Tony Ayres Productions is developing a new series based on the mushroom poisoning trial for the ABC.
Titled “Toxic,” it’s based on the true story of Erin Patterson, the Australian woman accused of murdering her guests with poisonous mushrooms.
“Toxic” is created by Elise McCredie (“Jack Irish,” “The Clearing,” “Stateless”) and Tony Ayres (“The Survivors,” “Clickbait,” “Stateless”). The team is working closely with ABC journalist and podcaster Rachael Brown.
In one of the most high-profile murder investigations in recent Australian history, Patterson was charged with multiple counts of murder after three guests died and a fourth spent months in hospital following a lunch where she served Beef Wellington containing the toxic ‘Death Cap’ mushroom. A jury is currently considering its verdict.
Patterson has pleaded not guilty and has maintained the incident was a tragic accident.
Told across multiple timelines and perspectives, “Toxic” is described as “a layered and intricate series that explores the events and characters of this true-life story without judgement” while exploring “marriage, faith and motherhood.”
“True stories ask storytellers to probe the complexities of human behaviour. What really lies beneath the headlines?” says Tony Ayres, Managing Director & Executive Producer. “It’s both a challenge and a responsibility to go beyond the surface – to reveal, not just sensationalise.”
Showrunner Elise McCredie adds: “I am delighted to be working with long-time collaborator Tony Ayres on this tangled, heart-breaking story. Sitting in on the trial, watching evidence unfurl, change direction, and reposition itself has been an exercise in the subjectivity of ‘truth’ and a blueprint for a dramatic retelling that explores multiple perspectives in an honest and compelling way.”
Rachel Okine, ABC’s Head of Scripted, says: “We’re excited to be partnering once again with our long-time collaborators, Tony Ayres Productions, on this powerful new project. This investigation has already captivated audiences across Australia and we’re eager to dive deeper into the complexities behind the headlines to bring this story to life with the team”.
The series will be produced by Tony Ayres Productions (The Survivors, Fires, Clickbait, Stateless), backed by Matchbox Pictures and Universal International Studios, part of Universal Studio Group.