Ben Elton with supporters who hope to have his latest feature film produced in the region.
Mia Lacy
Camera IconBen Elton with supporters who hope to have his latest feature film produced in the region. Mia Lacy Credit: Supplied/Mia Lacy

Hopes for Ben Elton film Three Summers to be produced in the Peel region

Vanessa SchmittMandurah Coastal Times

Businesses and community organisations – such as the Peel Development Commission, Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation, Shire of Murray. and City of Mandurah – have thrown their support behind the project.

Internationally renowned and multi-award winning comedian, author, playwright, actor and director Elton has written a script for a major feature film about the community of WA that is inextricably tied to the Peel region.

As a writer, Elton is famous for series such as The Young Ones, The Thin Blue Line and Blackadder, as well as continuing as a stand-up comedian on stage and television.

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Since then he has published 15 internationally best-selling novels, hit plays and musicals, including We Will Rock You, which started a new season in May at the Sydney Lyric Theatre before touring the country.

His new BBC TV comedy series Upstart Crow, on the young William Shakespeare, has just launched in the UK.

Elton is a long-time resident of Fremantle.

“This is a film I’ve been wanting to realise for a long time,” he said.

“I married an Australian and I’ve lived in Freo on and off since 1986. When I first went to Fairbridge, I knew this is where the story should be told.

“The changes I noted year after year at the festival gave me the threads to weave the story of Three Summers.

“The setting in the wonderful green hills is very inspiring.

“The story I’m telling is a multi-stranded tale with a love story at its core and it embraces our newest Aussies – our refugees – and our oldest Australians – our indigenous brothers and sisters.

“It would be a dream come true for me to create and tell a filmic story in and of Western Australia.”

Local Mark Anderson has taken on the role of associate producer and executive regional consultant for the film.

“I am honoured to be working with Ben and the team to bring this project to the Peel region,” he said.

“With the support of the local community we will be able to secure the first major feature film to be produced in the Peel region; this being, I hope, the first of many more to come.”

Stage Door Waterfront Restaurant owners Leighton and Christy Yates are working with Mr Anderson to secure the project for the region.

“Peel is renowned for its community spirit and it is great to come together with others to ensure this project is made locally,” Mr Yates said.

Anyone who would like to get involved in securing the project for the region can call Mr Anderson on 0484 081 329 or email five.ando@outlook.com.