Nick Page

Last updated

Nick Page
Neighbours character
Nick Page.jpg
Portrayed by Mark Stevens
Duration1988–1990
First appearance22 July 1988 (1988-07-22)
Last appearance14 March 1990 (1990-03-14)
Classification Former; regular
Introduced by Don Battye
In-universe information
OccupationErinsborough High Student
Artist

Nick Page is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours , played by Mark Stevens. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 22 July 1988. Stevens auditioned for the role alongside forty one other actors and successfully made it through screen-tests. Nick is characterised as a tough orphan who is made homeless following the death of his grandmother. Nick is also portrayed as problematic and wayward, causing trouble for other characters in the show. Stevens has stated in different interviews that he self-identifies with Nick's tough persona. Writers created stories for Nick which eventually lead to him becoming a "nicer" character.

Contents

His stories see him fostered by Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy) and moving in with her family. Writers also developed a relationship story with Sharon Davies (Jessica Muschamp), and the duo often cause trouble in the neighbourhood. Nick has aspirations of becoming an artist which helps change his bad behaviour. Other stories include his friendship with Todd Landers (Kristian Schmid) and being diagnosed with meningitis. Stevens was later written out of the show and his exit story portrays Nick leaving to take an art scholarship in London. Nick last appeared in the episode broadcast on 14 March 1990.

Casting

The character was brought in to fill the gap between younger characters Todd Landers (Kristian Schmid) and Katie Landers (Sally Jensen), and the established older teenagers who had recently left high school. [1] Stevens joined the cast of Neighbours soon after taking part in Young Talent Time . [2] He auditioned for the role along with forty one other actors and he made it onto a short-list of three. [1] He told a reporter from My Guy that he was really nervous during the process. [3] The actor was then required to complete one screen test and later secured the role. [4] Stevens finished up on Young Talent Time during the week commencing 13 June 1988 and began filming his first scenes on Neighbours in the same month. [1] He praised Young Talent Time for being a great training ground, saying "It'll be sad to leave. But Neighbours will be great. I'm very lucky to go straight from one into the other." [1] Stevens was initially contracted until December 1989. [5] His first scene consisted of Nick trying to find his stolen Walkman. Stevens told a reporter from Fast Forward that he was terrified prior to filming, adding "I stood outside with my knees knocking. I was so nervous I went to the toilet 60 times!" [6]

Development

Nick has a backstory that entails the role reversal of care between himself and his guardian. In The Neighbours Programme Guide, Monroe described how Nick's parents had died when he was eight years old and his grandmother assumed parental responsibility. She was poor but Nick never went without and he remained close and loving to her. [7] But as she aged Nick was forced to care for her. He took a part-time job at a supermarket to fund their living and subsequently began to miss school. When she became too ill he stopped going to school, she was unable to discipline him and he "went off the rails". It was at this point he attracted the attention of residents of Ramsay Street. [7]

Nick was billed as a "streetwise", young graffiti artist, and the show's newest "young heart-throb." [1] David Brown of TV Week described him as "rebellious but with a strong sense of responsibility". [1] Stevens called Nick "a rough T-shirt and jeans kid. He's also very loyal to his friends. He's a basic down-to-earth guy." [1] Stevens also said Nick has been "through it all" following the deaths of his parents and moving into a caravan park with his grandmother. He thought he was a "gutsy" character. [1]

Josephine Monroe, author of Neighbours: The First 10 Years described Nick as one Helen Daniels' (Anne Haddy) many waifs and strays, a budding artist and having a recalcitrant personality. [8] [9] Stevens told Jane Noone from TV Guide that "he has a sort of arrogance, he's got my streak of independence, which can never be bad!" [10] Stevens told a My Guy writer that his character would develop into a nicer person during his tenure. He stated "he's far too arrogant and I've got a lot of respect for my elders – although Nick does turn into a bit of a nice guy later on." [3]

