Robertson playwright Melanie Tait's Appleton Ladies Potato Race to be filmed in the Southern Highlands

The Appleton Ladies Potato Race by playwright Melanie Tait will call Robertson and parts of the Southern Highlands home in the coming weeks as filming begins.

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The film is set to feature Claire van der Boom, Katie Wall, Genevieve Lemon, Tiriel Mora, and Robyn Nevin.

The cast also includes Andy Ryan, Rohan Nichol, Cecelia Peters, Darren Gilshenan, John Batchelor, and John Gaden.

The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race is produced by Congaline Productions and EQ Media for Paramount+.

Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW and the NSW Regional Film Fund.

When Penny Anderson (Claire van der Boom) returns to her childhood home just in time for the Appleton Show and its 'world famous' potato race, she is outraged that the men's first prize pays out $2,000 and the winning woman's prize is only $200!

Determined to right this wrong, she unleashes a cultural war the likes never seen in sleepy Appleton - pitting family against family, sister against sister and potato racer against potato racer.

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The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race is directed by Lynn Hegarty and produced by Andrea Keir and Lisa Duff who are also executive producing with EQ Media's Greg Quail, Paramount+ Australia's Sophia Mogford, and Cecilia Ritchie.

Paramount ANZ Network Executive of Drama And Comedy, Sophia Mogford, said Paramount was proud to invest the Australian production.

"We know will have huge global appeal," she said.

"It is such a charming, engaging story full of Aussie quirks, humour and characters and the cast draws on some wonderfully familiar faces, as well as contemporary stars, with a story theme that will resonate with audiences everywhere.

"This production is certainly in safe hands with the talented, world-class cast and crew creating this very special film."

Producer Andrea Keir said the film would be impossible for viewers to resist.

"The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race what a title," she said.

"Melanie has written a joyful and charming script set in a luscious country village nestled in rolling green hills."

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EQ Media's Lisa Duff and Greg Quail said EQ media was thrilled to work alongside Andrea Keir on the feature film adaptation of Melanie Tait's much-loved play.

"We have assembled an incredible cast and crew and look forward to bringing the story of Appleton and its famous potato race to audiences both locally and internationally.

"With contemporary themes of home, family and the gender pay gap, this heartfelt drama is bound to become an Australian classic."

Screen Australia's Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon said Melanie had proven her ability to connect with audiences in her heart warming on stage.

"We are delighted to support her together with an experienced producing team to bring it to the screen," he said.

"With quirky and charming characters, and set against the backdrop of quintessential regional Australia, this is set to be a joy to watch."

Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth said Screen NSW was thrilled toThe Appleton Ladies' Potato Race and the incredible cast and crew.

"Based on a successful play of the same name by Melanie Tait, this uniquely Australian story is set to explore the financial divide between genders and present a quintessential Australian tale to audiences at home and abroad," she said.

"I wish the cast and crew all the best for filming."

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