just nudity, the sexual stuff lies underneath. But the nudity is drawn out." The play, written by Pulitzer prize and Tony award-winning writer Tracy Letts, also stars Outrageous Fortune bad boy Craig Hall (Nicky Greegan) and Sara Wiseman who was in Xena and Street Legal. Despite Killing Joe's publicists making a point of mentioning Allen's relationship with McDermott, 26, it's not up for discussion. "I'd rather not have this. Charlie and I come into it really. It's really great to work with him but we're keeping our relationship separate to the play," Allen said.

Due to her Shortland Street schedule it's "hard to squeeze in" more than one play a year. Last year she produced and starred in the sell-out season of The Eight: Reindeer Monologues. She hopes to do the same with Christ Almighty.

"I love going to the theatre and as an actor it tends to be the thing you do for your craft and your satisfaction ... you definitely don't do it for the money," she said.

By Steve Hopkins, Sunday News

It's time to put a stop to animal cruelty! Paw Justice has launched in New Zealand, and they have several Shortland Street stars on board to help out.

Paw Justice is a non-profit organisation that represents pet owners and animal lovers who want to put a stop to animal abuse, by increasing the sentence that people receive for committing acts of violence against pets.  

Faye Smythe (Tania Jeffries), Beth Allen (Brooke Freeman), Ido Drent (Daniel Potts) and Anna Jullienne (Maia Jeffries) are just a few members of the Shortland Street cast who are supporting this campaign, encouraging one million New Zealander's to sign a petition.

"I've always resented people who get pets and don't look after them properly," says Faye Smythe. "So I'm glad I can finally be a part of something to try to put an end to such unnecessary negligence and cruelty."
Paw Justice want to send a very clear message. If you hurt an animal - you will go to prison.

"You go to jail if you hurt another human being, so there's no reason why you shouldn't go to jail for hurting an animal," says Smythe. "People who hurt and neglect animals are cowards. I don't know how anyone can look at themselves without feeling weak and pathetic for making the conscious effort to the cruel to an animal."
It will also strongly discourage offenders who may commit these crimes, not to do so, or to think twice about committing an act of cruelty against an animal. Ultimately, the organizers hope that this will help stop animals being mistreated, tortured or violently killed.

"The SPCA cannot be a catch-up for all of New Zealand's animals. They should be tending to animals, not being forced to use their limited resources on trying to bring those who commit violence to animals to justice," says Beth Allen. "At present, our legal system doesn't take such acts seriously."
"I have two kittens from the SPCA. The thought of doing anything to intentionally hurt them upsets me greatly," continues Allen. "Those who do must be viewed as serious offenders by on our justice system. "

source

Five sets of fabulous female friends tell Nicky Dewe about the great mates they wouldn’t be without. Outrageous Fortune star Antonia Prebble and Shortland Street actress Beth Allen became buddies at the age of 14, when they were both cast in the futuristic teenage TV drama series The Tribe.

Beth: I grew up in Auckland while Toni was raised in Wellington but we’ve always made a big effort to see each other.

Antonia: We’re both Geminis, which means we’re contrary and can’t make decisions, but Beth’s more assertive than I am. I’m quite sensitive and Beth’s a bit more robust. She’s also more sensible. I’m trying to buy a house at the moment and I get Beth to come too because I’ll walk in and go, “Oh, my God, the vibe’s amazing.” Then Beth will say, “There’s no storage and the floor’s on an angle.” She provides really good balance in my life.

Beth: I get more stroppy about things and Antonia will say to me, “Well, you know, you could try looking at it from another point of view.” I think we both sometimes over-analyse things, but we always help to bring each other back down to earth. We make each other feel a little less crazy. I struggled for a while in my early twenties, when

I was doing less interesting jobs and not much acting, and Antonia would tell me, “It will definitely happen for you.” She never questioned it. That was tremendously comforting.

Antonia: And I wasn’t just saying that. I knew it. It’s easier from the outside looking in, because you can see when someone’s gifted. Beth is very insightful and incredibly loyal. Her love for me is utterly reliable. She makes a real effort to maintain friendships. Plus she’s got a great sense of humour – and an excellent collection of dirty jokes!

Scrubbing down an enormous elephant isn't your every-day activity, but it was all part of the job for several Shortland Street actors recently.
Relishing the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these two gentle giants, this was definitely an experience to remember!

As part of the Auckland Zoo's'Adopt an Animal' programme, Shortland Street has chosen to support their two beautiful Asian elephants.

Weighing over three tones, the elephants towered over Beth Allen, Amanda Billing, Ido Drent and Kimberley Crossman - but they quickly learnt that there is more than meets the eye with these gigantic creatures. 