Nick is caught spraying graffiti on Jim Robinson's (Alan Dale) workshop. [11] In his book The who's who of soap operas, Anthony Hayward said that Nick becomes "homeless and lonely" following the death of his grandmother. Then Jim's mother, Helen invites Nick to move into the Robinson family home. [12] A reporter from Neighbours Who's Who noted that Nick's life changes when he is "more or less adopted by Helen" who believes that he has real artistic talent. [13] But other residents are initially suspicious of Nick and even accuse him of theft. He also gets into a number of fights during his tenure. [13] Stevens told Kesta Desmond in the book Neighbours Special that "even when it's not his fault it seems as though he always gets himself into fights." [14] In The Official Neighbours Annual 1990, Clive Hopwood branded Nick a "tearaway" who is always in trouble for graffitiing walls. Stevens told Hopwood that his "street wise graffiti artist" character is not a role model for Neighbours viewers. Stevens added that Nick is still a "rough boy and you have to earn his respect but he's settling down a bit". [4] Nick's art work even begins to gain exposure when Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) agrees to hang some in his coffee shop. [14]

Nick forms a friendship with Todd Landers (Schmid). [15] In the Neighbours: The Official Annual 1991, authors John McCready and Nicola Furlong refer to the duo as a pair of "rascals" and "loveable rogues". Each time a window is smashed or there is trouble at Erinsborough High they get the blame. They writers noted that the two characters both have had "a rough time" in their pasts and being on Ramsay Street helps improve their lives. [15] Stevens added that "Nick is a street kid and I find playing him very natural. 50 per cent of him is me". [16]

Nick's first romance is with Sharon Davies (Jessica Muschamp). [13] McCready and Furlong wrote "Sharon and Nick's relationship is a turbulent one. They play games with each other's emotions. At one point Sharon started to see Nick's arch enemy Skinner (Mat Stevenson). This caused a great deal of tension as Skinner is the bad sort. As usual they sorted out their differences." [17] Sharon often "aided and abetted" Nick into getting into trouble. [10] Sharon later ends their relationship. In another storyline Nick contracts meningitis. [18] In December 1989, it was reported that Stevens had decided to leave the series to concentrate on his music career. [19] Nick was written out of Neighbours in 1990 and he left to take an art scholarship in London. [20]

Storylines

Nick graffities Jim's fence at his workshop. When Henry Ramsay (Craig McLachlan) spots Nick, he runs off. Henry and Jim's nephew, Todd Landers set a trap to catch Nick, which catches him as he tries to respray the fence. Nick pleads with Jim not to phone the police for the sake of his grandmother. Jim's mother-in-law, Helen decides to give Nick a reprieve and suggests that he paint over his graffiti. Nick rejects Helen's offer of art classes and sees it as form of charity but eventually relents. When Nick accepts Helen's offer of a room at Number 26, Jim and Todd are resistant but eventually grow to accept Nick and support him after his grandmother dies.

Nick begins a romance with Sharon much to the chagrin of Sharon's aunt Edie Chubb (Irene Inescort). On the night of a school dance, Bruce Zadro (Myles Collins) hassles Sharon and Nick picks a fight with him but ends up with a black eye. Nick stands trial for a prior graffiti offence the following day and the magistrate spots his black eye. Helen and Sharon defend him and Nick is sentenced to 30 hours community service. When Sharon burns the Coffee Shop down after discarding a cigarette, Nick agrees to take the blame. Sharon later confesses to Harold that she was the culprit. Nick tries to stop Todd and Skinner from committing a raid on a warehouse, which results in Nick's arrest. Todd confesses that Skinner is the culprit and Nick is freed. Nick apprehends Skinner when he terrorises Todd and his sister Katie.

Nick faces more problems when Zadro reappears and frames him for spray-painting Principal Kenneth Muir's (Roger Boyce) car and the school, resulting in expulsion for Nick. After a plan by Sharon to extract a confession from Zadro succeeds, Muir reinstates Nick at Erinsborough High. Nick refuses to go back and drops out. When Hilary Robinson (Anne Scott-Pendlebury) bans Nick from seeing Sharon, the couple run away and begin work on a farm. When Sharon fights with the farmer's daughter, they are sacked and begin hitch-hiking back to Erinsborough. While hitching a lift, Nick comes face to face with Skinner, who pushes Nick out of the car and drives away with Sharon. After arriving home, Nick tries to warn Sharon about Skinner who she begins dating. After Skinner attempts to force himself on Sharon's older sister, Bronwyn Davies (Rachel Friend), Sharon realizes Nick is right. Nick and Sharon split up later and remain friends. Hilary's son, Matt Robinson (Ashley Paske) arrives from Adelaide and befriends Nick and Sharon.

