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Rake, starring Richard Roxburgh, begins production in April

Series two of Australian drama Rake begins shooting in Sydney in April.

The series, which first aired on ABC1 in 2010, stars Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge, Blue Murder) as self-destructive criminal defence barrister Cleaver Greene.

Producer/director Peter Duncan said it was great to be back in production. "Once again we have an opportunity to channel our various depravities into Cleaver – rather than exercise them ourselves. This is a considerable relief for our friends and loved ones,” he said in a statement.

Indeed it is, as Cleaver’s debaucherous private life continues in series two. The series will see Cleaver engaged in a passionate affair with a dangerous liaison, stories of suicide bombers and psychotic schoolgirls, as well as a ‘pedantic chameleon’ and an alleged ‘serial bobbitter’.

The new series will see several actors returning including Matt Day (Tangle) as David Potter; Russell Dykstra (Romulus, My Father) as Barney, Cleaver’s friend and co-worker; Danielle Cormack (Underbelly: Razor) as Barney’s wife, Scarlet; Caroline Brazier (Packed to the Rafters) as Wendy, Cleaver’s ex-wife; and Adrienne Pickering (The Reef) as Missy, a former prostitute harbouring feelings for Cleaver.

Ian Collie of Essential Media will again be producing along with Richard Roxburgh and Duncan, who is also co-writer along with Andrew Knight (SeaChange). Sharing directing duties with Duncan are Jeffrey Walker (Angry Boys) and Rowan Woods (Spirited). A fourth director will be announced shortly.