Geraldine Hakewill on voicing Lucy in the adaptation of Shaun Tan’s Tales from Outer Suburbia

Even though we're only five days into the new year, one of the standout shows for 2026 is the ABC adaptation of Shaun Tan's Tales from Outer Suburbia. This glorious animation carries a stop motion vibe as it invites us into a version of suburbia, one where deep sea divers roam the streets and single mums try to keep their family together.

We follow Klara and Pim and their mum Lucy, voiced with beautiful attentiveness and care by Geraldine Hakewill. The focus is on the kids, but each time they return home, Lucy is there to tend to them and to set up their new life in outer suburbia.

In the following interview, recorded ahead of the shows launch on ABC, Geraldine talks about the creative process of voicing Lucy, about how her varied roles throughout her career have influenced what choices she makes as a storyteller, and much more.

Shaun Tan's Tales from Outer Suburbia is currently on ABC iView. Head along and give it a watch, it's a great show for kids and adults alike.

If you like this chat with Geraldine, then make sure to check out my earlier conversation with Shaun Tan, or consider becoming a paid subscriber to listen to the conversation with director Noel Cleary. To join up and help keep the Curb independent, visit thecurb.com.au/subscribe where you can support us from as little as $2 a month. Even if you're unable to financially support us, join up to our free newsletter where you'll be able to read my annual Best Australian Films of 2025 list when it goes up on 6 January.

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