ABC Teams With Rebel Wilson For New Show Set In Pre-nanny State Sydney

Australian comedy superstar Rebel Wilson has been confirmed to star in ABC’s upcoming 10-part drama series Les Norton.

Based on the novels by Robert G. Barrett, the new production will throw Wilson into Sydney’s bustling Kings Cross nightlife in the ‘80s, alongside David Wenham (Romper Stomper, Wake in Fright, Top of the Lake), who will play the titular character.

The series follows Norton, who moves from outback Queensland to Sydney in an effort to outrun his troubled past and lands a job as a bouncer at a notorious illegal casino in Kings Cross.

ABC described it as a classic “fish out of water” tale, with Norton “seduced by the city’s illicit charms and dragged into a web of underground criminality”.

“Les and his reprobate mates are caught up in a Sydney that was at its most debauched in the ‘80s, and the show’s blackly hilarious as a consequence,” producer John Edwards said.

ABC’s Sally Riley added: “We are over the moon that Les Norton has lured such a stellar cast and creative team to bring the novels to life. 

“Les Norton is shaping up to be an enviable addition to the ABC’s 2019 drama slate."

The character of Les Norton first appeared on the pages of Barrett’s You Wouldn’t Be Dead For Quids in ’89.