Award-winning actor David Wenham steps into the shoes of an interviewer, travelling back in time with the illustrious former cricket captain, Ian Chappell, this week on ‘The ABC Of.’
Known for his unswerving support for fair play and his pivotal role in Australian cricket, Ian Chappell spins tales from his past, recalling vivid memories from the 1970s Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and sharing unseen footage of his close friend and teammate, Rod Marsh.
One of the standout moments in the series is the discovery of a 1969 archival gem featuring Ian’s grandfather, Vic Richardson, shot just before his demise. The ABC Of research team uncovered this historical footage, enabling Chappell to reflect on how his ancestors influenced his strong moral compass, both on and off the cricket pitch.
This unique one-on-one series unveils a new side of Chappell, as he opens up about his personal health struggle. The cricket icon speaks about the impact of the stroke he suffered 18 months ago and how it has shaped the next phase of his life. Apart from his celebrated cricket career, Chappell’s contribution as a special representative for UNHCR is also spotlighted.
‘The ABC Of’ is an innovative interview series that delves deep into the lives of some of Australia’s most respected personalities, drawing from the extensive ABC Archives.
Joining Ian Chappell on this journey into the past are six other icons: former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, performer and Indigenous advocate Miranda Tapsell, acclaimed actor Jack Thompson, renowned comedian and broadcaster Wendy Harmer, Greig Pickhaver, one half of Australia’s much-loved comedy duo, and esteemed feminist and intellectual Germaine Greer.
Uniquely, the guests are not privy to the archival clips selected for their interview, leading to unexpected and poignant moments. The series often sidesteps predictable career highlights, delving instead into surprising and delightful stories, some of which haven’t been aired for decades.
‘The ABC Of’ is a production of Guesswork Television, made in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The Executive Producers of the series are Jon Casimir and Jo Long, while Julie Hanna serves as the ABC Commissioning Editor. Richard Huddleston holds the position of Acting Head of Factual and Culture at ABC. Tune in to uncover the fascinating lives of Australia’s icons, one archival clip at a time.
