Claire van der Boom GIRL POWER

THE ACTRESS OPENS ABOUT HER HEARTWARMING NEW AUSSIE MOVIE

- Kylie Walters

When the script for The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race first landed in front of her, Claire van der Boom admits she didn’t quite know what to think.

“I thought, OK this is an Australian story that might just be a little bit silly,” the actress, 39, admits to WHO with a giggle. “And then I read it. Not only was I laughing out loud, but I was really genuinely moved by this beautiful true story that raises lots of important issues.”

Inspired by real-life events that rocked the small New South Wales Southern Highlands town of Robertson’s annual potato race (see breakout), the movie sees van der Boom play Penny. After a few years of living away in the city, Penny returns to her hometown of Appleton, looking to reconnect with her family – especially her sister and 10-time potato race champion Nikki (Katie Wall).

But Penny is left outraged when she learns that the female winner of the race takes home just $200, while the first man across the line pockets $2000. Setting out to right the wrong, Penny is shocked that the whole town doesn’t see what the problem is and that her biggest opposition comes from other women.

What did you love about playing Penny?