Tim Minchin and Milly Alcock in ‘Upright’
Lingo Pictures’ dramedy Upright starring Tim Minchin and Milly Alcock will premiere on Fox Showcase on Sunday December 1 at 8.30 pm.
The first co-commission between Foxtel and the UK’s Sky TV, the eight-parter will debut in the UK on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW TV on November 28.
Created by The Chaser’s Chris Taylor and directed by Matt Saville, the series follows two misfits who meet by chance in the middle of the desert and form a bond in their quest to get a piano from one side of the country a to the other.
When Minchin’s family outcast Lucky Flynn learns that his mother is dying, he decides to drive to the other side of Australia to see her, packing nothing but an upright piano for the journey.
His plans are turned upside down when he meets the rogue teenager Meg (Alcock). Together they forge an unlikely friendship as they embark on a road trip adventure across the Nullarbor in a race against time.
The supporting cast includes Heather Mitchell, Daniel Lapaine, Ella Scott Lynch, Daniel Frederiksen, Kate Box, the late Ningali Lawford-Wolf, Sachin Joab, Luke Carroll, Rob Collins and Genevieve Hegney.
“Making Upright was a complete joy and a massive privilege,” says Minchin, who co-wrote the series with Taylor, Kate Mulvany and Leon Ford. Niki Aken was the script producer.
“After living overseas for more than a decade, I couldn’t have hoped to come home to a more fun and inspiring project: an original Australian outback adventure story, full of heart and laughter, made by some of most talented and dedicated creatives in the country.
“It’s a unique but universal story about family, resilience, music, forgiveness, and learning how to find a moment to breathe out. And it’s full of silliness, action, and wonderful performances and will make you want to go to the beach and/or ring your mum.”
The producers are Lingo Pictures’ Jason Stephens, Melissa Kelly and Taylor. The EPs are Minchin, Penny Win, Carly Heaton and Helen Bowden.
Foxtel and Sky funded the production with Screen Australia, Create NSW and Screenwest. Rest of world sales are being handled by eOne.