Kashin and Burma are good friends, but they have very different personalities and it wasn't long until these individual traits began shining through.
"It was hilarious! Kashin was happy to lie there being washed by everyone (and being fed), while Burma was a bit more impatient," says Beth. "She kept trying to wander away and attempting to bribe me for more bananas."
Offering numerous behind-the-scene tours, the Auckland Zoo gives people the opportunity to have an intimate experience, with some amazing animals, without having to travel across the world.
"The experience for me was one I will always remember," says Kimberley. "Being able to get so close to the elephants, and to learn so much about them was really unbelievable." 
"I would highly recommend a Zoom Encounter to anyone," agrees Beth. "I felt absolutely elated, with a huge amount of respect and admiration for these beautiful animals and the dedicated team who take care of them."

source

It's as Kiwi as hokey pokey and jandals, and Plunket has played a bigger role in  Beth Allen's life than it has in most people's.

The 25-year-old, who plays Brooke Freeman on the popular TV2 soap Shortland Street, is the great-great niece of Sir Frederick Truby King. The Dunedin man founded the children's welfare society in 1907, and this year Plunket celebrates 102 years of providing support to newborns and their families.Having an integral part of New Zealand history in her heritage is something the star is extremely proud of and it has prompted her to delve into her family's past to learn more about her famous relative.

‘I've discovered he did a lot of work with psychiatric patients, brightening up their environments in the belief that a sound body and healthy surroundings made for a sound mind,' Beth says. 'As a result of working in the garden and with animals, he then developed a ground-breaking formula for humanised cows' milk.

He and his wife [Lady Isabella King] were unable to have kids of their own, so they adopted a little girl called Mary,' Beth explains. ‘She was really sickly, which led to Truby creating this instant formula.

Soon after, he set up the first Karitane nurse and taught the local mothers how to mix the formula so they could feed their babies. Essentially, 12 years later, the formula had halved the infant mortality rate in New Zealand.'

Dedicated to children

Beth laughs when she talks about the type of bloke Frederick was.‘He was eccentric, forgetful and disorganised,' she says. ‘But extremely dedicated. I found out that he decided that lactose was better to put into his formula, and because the local grocers had a monopoly on it, he imported about a tonne. He paid for a nurse to be trained, and for her salary. It was all out of his own pocket.'

Despite being reviled by the feminist movement for insisting women should stay at home with their babies, and for enforcing strict schedules, Beth says his research was pivotal for the children of the time.Frederick tested his theories on his own nieces and nephews, including Beth's grandfather.

‘He told my great grandmother she had to feed the baby every four hours and then put him to sleep. One time he just wouldn't stop screaming and she wanted to go in and comfort him but Truby said, "No, you have to stick to the schedule, just leave him." After about 15 minutes of this, she went in to check on him and discovered she'd actually stuck a pin in him when changing his nappy!'

While Frederick's legacy lives on in the Plunket Society, many of his original teachings don't. It's something Beth says is a reflection of the times.

‘I think it's great how much it's evolved in the hundred years since it started. Theories about childbearing do change.'

She doesn't have children of her own, but Beth shares a close bond with her eight-month-old niece Olive, and says her brother Oscar and sister-in-law Kim are involved with their local Plunket.

‘Olive belongs to the same one I used to go to,' she says.

‘I've had no direct experience with Plunket but I know there's so much information out there for mums, from support groups to the internet. From what I can gather, many of them come back to Plunket for the basic things and use it as a great way to meet other mums,' Beth adds.

‘It undoubtedly still plays an important role in the lives of New Zealand babies.'

By Sarah Mason

source

source

Brooke Freeman (Beth Allen) desperately tries to cover her tracks this week on Shortland Street when she makes a dire mistake with a patient. An anxious Brooke does her best to right her wrongs, but will it be enough? When Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing) confronts Brooke about an unstable patient named Barry Knox, Brooke is quietly unsettled to realise her own negligence is to blame. Sarah believes that Barry is suffering from serotonin syndrome, a direct result of incorrect drug prescriptions. "Brooke is surprised and embarrassed to learn that she has made such an oversight," says actress Beth Allen.

"She's been focusing so much on managing the PCC (Primary Care Clinic) that her standard of care and precision has slipped." Soon after, Brooke receives a phone call from the ambulance run about her distressed patient Barry, whose condition has deteriorated. Knowing she must tie up her loose ends, Brooke swiftly makes her way to the scene. "Brooke cares about her patient of course, but most of all she cares about her career," explains Beth Allen. "Wanting to keep the fact that she is responsible for Barry's issue quiet, Brooke knows she must do damage control, and quickly!" Things turn from bad to worse though, when paranoid Barry pulls Brooke into his apartment and locks the door. "

At this point Brooke comprehends the magnitude of her error," says Beth Allen. "Looking around Barry's apartment and seeing him in his delirious state really hits home." Moments later, Barry does something drastic that Brooke is completely unprepared for. Something that will leave both of their lives in jeopardy. A panicked Brooke does her best to comfort Barry, and confesses to him that his suffering is a direct result of her mistake which can be reversed quickly. But perhaps this acknowledgement has come too late?

