Cloudstreet (miniseries)
| Company type | Miniseries |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television drama |
| Founded | May 22, 2011 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
Key people | Matthew Saville (director), Tim Winton (co-screenwriter), Ellen Fontana (co-screenwriter) |
| Products | Television miniseries |
Cloudstreet is an Australian drama miniseries produced for the subscription channel Showcase, which debuted on 22 May 2011 in a three-episode format. The series is an adaptation of Cloudstreet, the acclaimed novel penned by Australian writer Tim Winton. Shot in 2010 in Perth, Western Australia, the production was helmed by director Matthew Saville with a screenplay co-authored by Tim Winton and Ellen Fontana.
Plot and context
After enduring significant personal losses, two distinct families relocate from rural areas to cohabit a spacious residence named Cloudstreet, located in the Perth suburb of West Leederville. The Lamb family finds direction through hard work and spirituality, whereas the Pickles depend heavily on fortune. Although initially estranged, their separate experiences eventually lead to a shared sense of family cohesion.
Spanning from the mid-1940s through the late 1950s, the narrative centers on everyday family life set against the backdrop of wider historical events. A prominent subject explored is the stolen generations of Aboriginal children, some of whom had previously suffered mistreatment within the very house occupied by both families.
The Pickles
- Dolly Pickles - Essie Davis
- Sam Pickles - Stephen Curry
- Rose Pickles - Emma Booth
- Young Rose Pickles - Lara Robinson
- Ted Pickles - Sean Keenan
- Young Ted Pickles - Will Mattock
- Chub Pickles - Shannon Lively
- Young Chub Pickles - Reece Sardelic
The Lambs
- Lester Lamb - Geoff Morrell
- Oriel Lamb - Kerry Fox
- Fish Lamb - Hugo Johnstone-Burt
- Young Fish Lamb - Tom Russell
- Quick Lamb - Todd Lasance
- Young Quick Lamb - Callan McAuliffe
- Young Hat Lamb - Freya Tingley
- Hat Lamb - Siobhan Dow-Hall
- Young Elaine Lamb - Annie Smith
- Elaine Lamb - Sarah McKellar
- Lon Lamb - Adam Sollis
- Red Lamb - Amanda Woodhams
Supporting cast
- Narration provided by Ron Haddrick
- Greg McNeill as Trainer
- Milly Haddrick as Trainer's Daughter
- Ben Mortley portraying Gerry Clay
- Bruce Spence as Pig
- Kelton Pell as Bob Crab
- Shaquita Nannup as Florrie
- Billie-Jean Hamlet as Ruby
- Michelle Stanley as Mrs Johnson
- Julia Moody as Mrs Tisborn
- Anna Bauert as Alma
- Sarah Louella as Darlene
- Natalie Holmwood as Merle
- Melanie Munt as Mrs Clay
- Oliver Ackland as Toby Raven
- Ethan Thomas as Geoffrey Birch
- Laura Fairclough as Lucy Wentworth
- David Bowers as Earl Blunt
- Helen Doig as May Blunt
- Richard Adams as Spinner
- Jodie Mead as Aboriginal Woman
- Sean Walsh as Man
- Matthew Elverd as Man
- Angelique Malcolm as Housewife
- John McKenzie as Sam's Hand Double
Production
This miniseries adapts the award-winning novel authored by Australian writer Tim Winton. Filming took place in 2010 around Perth, Western Australia, under the direction of Matthew Saville. The screenplay was collaboratively written by Tim Winton and Ellen Fontana.
The Haddrick family from Sydney contributed across three generations: narration was performed by Ron Haddrick, production overseen by Greg Haddrick, and acting roles included Milly Haddrick.
Release
The series, divided into three installments, premiered in Australia on 22 May 2011 and later broadcast in the United Kingdom starting January 2012 on Sky Atlantic.
Reception
David Knox from TV Tonight commended Cloudstreet for its striking imagery, creative narrative, and compelling acting, emphasizing that it elevates beyond standard television dramas.
Brad Newsome of the Sydney Morning Herald praised the exceptional production values and costume craftsmanship, the unique score composed by Bryony Marks, along with Matthew Saville's direction paired with Mark Wareham's cinematography, describing the series as "vivid" and "captivating."
Further reading
- Brian McFarlane, "Cloudstreet revisited," Australian Book Review, June 2011, issue 332, p.54