A much-anticipated Australian television series is being filmed at the Werribee Mansion.
A small-screen version of Joan Lindsay’s famous 1967 novel, Picnic at Hanging Rock, was last week in production at the heritage mansion.
The mansion will feature in the television show as Appleyard College, which is the name of the girls’ private school in the book.
Foxtel and FremantleMedia Australia have released the first official image from the set of the drama series, showing four costumed actresses standing outside the mansion.
The picture includes Natalie Dormer, who has also starred in
Game of Thrones, and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2, as the school’s headmistress Hester Appleyard.
Samara Weaving will also appear in the television show as the character of Irma Leopold, while Madeleine Madden will portray Marion Quade and Lily Sullivan will play the part of Miranda Reid.
Dormer said she was “thrilled” to be working with the
Picnic at Hanging Rock’s creative team.
“This re-imagining of the iconic story will no doubt grab a contemporary audience with its mystery, emotion and wide range of complex, smart female characters,” she said.
Picnic at Hanging Rock, which was also made into a film in 1975, tells the story of three schoolgirls and one teacher who mysteriously disappear on Valentine’s Day in 1900.
Picnic at Hanging Rock will premiere on Foxtel’s Showcase channel at a date to be confirmed.
The six-part drama has attracted funding from Screen Australia and Film Victoria.
