Paying homage to the cheeky Confessions comedies of the 1970s, Secrets of a Wallaby Boy follows a horny young gay chap who thinks his new job as a cycle courier might help score him some action. But he has no idea about the sinister truth behind Wallaby, Inc…
With the film now available on Prime Video and Tubi, we spoke to some of its key cast and crew, including Billie Hindle, who plays the key supporting role of Jade, housemate and best pal to the hapless Tim…
STARBURST: Secrets of a Wallaby is your first feature film; is acting something you’ve always wanted to pursue?
Billie Hindle: Technically it’s not my ‘first’ feature film, but it is the first feature film I’ve acted in in a professional capacity, i.e. getting paid and it’s actually going somewhere [laughs]. Back in 2016, when I was 19, I had a cameo role in a feature called Bastion, but it wasn’t really the best film. Wallaby is definitely the first film I genuinely enjoyed and felt was properly worthwhile for my career. And since Wallaby, things have been coming in steadily – I just finished working with Universal on a feature!
But yeah, acting is something I’ve always innately wanted to do. Even as a small child, I was just drawn to it. I don’t actually know why and don’t know what the original inspiration was, but as I grew, there were definitely shows that kept the fire alive. Doctor Who was definitely one, Downton Abbey, and various cartoons – I’ve been getting super into voice acting lately – like Sonic X, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Fairly Odd Parents. There’s also lots of different theatre performances I’ve seen over the years.
How did you come to get involved in this particular project?
In the latter part of 2021, I was approached by Kieron [Moore, director] on the casting website Mandy, inviting me to audition for a comedy feature film. He sent the pitch and I at first thought it was quite strange, but the more I read of it, the more I realised it was in fact… strange. But in a good way! I accepted the invitation, sent a self-tape, and then about a month later he informed me I’d got the role and that we’d be filming in 2022!
Were you familiar with the genre that Kieron was paying homage to when he pitched it to you, or did you have to research those early movies?
I knew of those films, but I must admit I hadn’t seen any. I vibed with the script and took Kieron’s direction to achieve the performance I gave. As a result, I think Jade came across more kitchen sink than many of the other characters, but that works! It makes sense and the juxtaposition adds a good contrast to Tim, Bruce, and the others. Their performances are all well rounded, but in a different way. The Guardian called me “nicely deadpan”, so I like to think I achieved what I set out to do.
The film has just enjoyed a long festival run in its lead-up to its official release; how did you enjoy that experience of seeing it play before crowds?
So my schedule was very full on and, as a result, I only managed to go to two screenings. The first one was the cast and crew screening in February 2023. That was the first time I’d seen the entire film put together and I remember being blown away by the finished product. The crowd loved it, as did my best friend who I brought as my plus one! The other screening I attended was the public premiere after it had finished with festivals. A full crowd in Fab Cafe, Manchester, in March 2024, watched the film and loved it, too. It felt very good to see the public appreciate the film.
Q&As are part and parcel of these types of screenings; what’s the most interesting question you’ve been asked about during one of those panels?
My favourite moment was when we were asked if we were familiar with the genre. Brandon [McCaffrey, who plays Tim] gave a very long, heartfelt, thought-out answer about the genre of films and then I just answered with “no”, which made everybody crease with laughter.
What was your favourite scene to film?
The scene later on in the film where Jade and Tim are awkwardly waiting in the lift. The palpable vibes of awkwardness and the snappy way Jade shuts Tim down is just so funny to me. I felt it really summed up mine and Brandon’s chemistry. A shout-out also to the scenes with Mark Benton as Roland. It was wonderful working with him. He is genuinely so lovely.
And, for whatever reason… least favourite?
So, there were no scenes I’d say I didn’t enjoy. But if I had to pick a least favourite, it would be the scenes in the park. Not because I don’t like those scenes, but I was absolutely FREEZING. It was cold and windy even though it didn’t really look like it, and while Brandon was riding his bike, I was sitting on a bench, covered in a sheet to keep warm, munching on cold pizza. Becky our AD tried her best to make me comfortable, bless.
If you could convince Kieron to make a sequel, where would you like to see Jade and Tim? What are they up to in the aftermath of Wallaby?
I’d like to see Jade develop her own delivery app to fill the gap in the market left by Wallaby. Could cause some tasty conflict if Tim has to work for her!
Do you have a dream role? Or a particular franchise you’d kill to be involved in?
My dream has always been to be a version of the Master. I wanna play a villain! Pretty much anyone in Doctor Who though. I can dream!
What projects are coming up next for you?
I can currently be heard in Season 2 of The Magnus Protocol – the sequel to The Magnus Archives, in which I play Alice Dyer, one of the leads. Like I hinted at earlier, I’ve just finished filming a role with Working Title and Universal, in the upcoming romcom CC: Emily! I’ve also been cast in a supporting role in an upcoming feature film by Brando Pictures, and I’ll be reprising my role as Rose in the second season of folk horror audio drama Partial Veil.
Plus my theatre company – Octavius Theatre Company – are in the pre-production phase of a stage version of 1984 by George Orwell. I’m a busy bee! I’m always looking for more projects though, so to any casting directors reading this: “Hey, ‘sup?”
Secrets of a Wallaby Boy is now available to stream on Prime Video and Tubi.