Does this spell the end of Dr Brooke Freeman's career at Shortland Street?

source

Beth Allen gives some tips.

- I get into a good exercise routine - trying to get into one when it's cold is near impossible for me. I like my warm bed too much!
- Stock up on fish oil to keep me feeling bright during the grey days.
- Dig out the winter recipes and slow-cooker from the cupboard
- Sadly put my summer clothes in storage.

Dr Brooke Freeman (Beth Allen) is forced to consider an unlikely ally on Shortland Street this week. After a dark turn of events in which former lover Ethan Pierce (Owen Black) was murdered, Brooke has been burdened by the glare  of the police spotlight as one of their key suspects. Despite vehemently denying any involvement, Brooke has been targeted as possible killer. "Brooke has her suspicions of who shot Ethan," Says actor Beth Allen. "But unfortunately for Brooke, all the evidence seems to be pointing in her direction.

"The only hope for Brooke at this stage is to get a good lawyer, but that's going to cost her more moeny than she has available." But just when things are looking bleaker than ever for the fallen doctor, a face from the past shows up to give support. "Brooke is left shock when her father turns up to see her," says Beth. "They've been estranged for years and Brooke's pride and unresolved feelings of betrayal have always kept her from getting in touch.
"Now that he's back he seems to want to help, but Brooke can't help and think that he's up to his old tricks and can't be trusted. He's let her down once, after all."

With a twisted history of embezzlement and scandal, it would be fair to assume that Grant Marsden (Alan Lovell) May have an ulterior motive for his return to Ferndale. So the big question remains, will Brooke accept Daddy's metaphorical olive branch or will her pride mean he will continue to be kept at arm's length?

Brooke manages to form some unlikely alliances that may just be her saving grace.As more and more of incriminating evidence seems to point in her direction, Brooke turns to I.V. owner, Kieran Mitchell (Adam Rickitt) for advice and comfort.

Having had his own experience with murder enquiries, and filled with more than a little guilt over this situation, Kieran does his best to aid Brooke through these terrifying times."Kieran feels bad for Brooke and is willing to go out of his way to offer support and a well needed friend," says Rickitt. "Accustomed to being in sticky situations and dealing with his problems alone, Kieran can relate to Brooke's predicament".Much to Brooke's astonishment, her second improbable ally, is her father, whom she has been estranged from for many years.

"For most of Brooke's upbringing she was a modern day princess," says actor Beth Allen. "However, this all came crashing down when her father declared bankruptcy - and accused of insider trading, he skipped the country to avoid charges."Overwhelmed to see her Dad for the first time in years, Brooke is determined not to get too close. But Grant Marsden may have the resources to help her out of her current dilemma. "After all these years, her father seems to have recovered his financial wealth," says Allen. "And what Brooke needs right now is someone who can cough up some cold, hard cash so that she can hire a good lawyer."

But why has Grant Marsden returned after all these years? Is it to help out his darling daughter in her time of need? Or does he have an ulterior motive for appearing on her doorstep?"There isn't a lot of trust where her father is concerned," says Allen. "So Brooke is pretty sure that there must be something in it for him if he is offering to help. The only problem is, she isn't really in a position to turn down offers of support these days."

NZ Tv Guide Feb 7-13

Power Rangers, Xena heroes, Outrageous Westies and Shortland Street sirens are uniting in a star-studded Christmas cracker of a play.

Fleur Saville, Anna Jullienne, Dean O'Gorman and Michael Hurst are among the stars of stage and screen taking part in dark comedy The Eight: Reindeer Monologues.

The idea of uniting New Zealand's best actors in one festive package of fun came from Beth Allen, actor Charlie McDermott and producer John Moffett who are putting the show together.

"We just had a big brainstorming session and went through our cellphone lists and thought about who would be around," said Beth,
"I talked to a whole bunch of people at Shortie and we just basically chucked all these people in together. It's actually a lot of fun.
We've got this big colour-coded spreadsheet and we try to organise it around everyone's schedule.
It's not as dramatic as I thought it was going to be, although it has at some points been a colourful mess!"

The opposite of a pantomime, the play is aimed at adults only and explores what happens when one of Santa's eight reindeer accuses him of sexual harassment.
Far from Rudolph's only problem being his red nose, the show relates the trials and tribulations of working with Father Christmas, who one character describes as "a walking, talking, holly-jolly sex crime waiting to happen".

Performed at The Basement Theatre in Auckland over 14 nights, each show involves a cast of eight, so the 40 actors involved rotate the parts meaning audiences never quite know who they're going to see on stage.