Nick suffers a fall one afternoon and hits his head on the side of the pool at Number 30. Shortly after, He begins experiencing aggressive moods swings. When Jim confronts him about his behavior, he collapses and is diagnosed with meningitis caused by the skull fracture. Nick begins dating Lucy Robinson (Sasha Close), Jim's daughter who arrives home from boarding school for the holidays. Jim is unimpressed when he finds out that Nick and Lucy are at The Waterhole as they are underage. Nick and Lucy's relationship eventually fizzles out when she goes back to boarding school. Nick receives a chance to take up an art scholarship in London and is successful. Before leaving, he presents paintings to his closest friends Jim, Beverly, Helen and Sharon. Nick later sends Helen a postcard telling her he has fallen in love and his art comes second.

Reception

The BBC described Nick's most notable moment as being "his first appearance when he was caught spraying graffiti." [21] McCready and Furlong said that "the love lives of those such as Nick Page and Sharon Davies have made the programme perhaps the most popular viewing for teenagers around the world." [17] The episode featuring Nick rescuing Todd and Katie from Skinner was watched by 21 million viewers in the United Kingdom. It was the most watched episode of any show during 1990. [22] Laurence Akers from BIG! magazine said that every good soap opera has a rebel and Neighbours had Nick. [23]

TV Guide's Noone branded Nick had a "knack for getting on everybody's wrong side." She added that Stevens had the "fresh faced good-looks" everyone had come to expect from a Neighbours casting and noted that he gained a large fan following from the show. [10] A reporter from My Guy branded the character a "well-ard orphan". [3] They later stated "If Nick Page had a birthday, we're sure it'd be between July 21 and August 23. Why? Well, because he's a bit of a tough nut, likes to show off and always speaks his mind - all typical Leo traits." [24]

Related Research Articles

Lucy Robinson (<i>Neighbours</i>) Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Lucy Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Melissa Bell. The character has previously been portrayed by Kylie Flinker and Sasha Close. She was created by producer Reg Watson as one of the serial's original characters. Lucy was a prominent figure during the early 1990s of Neighbours, with Bell playing her on and off for five years. Portrayed originally as being clever, a recast was implemented to fit the character's transformation and she became the stereotype of a ditzy blonde female. She has been involved in storylines including battling a brain tumour, coping with blindness, incest, modelling and addictions to drugs, alcohol and spending. She has also been positively and negatively received by critics for her "busty blonde" image while played by Bell. After making a brief return on 6 May 2013, Lucy made subsequent return visits until 2016. She was reintroduced as part of the serial's 35th anniversary in 2020, before returning briefly in late 2021 as part of the reintroduction of her half-brother, Glen Donnelly, and twice in 2022, appearing in the show's finale episode. Bell will return once again in 2023 following the show's renewal.

The Robinson family are a fictional family from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours. The family were created by Reg Watson and introduced in the first episode of the serial, broadcast on 18 March 1985. The family initially consisted of Jim Robinson, his mother-in-law Helen Daniels, and his four children Paul Robinson, Julie Martin, Scott Robinson, and Lucy Robinson. The Robinsons have one of the largest and most complex family trees in the show's history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Helen Daniels</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Helen Daniels is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, portrayed by Anne Haddy. Following the death of Jim Robinson in 1993, she remained the only original character played continuously by the same actor until her own death in 1997, making her the second longest-serving original character after her grandson Paul Robinson.

