The Lunatics' Ball

Passion project The Lunatics' Ball follows an unorthodox psychologist who arrives at a psychiatric hospital and tries to use art, joy and respect to motivate his patients. First-timer Michael Thorp wrote the script partly out of worries that drug-based treatment programmes could prove more of a trap than a solution. After casting American-born oboist Russel Walder in the main role, and shooting on a shoestring, Thorp completed editing thanks to $400,000 in Film Commission funding, and help from some major industry names. The result won a jury prize at the Shanghai Film Festival.

I really wanted the part because the heart of the story is about someone who puts it all on the line, who is willing to do anything, and I found that a very impressive quality.

– Lead actor Russel Walder

Key Cast & Crew

Russel Walder

As: Charles

Michael Thorp

Producer, Writer, Director

Peter Scholes

Composer

Jane Irwin

As: Charlotte

Sarah Ashworth

As: Sarah

Michael Daly

As: Taylor