"If you're a theatre-goer in Auckland you'll recognise a lot of people," said Beth, who along with boyfriend and co-producer Charlie is also acting in the show.
If not, you'll recognise a few familiar faces each time you go along. Each set of actors will lend their own slant to it. It's just a bit different from the usual Christmas fare.
It might even come at a good time because the economy's a bit dire and maybe it'll reflect the slightly darker edge to everyone's mood at the moment!" she added.

source

The ambitious Brooke Freeman (Beth Allen) continues her plans to become the new lady of the Warner house. As well as being a capable Doctor, Brooke is quickly revealing herself to be a talented manipulator when it comes to getting what she wants. 

"Brooke has always had a way with the opposite sex," says Allen. "She has that icy superior appeal which piques the interest of even the most unattainable men.
"Trying to win over a child is a new ball game all together. Harry Warner isn't susceptible to Brooke's usual charm - as far as he's concerned she's a threat to the affections of his father." 

After unsuccessfully trying to get Harry on side with a series of bribes, Brooke decides that a divide and conquer approach is the only way forward. 
"Brooke wants Chris to believe that Harry is a problem child," explains Allen. "All the while affirming that she has his best interests at heart. Little does Chris know - the only interests Brooke has are those that directly benefit her."
When it comes to playing a conniving vixen, Beth Allen is revelling in the challenge.

"As an actor having an opportunity to play a character who is so far removed from your own personality is wonderful," she says. "Apart from a shared love of shoes and clothes everything about Brooke and me is different - especially the hair style!"
With naturally curly hair, Beth spends over an hour getting transformed in to her femme fatale alter-ego.  

While Brooke's not busy plotting revenge on little Harry Warner, Beth Allen is filling in every spare moment working on another drama project - The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, which will be performed at the Basement Theatre in December. 
"This is my pet project," explains Allen. "While I adore acting on Shortland Street helping produce and perform in a play is something extra to keep the brain ticking over. The Reindeer Monologues is a complex and witty play about sex, lies and Santa.
"I'm committing all my spare time into making it happen, it's challenging but I love it. I will be well ready for a holiday come the end of the year, that's for sure!"

source

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues is coarse, witty, vulgar and crude and therefore intended for mature audiences only.
Sex. Lies. Santa.

We've got six double passes up for grabs to see The Eight: Reindeer Monologues in Auckland. PLEASE NOTE: The Eight: Reindeer Monologues is intended for mature audiences only.

To enter this competition CLICK RIGHT HERE.
The Eight: Reindeer Monologues is a dark, dark Christmas comedy. Scandal erupts at the North Pole when one of Santa's eight tiny reindeer accuses him of sexual harassment.
Written by Jeff Goode and a sell-out success around the world, The Eight: Reindeer Monologues is not the usual sugar-coated Christmas fare.

Instead, audiences are invited to The Basement for some in-your-face seasonal merriment as this dark Christmas comedy sheds new light on Santa and his eight reindeer.
Scandal in the North Pole erupts as one of Santa's eight reindeer accuses him of decidedly un-Christmas like behaviour. Forget happy elves and cute smiling reindeer; think instead of Dasher as a rugby jock; Cupid as a gay toy boy and Vixen as a doe with a tale to tell.
You won't know who you are going to see perform. And you'll never look at Santa the same way again!

40 actors are involved in the show. On the night of each performance the audience won't know who they are going to see perform; much like a Christmas cracker! But rest assured, there will definitely be a recognizable face on each night!

The actors include stars Beth Allen, Fleur Saville, Bonnie Soper, Anna Jullienne, Harry McNaughton, Nisha Madhan and Sarah Thomson, plus Oliver Driver, Michael Hurst, Sarah Wiseman, Dean O'Gorman, Antonia Prebble, Claire Chitham, Morgana O'Reilly, Charlie McDermott and Shane Bosher.

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues
Thursday 4th to Friday 19th Dec, 8pm
No show Sundays
$30 adults; $20 concessions.
Lower Greys Ave,
Auckland.
www.basementspace.co.nz
Tickets are available at http://iticket.co.nz/ or (09) 361 1000.
source

source: Tribe-cast

Odds are that Beth Allen and the character she plays on Shortland Street, Dr Brooke Freeman, wouldn't be best buddies in real life. For a start they're streets apart style-wise: ultra-fashion-conscious Brooke is usually decked out in clingy silky blouses, high-waisted skirts and high heels; but Beth usually gets around in jeans and a T-shirt. Brooke's hair is painstakingly straightened and her make-up is always at hand; Beth prefers the bare-faced look and lets her natural curls run riot. Brooke watches her calorie intake carefully; but Beth doesn't deny herself sweet treats.

Chatting between bites of chocolate slice at a cafe just down the road from her Grey Lynn, Auckland flat, the down-to-earth 24-year-old looks much younger and prettier minus the heavy make-up. But as she's come straight from the set, she still sports that "Brooke leftover" - straight hair.
Each morning hair and make-up artists slave for an hour and-a-quarter to perfect the Brooke look - and that's before the costume department gets its hands on her.
"Today I was wearing pants on set rather than the usual skirt and I was like, 'Wow, look what I can do with my legs'."

