Tony Ayres Productions is developing a new series inspired by ABC’s Mushroom Murder Trial.
Created by Elise McCredie and Tony Ayres, Toxic is described as a “layered, complex series that explores the events and characters of this true life story without judging,” while exploring “marriage, faith, and motherhood.”
The creative team works closely with ABC journalist and podcaster Rachel Brown on the project.
While the ju judges were considering the verdict at the trial of Leongata woman Erin Patterson, she was charged with multiple murder charges when three guests died, and after spending four months in the hospital after lunch in 2023, she served beef wellington containing toxic “death cap” mushrooms.
Patterson pleaded not guilty and has always argued that the incident was a horrible and tragic accident.
The incident is also the subject of a documentary that will be premiered in Stan.
Ayers said it was a challenge and responsibility to go beyond the surface in such cases.
“True stories ask storytellers to investigate the complexities of human behavior,” he said.
“What’s under the heading?”
McCready, known for his work on Clearing and Jack Irish, said he was delighted to have worked with Ayers on “an entangled, heartbreaking story.”
“Sitting at trial, unfolding evidence, changing direction and looking at the rearrangement itself is a blueprint for the subjectivity of ‘truth’ and the dramatic narrator’s blueprint for multiple perspectives in an honest and persuasive way,” she said.
The scripted ABC head of Rachel Okine also expressed excitement about working with Ayers.
“This research has already attracted audiences across Australia and we want to dig deeper into the complexities behind the headlines and make this story come true with the team,” she said.
The tap is backed by Matchbox Pictures and Universal International Studios, divisions of the Universal Studio Group.
