Olivia
Olivia has bolted again, back to New York. But bad news brings her back to the Shore and she realises she can’t run anymore. While the others are worried about getting older, she’s just happy to be alive.
Esther Stephens plays Olivia
Esther Stephens made her television debut as Olivia in series two of GO GIRLS.
In between filming scenes for the series, Esther, who is a trained singer, performs gigs with her band Motor City Family Funk. She also works as a part-time drama teacher.
Esther is a graduate of the UNITEC Performing Arts School and performed in various film and theatre projects during her time there.
She has also had roles in a number of Auckland theatre productions including She Stoops to Conquer, Tis Pity She’s A Whore and Twelfth Night, all directed by Michael Hurst as well as Oliver Driver’s Based on Auckland.
In 2008 Esther starred in the musical theatre productions Spelling Bee, The Threepenny Opera and Blood Brothers.
Q & A with Esther Stephens
How will Olivia and Kevin’s relationship grow in series three?
Olivia will always have a soft spot for Kevin because I feel like she has a certain empathy with him. Given that neither of them are particularly emotional people, they have a lovely, comfortable relationship where they can talk about things that are going on in their lives without the pressure of interventions and all that emotional stuff the other girls have between them. They definitely cultivate a really lovely friendship. I think Kevin will also have a soft spot for Olivia for a long time and who knows what will happen between the two of them.
You joined the cast in series two. How has your life changed since?
My life has definitely changed because filming a television series like this is a long time to be in acting work. The lovely thing about coming back for series three is getting to have another shot at a character that you’ve done a lot of groundwork on in the second series. It’s just more familiar.
What is the dynamic like between the six friends this year?
I think everyone is maturing this series because they’re getting into their late 20s and good old Kev’s pushing 30. Their concerns are changing but I think it’s a really accurate reflection of the current climate of young people in New Zealand. A lot of women especially are leaving it much later to get married and have children and are spending more time on their career. I think this group of friends is feeling that pressure to pull their lives together, make something of themselves, have a purpose and maybe leave a legacy or make a difference.