Certainly Shortland Street's latest vixen has been putting those pins to good use. Since she strutted onscreen in July, the enigmatic, eye-catching locum has been doctor-hunting, playing off Chris and Kip while having a secret affair with the equally mysterious Dr Ethan Pierce. Brooke, an intriguing mass of contradictions, is assertive yet vulnerable, kind-hearted yet manipulative, gregarious yet aloof - so while we haven't much warmed to her, we don't hate her yet either.

In real life, Allen sports curly hair, jeans and a hoodie. She's still able to slip under the radar when doing her weekly grocery shop. "It's funny watching myself on screen and realising she's not actually very nice, because I understand her back story and think she's all right, until I see her on TV."

Allen is a born and bred Aucklander, so knows about manipulative, high-maintenance girls of which Brooke is a prime example.

"People like to see things get stirred up a bit and it's part of life isn't it? That classic using her sexuality to get what she wants. Brooke comes across as bad, but she's actually quite messed up. There's an awful lot of stuff in her background that she's running away from and she gets into the wrong situations or has friends who don't serve what she really wants."

Every bad girl, of course, has an excuse for their behaviour, from a horrible childhood to never quite getting over being daddy's girl. But Allen says that's not compulsory.

"I don't think bad girls need to be redeemed. Every character needs to have something that makes them identifiable, but you don't need to be likable. You just need to be able to look at them and believe that can be a real person."

So does Allen enjoy being wholesome, or evil?  "As long as the character's got depth, and they've got that underlying nugget of intention that makes them interesting, then I don't mind being either. But Brooke is in no way settling down anytime soon!"

Recently we've learned that, despite Brooke's pricey clothes, she's certainly not rolling in dosh: she is concealing her tiny, grungy digs from her colleagues. And she has a touch of kleptomania, stealing cutlery and glassware from flash restaurants.
Chris discovered that Brooke changed her surname, because her father is Grant Marsden, a business tycoon who skipped the country after insider-trading accusations. Brooke has never recovered from the humiliation of going from Little Miss Rich to penniless when Daddy lost the lot. More mysteries will be revealed soon.
As a young teen, when Allen had a "huge crush" on Dr Johnny Marinovich (Stelios Yiakmis), the avid Shortland Street fan never imagined she'd one day end up as the resident player, vying for the attentions of "Dr Love". But a part on our stalwart soap was always on the cards for Titirangi-born-and-bred Allen, who at 14 came close to getting the Shortland Street part of Erin Kingston.
Instead, she took on the role of Amber on the international-hit TV show The Tribe.

Post-Tribe came a film-and-history BA at Auckland University and occasional acting parts, including guest roles on TV series Power Rangers, Xena and Outrageous Fortune. "I mainly played models and Power Ranger girlfriends who tended to have the depth of a puddle," says Allen. "Brooke's got a bit more to her, definitely."

Written with Allen in mind, the part appealed partly because of the character's complexity, and partly because of the challenge of playing someone so different to herself. She's starting to get recognised when out and about. "I thought I was going to get away with it with my curly hair but I was in Lynn Mall yesterday and people were looking sideways a little bit, mainly middle-aged men." Suddenly realising how that sounds, she blushes.
Puppydog doctors aside, her character of Brooke has also had to spurn the attentions of lesbian nurse Maia Jeffries, played by former schoolmate Anna Julienne, who used to regularly beat Allen in speech and drama competitions.

"I finally got to get my own back," Allen says. "I'm kidding - we laughed a lot in that scene."
And Allen hopes Brooke will be batting those eyelashes for a while to come. "She has enough depth that she does have room to move as a character, though I still don't know if I'd be her best friend."

Bad girl rating: 7/10 (she's a sneaky little minx, but we're a sucker for a pretty face).

source: NZ Herald

When Beth Allen was cast as Shortland Street's newest sex siren Dr Brooke Freeman, she didn't bargain on having to get up close and personal with some of New Zealand's most adored characters. "When you audition for a role on Shortland Street you are given a good idea of the type of character you may be cast as, but it can change," explains Allen. "I knew that I could end up playing the girl about the office, but I didn't anticipate that I was going to be playing such a vixen! It's hilarious that I'm vying for the affections of Dr Chris Warner. Who would have thought I'd get my chance with Doctor Love?"

At just 24, Beth has an impressive list of credits under her belt including a core cast role as 'Amber' on internationally acclaimed children's series The Tribe, roles on Power Rangers and Outrageous Fortune. Taking on a role in Shortland Street seems like the natural step for this Auckland-born actor.

"Shortland Street is a national icon," says Allen. "It's a show I've always wanted to work on, and when the character of Brooke came along it felt like the right opportunity for me. Brooke is an ideal role in that she is sassy and sophisticated. I've featured in a lot of teenage dramas playing young characters. It's great to be able to play an adult - and not just any adult - a real femme fatale."

