Tim Minchin stars in new Sky road trip comedy

Monday 23rd July 2018, 1:37pm

Image shows from L to R: Tim Minchin, Milly Alcock
  • Tim Minchin will star as a misfit on a road trip across Australia with an old piano
  • A loser with an astonishing musical gift, he picks up a similarly troubled teenager during the trip
  • An 8-part series, the comedy drama will be filmed on location from October and broadcast in 2019

Tim Minchin has co-written and will star in a new comedy drama for Sky and its Australian counterpart, Foxtel.

Upright, to begin filming on location in October, charts the story of a directionless loser who embarks on a 4,000km cross-country journey with his only valued possession - an upright piano - in tow, teaming up with a similarly misfitted teenage girl en route.

Producers explain: "Lucky Flynn hasn't spoken to his family in years. He's broke, distant and damaged. He's also a gifted pianist, whose talent for music is matched only by his talent for self-destruction.

"When he learns that his mother has only days left to live, Lucky sets off in a hire car to drive the 4,000km from Sydney to Perth to say goodbye, taking with him his only cherished possession in the world: a battered and scarred upright piano.

"But what should have been a straightforward drive across the outback soon becomes a test of Lucky's emotional fitness, when he quite literally runs into Meg, a hilarious, tough-as-nails teenager, who we soon discover has plenty of scars and secrets of her own."

Young actor Milly Alcock takes on the role of Meg in the eight-part series, which has been written by Minchin and creator Chris Taylor.

Contributing to the scripts are Kate Mulvany and Leon Ford, whilst Matthew Saville will direct and Minchin will also compose an original score.

He says: "From the moment I heard about the idea for Upright, I knew it was the show I'd been waiting to make. I like stories that make me laugh and think and cry, I adore the landscapes of outback Australia, and I love music, and homecomings, and characters full of flaws. It's awesome to be writing with this extraordinary team, and I'm looking forward to acting alongside Milly Alcock, who I think is a really special talent."

Morwenna Gordon, Commissioning Editor for Sky Comedy, said: "Sky Comedy is always striving to work with the best talent and on the most surprising, unique and beautifully crafted shows, so we're delighted to be collaborating with the world class Tim Minchin on Upright. Alongside Milly Alcock (and a battered piano), we're sure this is a road trip Sky customers will never forget."

Jason Stephens of production company Lingo Pictures, adds: "There are not many shows I've enjoyed developing as much as Upright. It's been a joy having Tim back home and working with our talented team of writers scripting this beautiful and funny show. Matt Saville's direction always delivers something special so I can't wait to start shooting and bringing this story to the Foxtel and Sky audiences."

The series is due for broadcast in 2019. Sky has yet to confirm which one of its entertainment channels Upright will be shown on.

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