Cape Breton comedy stars team up for new TV series

Cape Breton comedians Bette MacDonald and Justine Williamson are teaming up on a new series.

Two of Cape Breton’s favourite comedy queens are sharing the screen in a brand-new series.

Bette MacDonald and Justine Williamson co-star in Star Maker Academy, which follows Doreen and Charmaine, who run a questionable acting school in a tiny seaside village.

“The name itself is very grand. The idea is very grand. However, they don’t know how to teach acting - they know very little about it, actually,” said MacDonald in an interview with CTV Atlantic’s Katie Kelly. “So, you know, things don’t always go to plan.”

Williamson, best known as one half of the popular Cape Breton comedy duo Tracy and Martina, says the show was a chance to step outside her comfort zone.

“I think I had a bit of imposter syndrome going into it, because I’ve never done another role outside of Tracy,” said Williamson. “But it was good to explore another character, and it was really fun - a growth moment for me.”

MacDonald says working with Williamson was a perfect fit. “How lucky were we to get Justine? That was perfect.” “She’s definitely stepping out of Tracy’s thigh-high boots to play this one - and we’ve been having a blast. I love working with her.”

And the feeling is mutual. “She’s such a professional,” Williamson said. “Sometimes at the end of takes we would riff a little bit and improvise, which was really fun. It’s a really funny show with excellent writing.”

The series was shot at the historic Louisbourg Playhouse - a dream come true for the two comedians.

“The best news is we got to make it in Cape Breton,” MacDonald said. “It seems like the Playhouse was absolutely made for this show. It’s perfect.”

Fans can now catch Season One of Star Maker Academy on Bell Fibe TV1. And if you ask the duo, the mission is simple: “The number one rule for this show was to make it as funny as possible,” said MacDonald. “So hopefully they will laugh a lot.”