This week on air it becomes clear that despite her outward appearance of being cool, calm and collected, there's more to Brooke than meets the eye.

"Cracks in Brooke's exterior start to show," says Allen of her character. "If things aren't going her way, or people start to doubt her, she struggles to maintain her composure. Brooke likes to keep her work and private life very separate. It's only natural though, everyone has their little secrets."

24 July 2008 Source: Throng

 Beth Allen, who plays Brooke, offers us an insight into what it's like being the newbie on Shortland Street.

How did you get your role on SS?
I have done a number of auditions over the years so I guess my face has been seen around the office a bit, and when the Brooke part came up they kindly thought of me for the role.  

How long have you been acting and how did you get your first big break?
I've been acting since I was 11. My first role was in a Whitcoulls ad - I seem to recall I looked pretty frozen and terrified throughout!
 
Name three similarities between you and your onscreen character.
We both like shoes, going out for dinner and lipgloss.

What has been your best experience/scene on the show to date?
Getting through the first day without falling over or breaking anything. And I always end up giggling whenever I do a scene with Fleur or Anna.
 
Which other character would you like to be and why?
I think Gerald is brilliant, but I would never be able to make his remarkable shirts look as good as Harry does.
 
What are your hobbies/interests outside of SS?
Hanging with friends and family. Going to see lots of theatre and movies. Music. Curling up on the couch with a book. And I've recently discovered the joys of cooking, much to my mum's astonishment.

What do you do in your down time during the day when you're not shooting?
Read, learn lines, go to the gym, plot the next recipe I'm going to test on my flatmates.

What is your favourite destination in NZ and overseas?
In NZ - my parents' place in the Coromandel. Overseas - New York or Spain.
 
Are you single or attached?
Happily single.

How many brothers and sisters do you have, are they older or younger?
My sister is 30, my brother is 33. And I am about to become an aunt for the first time!
 
What is your date of birth and what star sign are you?
28 May 1984 - I'm a Gemini.

Do you have any pets?
A pet seems to have me - a little black cat that has appeared out of nowhere so we're feeding him treats and telling him he's remarkable in an effort to have him stay.

Who is the actor or actress that you look up to or admire the most?
Cate Blanchett, Frances McDormand, Joan Cusack and Patricia Clarkson.

What is the thing you enjoy most about going to work everyday?
The people, it's always different, and the chance to tell a good story.

What has been your favorite scene to film in your time at Shortland Street?
There's a scene where Kip and Brooke go out on a date to a flash restaurant - so Will and I happily gorged ourselves on the food the restaurant had kindly made us especially for the scene.

Do you watch Shortland Street at home? If yes, is it strange seeing yourself on television or are you used to it?
I'm definitely watching it more now! But I'm yet to see myself on screen - something I am trying to avoid thinking about.

What is your favourite food?
Japanese and anything that Mum makes.

What is your favourite television programme and/or film of all time?
Blackadder. Too many movies to name!

Are you from Auckland or did you move her to film Shortland Street? Where did you grow up?
Born and bred in West Auckland - the studios are just down the road from my first flat!

Which other actors/actresses do you like working with the most and why?
Ooooh, I don't play favourites...

Have you made any good friends amongst the cast and crew?
I've only been here a few weeks, so it's still early days, but I know some of them already from work in the past. Sarah Thomson and I share a dressing room and haven't had a punch up over whose going to nap in the little bed in there first, so that's a good sign.

What's the best experience you've had with a fan/fans?
None as yet... I'm looking forward to it!

Can you remember your first day on Shortland Street - what was it like?
A lot of coffee, encouraging words and attempts on my part not to look terrified.

 

What do you do at the moment?

I have an additional job and Uni will start again in February.

 

What are your plans for the future?

 I’m gonna graduate from University in June 2005 and I’d like to work and attend a drama school. In addition, I want to sleep a lot and try out every chocolate bar that exists.

 

Would you be willing to play in a new season of The Tribe?

One should never say never.

 

Do you remember a particularly funny moment on set?

One day, when it was very boring, Mikey and James bet on who could drink the most water. Mikey already had quite watery eyes and I think both of them had to throw up.

 

Did you read a good book recently?

“The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy. And “The Da Vinci Code”, I was encorselled. A great amusement!

 

Did you like your tribal outfit?

Leather is a good thing in winter, but it really annoyed me in the summer.

 

What do you wear in everyday life?

Jeans and tank tops. It really depends on my mood. I love beautiful party dresses.

 

What kind of music do you listen to?

At the moment I like John Butler Trio, Kings of Leon, the Rolling Stones, Nick Cave, Johnny Cash and the Dave Matthews Band.

source

 An interview with Beth while she was filming season 3 of The Tribe.