Jim Robinson (<i>Neighbours</i>) Australian soap opera character

Jim Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Alan Dale. Jim was created by Reg Watson as one of Neighbours' twelve original characters. He made his on-screen debut in the soap's first episode, which was broadcast on 18 March 1985. Jim was the patriarch of the Robinson family. Dale departed the show in 1993 after falling out with the producers over pay and his character was killed off on 29 April 1993. Dale filmed some scenes for the serial in September 2018, which aired on 25 December 2018 and 25 March 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Todd Landers</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Todd Landers is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Kristian Schmid. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 15 February 1988. Todd was introduced along with his younger sister Katie Landers. They were given an instant connection to the show through their aunt, Beverly Marshall. After choosing to leave the serial in 1991, Schmid suggested to the producers that his character should be killed off, and Todd died in the episode broadcast on 13 July 1992. He reappeared as a spirit in the following episode.

Matt Robinson (<i>Neighbours</i>) Soap opera character

Matthew "Matt" Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ashley Paske. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 22 May 1989. Paske secured the role after Neighbours' broadcaster, Network Ten wanted him to remain on their network after they cancelled the show Richmond Hill, which he had appeared in. Matt was introduced during a time Neighbours producers were creating new characters to rejuvenate the show. Matt was created by a team of several writers headed by Ray Kolle. They wanted to include a teenager unlike the others previously portrayed in the show. Producers also needed to fill the void met with the departure of popular character Scott Robinson, with Matt debuting a couple episodes after Scott departed. Kolle branded Matt a "cool" yet "remote" character who is "disinclined to be involved" with others. They also created a backstory in which he is revealed to be the long lost son of Hilary Robinson. Writers implemented a dyslexia story for Matt and they used this to create further issues between Matt and Hilary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hilary Robinson</span> Soap opera character

Hilary Robinson is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Anne Scott-Pendlebury. The character first appeared on-screen during the episode broadcast on 25 June 1987. Hilary departed the show on 28 February 1990, following Scott-Pendlebury's decision to quit in 1989. Scott-Pendlebury reprised her role in 2005 for the serial's 20th anniversary episode, and again in February 2015 ahead of the 30th anniversary. Writers established that Hilary is back living in Erinsborough, so she can continue to make sporadic appearances. She is characterised as a bossy and meddling woman who lacks romance and seeks comfort interfering with her Neighbours' personal lives. Hilary's main storyline was mothering an illegitimate child, Matt Robinson. He arrives in Erinsborough to forge a relationship with his birth mother. The character's "hard-edged approach to life" mellowed during the storyline.

Mike Young (<i>Neighbours</i>) Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Mike Young is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Guy Pearce. Pearce was in his final year at school and only had amateur theatre experience when he auditioned for the role. After winning the part of Mike, Pearce soon relocated to Melbourne and began filming in December 1985. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 January 1986. Mike's arrival was part of an attempt to give the serial a youthful look. He was given immediate links to the other character through a friendship with Scott Robinson, who helps him secure work at the local coffee shop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katie Landers</span> Fictional characther

Katie Landers is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Sally Jensen. She made her first on screen appearance on 15 February 1988. Katie is the niece of Beverly Marshall and sister to Todd Landers. During her time in the show, she became close friends with Toby Mangel. Katie departed on 6 September 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beverly Marshall</span> Soap opera character

Beverly Marshall is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours. Upon her introduction on 6 July 1987, the character was played by Lisa Armytage. Following Armytage's decision to quit the role in 1988, producers chose to recast the role to Shaunna O'Grady. O'Grady relocated from Sydney to Melbourne for filming and her first scenes as Beverly aired on 16 March 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sharon Davies</span> Soap opera character

Sharon Davies is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jessica Muschamp. She made her first appearance on 29 July 1988. Sharon is the younger sister of Bronwyn Davies. During her time in Neighbours, Sharon's storylines included setting fire to the coffee shop, a love triangle with Lucy Robinson and Nick Page, pushing Lucy into a swimming pool and developing an eating disorder. The character was written out in 1990 as part of a cast exodus and her departure aired on 7 June 1990. Muschamp reprised the role for a cameo appearance in the show's finale on 28 July 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Gottlieb</span> Soap opera character

Stephen Gottlieb is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Lochie Daddo. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 12 October 1992. Stephen is characterised as a compassionate record store manager. He was introduced into the series as a love interest of Phoebe Bright. Writers created a rushed romance between the pair. Phoebe was mourning her dead boyfriend Todd Landers and pregnant with his child. Despite this the characters were married and cohabiting after two months. Stephen and Phoebe's relationship dominated his main storylines. They included Phoebe's pregnancy dramas, her baby nearly dying and living in fear of their mentally ill lodger Russell Butler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan McLachlan</span> Fictional character in the Australian television series Neighbours

