An adaption of Australian author Melanie Tait’s play The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race has begun filming in Sydney and the Southern Highlands of NSW.
The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race follows the story of Penny Anderson, a GP who returns from the big smoke to set up shop in her (fictional) hometown of Appleton. Penny arrives just in time for the annular Appleton Show, an event that hosts a world-famous potato race, but she is dismayed when she finds out that the women’s prize is a pittance compared to the men’s. Penny is determined to make a stand against the inequality in Appleton and decides that the potato race is the perfect platform for her dissent.
The production, to be directed by Lynn Hegarty (Back to the Rafters), has now announced its principal cast. The lead of Penny will be played by Claire van der Boom (last seen in Liam Neeson thriller Blacklight) and joining her in key roles are Katie Wall (Noise), Robyn Nevin (Relic), Geneviève Lemon, (Ticket to Paradise), and Olivia Stambouliah (Ambulance). The cast also includes Tiriel Mora, Andy Ryan, Rohan Nichol, Cecelia Peters, Darren Gilshenan, John Batchelor, and John Gaden.
Joining Hegarty are cinematographer Henry Pierce, production designer Claire Granville, costume designer Wendy Cork, and editor Katie Flaxman.
The film will be produced by Andrea Keir and Lisa Duff who are also executive producing with EQ Media’s Greg Quail, Paramount+ Australia’s Sophia Mogford, and Cecilia Ritchie.
Paramount ANZ Network Executive of Drama and Comedy, Sophia Mogford, said: “It is such a charming, engaging story full of Aussie quirks, humour, and characters and the cast draws on some wonderfully familiar faces, as well as contemporary stars, with a story theme that will resonate with audiences everywhere. This production is certainly in safe hands with the talented, world-class cast and crew creating this very special film.”