 

Date of Birth:  28 May 1984

Star Sign:  Gemini

Country of Birth: New Zealand

Natural Hair Colour: Brown

Height: 5' 4"

Shoe size? Seven

Glasses or contacts? Nope

Where do you live? Auckland

Do you drive?  Everywhere!

Have you ever broken any bones? Nope!

What word best describes you?
Effervescent 

What is your all-time favourite line of your character?
"Boys and sticks...."

 If you could play any other character on telelvision, who would it be?
Rachel on Friends (I do get her real life as well though, right?)

 If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to fly 

Define the perfect day
Beth. - Sun, no wind, a beach, great food (and drink), great friends, great laughs and great music. 

What quality in yourself would you like to improve?
Stringing sentences together.

 What book or movie title best describes your life so far?
Dazed and Confused

 If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chocolate

 What is your favourite movie of all time?
Romeo and Juliet

 What's your biggest complaint in life?
Nothing really....that I don't have a pony?

 Who are your favourite actors?
Edward Norton, Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush

 Name your greatest achievement
Living in a house with Tori, messing up things in her room and still living to tell the tale!

 What do you like most about acting?
Dressing up and playing pretend all day.

 What do you deplore most about acting?
When you're going too fast to really work at a scene.

 If you weren't in show business, you would be?
Lost. 

What's something in the world you'd like to see outlawed?
Small mindedness, thoughtlessness

 What do you like most about the holidays?
Maximum sleep, minimum activity.

If you were stuck on a desert island with 3 other people what is the first thing that you would do?
Assess how good their physical form is in case I had to eat them.

If you could choose the 3 people you'd want to be stuck with, who would they be and what are your reasons for choosing them?
Tori, Toni and a cow. They'd keep me entertained and you could imagine where I'm going with the cow.

 If you could take 3 items with you, what would they be?
A never ending supply of food and water and books to read.

Where would you build a shelter (eg on a hill, on the beach, etc.) and why?
I'd probably build it in the most illogical place to start off with, then learn my lesson and build it in a cave...

Do you know how to make fire without matches or a lighter?
I have a fair idea but I wouldn' want to have to try.

What would you eat?
Now you see why the cow's there!!!

Would you eat rats if you had to?
No!

Know any good desert island recipes?
Aside from cow?

Would you be more Tom Hanks 'Castaway' quiet and reflective or 'Swiss Family Robinson' styles, building elaborate treehouses and making the most of things?
If Toni and Tori were there we'd probably do as little as possible and probably end up starving from our own lack of practicality.

What are the 3 things you would miss the most if you were stuck on an island?
Contact with the outside world. My friends and family and hot showers.

 What would be your greatest offering that would help you and the other 3 get by on the island without going insane? (eg good humour, storytelling abilities, first aid knowledge, survivor instincts, etc.)
The ability to hunt, kill, cook, chop, construct and be a general outdoor-type whilst still retaining goddessness. A palate that never gets tired of coconut. Mosquito-proof skin.

How would you make your escape from the island?
A daring rescue by three qorgeous men (one each for Tori, Toni and I) and a particularly charming bull (for the cow - if she made it) in the latest Lear Jet after a tireless search to find the lost beauties that had left the world in such darkness. Safely on the jet, we would be wined and dined with U2 playing soulful ballads composed especially for us in the background.

                                                                  

What is the first thing that you would do upon arriving safely home again?
Have a shower.

So here we make the comparison and see if there are any similarities as Amber and Beth Allen go HEAD TO HEAD...

Favourite Colour?
Beth Allen: Silver
AMBER -  Black? Amber normally wears black clothes

Best subjects at school?
Beth Allen: History
AMBER  - Amber always enjoys reading so she may have been good at English. And perhaps politics?

Worst subjects at school?
Beth Allen: Latin - aaggh!
AMBER -  Amber doesn't seem to be bad at anything in particular.

 
Hobbies and interests in time-off?
Beth Allen: Hanging out with friends, music, movies, hockey, sleeping, chatting on the phone
AMBER - Reading, nature and the environment (Amber loves the beach), chatting with friends

 
Favourite quote, phrase or motto?
Beth Allen: "Yesterday is history - tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift - that's why it is called the present..."
AMBER - Hard to pin down to just one quote but Amber's motto/belief is clearly to build a peaceful new world.

Left or right-handed?
Beth Allen: "I'm an uncoordinated lefty!"
AMBER - Amber appears to be right-handed.

What would you call your Tribe if you were leader?
Beth Allen: "The Uncoordinated Tribe!"
AMBER - Amber did not give a name to the Tribe that became the Mall Rats (Lex's idea) but she was happy to stick with the name "Mall Rats" for her Tribe.

Favourite food?
Beth Allen: Chocolate, chocolates, chocolate. Oh, and chocolate!
AMBER - Amber appears to enjoy most types of food. We cannot recall her mentioning a favourite food in the Tribe (yet!)...

