Shane Jacobson in 'Kenny'.
Shane Jacobson and Magda Szubanski have joined the cast of Stephen Amis’ upcoming comedy, The BBQ.
Jacobson will play Darren ‘Dazza’ Cook, described as “a loveable suburban everyman with a long-established belief that his family is related to Captain James Cook.”
Dazza has a passion for barbequing, but when he accidentally gives his neighbours food poisoning, his reputation and dignity are on the line. To make amends he seeks tutelage from the tyrannical Scottish chef known simply as ‘The Butcher’, played by Szubanksi.
Together they enter an international barbecue competition, pitting Dazza’s homespun techniques against the world’s best BBQ chefs.
The Revolution Partners film will also star celebrity-chef Manu Feildel; Julia Zemiro (Rockwiz); and Nicholas Hammond (The Sound of Music). The feature will begin shooting on Feb 6 around Albury-Wodonga, Mitta Mitta, and metro Melbourne.
“The Aussie barbecue is the iconic watering hole that brings all people together," said director Amis. "We're thrilled to have attracted such an incredible cast to bring our story to the screen. The BBQ speaks to middle Australia in all its ragged glory – it's a comedy that celebrates cultural diversity, slow-cooked on the barbie over millennia.”
Amis wrote the script alongside David Richardson, Serge DeNardo and Angelo Salamanca. The director will also produce the film with Tait Brady and Lynne Wilson, with whom he previously collaborated on The 25th Reich.
The production is financed by private investment, Screen Australia, Soundfirm, Revolution Partners and Film Victoria. It's also supported by IGA, Barbecues Galore and Heat Beads.
“We were impressed by the great marketplace support secured by Revolution Partners for The BBQ, and with such a talented cast fronting the film, we knew it would resonate with foodie (and comedy) loving audiences all around Australia,” said Screen Australia head of production Sally Caplan.