Ian’s television credits include the ABC-TV series Children’s Hospital and Murder Call, as well as the starring role of Constable Oscar Stone in Stingers.
Ian has appeared in variety of theatrical productions including a one-off Royal Shakespeare Company production of Music Hall. Ian is equally at home in musicals such as Cabaret, with Lisa McCune, Oklahoma!, High Society and The Pajama Game. His performance in They’re Playing Our Song won him the Green Room Award for Best Male Lead.
Tell me in your own words about your character, Mike Flynn, in Sea Patrol?
Mike is a dedicated naval officer who genuinely loves his job. He also loves Patrol Boats - like a westie petrolhead loves his cars, Mike loves Patrol Boats. He is a patriotic Australian and although not always in agreement with the morality of some of his tasks - he will nevertheless get the job done first and discuss later.
He's bold, brave and not afraid to take risks to achieve positive results. He leads from the front and expects as much from his company members as he does from himself - a lot!
How is your character similar or different to yourself?
I think there are more similarities than differences between myself and Mike Flynn - especially along the lines of love for his job and dedication to his work.
Mike is definitely tougher than me though - not afraid to speak his mind and stand firmly and squarely behind his decisions. These sorts of attributes come from the navy training and demands of the job - 'the burdens of command'. In fact - having played the role now for thirteen episodes - I think I aspire to attain some of Mike's attributes and take them into my own life.
What was the most memorable aspect of filming?
The location aspect of the filming certainly provided many highlights. I remember one particularly blustery morning - catching a ferry from The Clump Point Jetty Mission Beach across to the Dunk Island Jetty - then transferring straight onto a zodiac or RHIB (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat) which took me to a position on the South side of Dunk Island and onto our main unit boat which was a catamaran where I got into costume and finally transferred in yet another small vessel to the Patrol Boat (Hammersley) ready for the day’s filming. It was a real James Bond feeling and I remember thinking this was such a cool way to arrive at work - so much more interesting than peak hour traffic.
What was your view of the navy prior to the show compared to now?
My uncle was in the navy and died in a naval accident back in the sixties. My view of the navy has always been one of great respect - knowing the dangers the men and women face are very real. Having now worked closely with the navy, my view has only strengthened really - I am a proud Australian and I am in awe of the work put in by the people who work in our defence forces.
Are there any anecdotes that make the show memorable or different from other shows you have worked on?
In 1980 - I was living in Mackay North Queensland and in Grade Six at Mackay Central State School. That year I was elected School Captain for the following year but unfortunately my family moved to Brisbane so I never got the chance to be captain. There was no replacement male school captain elected and I visited the school a couple of years ago and it was kind of weird to see a blank space on the honour board for that year. With Sea Patrol - I feel I have finally had the chance to be a captain for a while! And it only took 27 years…
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