Heroes or heroines?
Beth Allen: I admire anyone who goes out and achieves what they want to achieve.
AMBER - Amber admires Bray, Dal, Sasha (for a time), her parents (she wore a ring which her Dad gave to her) and anyone who believes in a peaceful new world...

What does christmas mean to you and your family ?
Well christmas down in NewZealand sort of means a pretty hot summer to come. So to me thats what it means, just a pretty hot summer days and lazy days on the beach just hanging out with my family and friends really.  

What about on christmas day how does the day pan out ?
Recently its been pretty low key. I've got my brother and my sister and my parents, me hang out at our beachhouse and we open presents and we just have a really nice lunch and lie in the sun and go for a swim generally just have a very lazy day.
 
Have you got a favourite christmas food that you hang out for on christmas day ?
Christmas mince pies have gotta be pretty top of the list. Pretty delicious.

Have you made any plans for new years eve ?
Not really. I'm just going with the flow. I can't really be bothered making huge plans. I just sorta see what happens on the night 'n go with it.

 Have you got any goals for next year ?
Goals for next year, I just wanna do well at school, i just wanna grab every opportunity that comes my way. Its my last year at school 'n I just wanna go and enjoy it and try and make the most of all the people that are gonna be there that maybe are gonna be my future. Yeah and stay in contact with people that arn't always around me and have a really good time.

Have you ever been given a christmas gift that has just been just right- the ultimate gift ?
I remember when I was 9 years old and I was given this huge doll house that I had wanted since I could remember and I opened it up and nearly passed out. I was so exited I couldn't move for about 5 minutes and spent the rest of the day building this playhouse and none could take me away from it. It was the best present ever. I was so exited.  

What about have you ever had to go on any missions to get the ultimate christmas present for someone ?
Um probably I can't remember. I really like giving presents. Its really fun and most of the time when I try to give good presents but I'm so unorganized and I never get anything in time so its always just a mad rush to get anything for anyone in the end. But I usually just try to make an effort to give someone something nice but its a bit hard sometimes.  

Have you got a favourite christmas movie ?
Not really I don't because where I am before christmas we don't actually have a T.V so I don't actually see the christmas movies when they get shown so no I can't really think on one.

How about a christmas song or christmas carol ?
Um I like Away in a Manger. Sort of says it really its quite nice. And there was a really nice song I heard called a New Zealand christmas where which instead of talking about snow and bells of holly which we don't have over here, talked about the houdicower trees, one of our native trees and how we all have a summer christmas and I thought it was really Apt.

Thanks for joining us today Beth! Hope you have a wonderful christmas.
Thank you !

What time do you get up? Depends, sometimes horrifically early like 5am, (I'm not good at getting up early) and sometimes when they’re nice I get to get up at about 10.00am.

How do you get to Cloud 9? Our drivers pick us up.

How long do you spend in makeup and wardrobbe? They have to put up with me for an hour, and I get fidgety.

When do you learn your lines? Usually the night before with the other girls at the cast house.

How many lines do you have to learn? Amber is quite opinionated so usually quite a few.

Do you prefer being in the studio or out on location and why? As long as I’m warm I don’t mind. Sometimes its quite nice just to be tucked away inside the studio.

What do you like to have for dinner ? Can’t go past my Mums roasts. Yummm

What do you have for breakfast ? Whatever is put in front of me... I always seem to be hungry!!!

What do you do after a day at work ? Usually I get home, have dinner listen to some music, expel some energy, and crash.

What do you do between scenes ? Talk to cast members, listen to music, play with the Brady baby and fight with Michael.

What is your first memory? 2 years old. Falling in a spa pool

What was your favourite toy as a child? My dollhouse

Any childhood illnesses or injuries? Only the usuals

Any scars from childhood accidents? Nope

Favourite birthday party? At McDonalds!

Favourite birthday cake? A shark-shaped one.

Favourite holiday as a child? America - Disneyland!

Favourite game as a child? Dress ups.

Do you remember your first day at school? Yes - it was horrible!

Did you have many childhood parties? All the time.

What did you like most about school? Paper mache and storytime.

What was your favourite piece of clothing as a child? Something horrible, like bikeshorts.

Who was your first crush? A boy at school.

What was your favourite subject at school? English and Drama.

At what age did you learn to swim? Three.

Were you interested in sports? Yes.

What did the tooth fairy leave you? $2.00

Any embarassing childhood photos? Plenty of naked ones!

What pocket money did you used to get and what did you used to have to do to get it? $2.00 - smile sweetly.

What was your first job? A tv series  - 11 year old.

Favourite children's tv show? Sesame Street.

Favourite children's story? Winnie the Pooh.

What was the first record or CD you bought? Bob Marley.

Favourite cartoons or movies? Wizard of Oz.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Everything - a fireman, a teacher, a policeman

The craziest thing you ever did as a child? Wandered off at various points!
 
Who was your idol as a child? My sister.