Prisoner of Melbourne: Reception & Dunny

These local fans arrive in their own group uniform. Several storytelling conventions help create the atmosphere that keeps Prisoner always inventive within its own paradigm behind the walls of Wentworth. Buy-up, security gates, solitary, and isolation are a few, but in addition to the no-lagging rule, the most prominent (along with the Recreation Room, Dining Room, and Laundry) are the Reception and the Dunny (also known as the loo or the toot.)

Super fans Robyn and Lisa arrive from Adelaide.

Check-in for the 30th Anniversary celebration was conducted by Joanne Lehman, the daughter of Prisoner star Val Lehman who also played teen lagger Yvonne in Episodes 34-36.

Stand on the line. One of Prisoner’s greatest devices is the smooth introduction of new characters via Reception. Inducted into Wentworth either on remand – in which case she can wear her own clothes – or as a convict, each prisoner has only to toe the line and answer whether her name and charges are read correctly as custody of the woman is transferred from the police officer to the screw. All at once a viewer learns this information, in addition to whether a prisoner is known to the officers, her attitude toward the screws and other women, what her resources are, and more. Oh, and they all say they didn’t do it!

The Dunny and shower set is a staple of Prisoner. It is a constant presence due to its proximity to Reception, as an alibi for major and minor infractions alike, and as the scene of the crime – mostly major. It is the dunny where Nola McKenzie drowns Paddy Lawson, Lou Kelly attempts to inject Myra Desmond with an overdose of heroin, Top Dog Rita Conners dunks her own head to save face, Phyllis Hunt suffers permanent brain damage after being beamed by Reb Kean with one of Cass Parker’s scultptures, Monica burns Noeline, and on and on…

Mister SF stands in the driveway where Rita rides her Harley in the final episode, in which a dunny also factors heavily in the downfall of the Freak.