Simone Gescheit joins cast of Fenech as Shirley
We’re excited to officially welcome Simone Gescheit to the cast of FENECH, stepping into the role of Shirley — a small part, but a memorable one that brings a distinctive spark to the world of the film.
Simone’s audition was nothing short of remarkable. From the moment she began, she brought a level of commitment that immediately stood out — bold choices, sharp instincts, and a grounded truth that made the character feel real. It wasn’t just a “good read”; it was a performance that showed intent, preparation, and a genuine hunger to earn the role. Simone gave everything to secure this part, and that drive translated into a take that felt alive, specific, and emotionally honest — exactly what FENECH demands.
What makes Simone such an exciting addition is the depth of experience she brings with her. With a long, consistent career across screen, stage, and voice work, she understands how to make moments land — even in scenes that might appear small on the page. That’s a rare skill: the ability to step into a film, own a moment, and leave the audience feeling like they’ve met someone unforgettable. In a story like FENECH, those “small” roles matter enormously, because they shape the texture, authenticity, and emotional rhythm of the world around our lead.
Simone’s professionalism is also exactly the standard we’re building across this production. She’s an actor who arrives prepared, commits fully, and elevates the work through craft rather than noise. That makes her the kind of collaborator every director wants — someone who not only delivers, but makes the entire scene stronger for everyone around her.
Director Matt Norman:
“Simone’s audition was remarkable — fearless, specific, and completely committed. Shirley is a small part with a big impact, and Simone has the instincts and experience to make every moment land. We’re very lucky to have her involved in FENECH.”
We’re genuinely proud to have Simone joining the FENECH family, and we can’t wait to see her bring Shirley to life on set. Please join us in welcoming Simone Gescheit to the film — we’re lucky to have her, and audiences are going to remember this performance.
About Shirley
Shirley is the drunk, nosey woman from across the road — the self-appointed “eyes of the street.” She’s always watching, always listening, and somehow always knows what’s going on before anyone else does. If something happens in the neighbourhood, Shirley’s already got a version of it — and she’ll tell you, whether you asked or not.
She’s blunt, unfiltered, and absolutely does not mince her words. There’s humour in her, but it’s the kind that bites. Shirley can be loud, embarrassing, and chaotic — yet she’s also strangely perceptive. Even when she’s three sheets to the wind, she sees people clearly and says the quiet parts out loud. In many ways, she functions like a local chorus: calling out hypocrisy, stirring trouble, and revealing what the street thinks but won’t admit.
Shirley’s key moment comes when a run-in with Jeff’s mother spirals wildly out of control. What begins as a nosy confrontation quickly turns into something bigger — a clash of personalities that doesn’t just introduce tension, but cements Jeff’s mother in the audience’s mind as the force she will remain throughout the film. It’s one of those scenes where the truth of a character is revealed under pressure: pride, temper, loyalty, and that unbreakable edge. Shirley lights the match — and in the fallout, we truly meet Jeff’s mother.
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