Ryan McLachlan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Richard Norton. He made his first appearance on 15 February 1990 and remained on the show until 21 March 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wayne Duncan</span> Soap opera character

Wayne Duncan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jonathon Sammy-Lee. He made his first screen appearance as Wayne during the episode broadcast on 4 February 1993. Wayne becomes a chemistry teacher at Erinsborough High with an unorthodox approach. He is arrogant, intelligent and articulate – all traits that make him confident in arguments. A country man and strong believer in violence when protecting property – Wayne's attitude and gun possession polarized the way other characters viewed him. He has a destructive romance with Gaby Willis. The pair enjoy sparring throughout their relationship but eventually realise they need to separate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eddie Buckingham</span> Soap opera character

Eddie Buckingham is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Bob La Castra. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 3 April 1990. La Castra created the character for himself after he was told that casting him the soap would be difficult due to his ethnic background. Eddie was introduced during a series of episodes set in London. He befriends Madge Bishop and Harold Bishop, and later travels to Australia to visit them. While he is in the country, Eddie lives with the Bishops and runs a food stall. He is portrayed as bright, street wise, and a "typical cockney lovable rogue". The character was written out of the soap when the producers decided to focus on family-oriented drama, and Eddie departed on 28 September 1990.

Brad Willis (<i>Neighbours</i>) Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Brad Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 31 October 1989. The character was initially played by Benjamin Mitchell, before Scott Michaelson took over the role two years later. Brad was re-introduced alongside his sister, Gaby, during a period of roller coaster ratings for the show. Michaelson revealed that as soon as he learnt he had won the role of Brad, he went surfing five days in a row, as he knew he was going to be busy over the upcoming months. Michaelson signed a new twelve-month contract with Neighbours in October 1992 and a year later, he announced he would be leaving the soap. Michaelson filmed his final scenes in November and departed on 15 December 1993.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Brown, David (18 June 1988). "YTT star makes his mark on Neighbours". TV Week . p. 11.
  2. Squires, Tony (2 July 1989). "What a soap buster". The Sydney Morning Herald . (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "New kids on the block Neighbours' Mark Stevens and Ashley Paske". My Guy. No. 638. (IPC Media). 30 August 1990. pp. 15–16.
  4. 1 2 Hopwood 1989, p.31.
  5. Schembri, Jim (6 July 1989). "1000 Neighbours". The Age . Retrieved 1 December 2014.
  6. "Neighbours the whole story". Fast Forward . No. 47. BBC Magazines. 1–7 August 1990.
  7. 1 2 Monroe 1994, p.147.
  8. Monroe 1996, p.42.
  9. Monroe 1996, p.98.
  10. 1 2 3 Noone, Jane (31 March – 6 April 1990). "We go out, swear a lot, have fun!". TV Guide. No. 53. (Murdoch Magazines). p. 12.
  11. Johnston 2005, p.128.
  12. Hayward 1991, p.154.
  13. 1 2 3 "Streetwise Nick Page". Neighbours Who's Who. No. 12. Star Magazine Group. 1989. p. 6.
  14. 1 2 Desmond 1990, p.32.
  15. 1 2 Furlong & McCready 1990, p.43.
  16. Furlong & McCready 1990, p.42.
  17. 1 2 Furlong & McCready 1990, p.19.
  18. Johnston 2005, p.179.
  19. Brown, David (2 December 1989). "Two more Neighbours move out". TV Week . No. 22. p. 2.
  20. Johnston 2005, p.212.
  21. "Character: Nick Page". BBC Online . Archived from the original on 21 February 2005. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  22. "BARB Since 1981". barb.co.uk. (Broadcasters' Audience Research Board). Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  23. Akers, Laurence (5–18 December 1990). "Rebel without a tan!!!". BIG!. EMAP (49): 19.
  24. "Stars". My Guy. (IPC Media) (638): 30. 30 August 1990.
Bibliography