Say hello to the new Muriel

Actor Lily Sullivan will see herself on screen for the first time on Saturday when Mental premieres at the Melbourne Film Festival. Picture: Adam Ward Source: News Limited

Vicky Roach, News Limited Network, reports

Meet the new Muriel - 18-year-old Lily Sullivan.

Director P.J. Hogan cast the Queensland schoolgirl in his raucous new comedy Mental, which he describes as The Sound of Music on acid, after an open casting call.

Sullivan plays the pivotal role of Coral in the semi-autobiographical film about a dysfunctional family of girls and the crazy nanny who turns their suburban world on its head.

Hogan says his first Australian film since Muriel's Wedding (1994), which sees him reunited with Porpoise Spit muse Toni Collette, shares a definite kinship with its ABBA-inspired predecessor.

And Sullivan's audition reminded him of the one he did with a then unknown Rachel Griffiths.

"When I cast Rachel Griffiths, she was not how I imagined the part, but she was the only actress for the role. She had star quality. I could see it. And when she acted opposite Toni, they had a great chemistry together. It was the same thing with Lily.

"Toni takes no prisoners when she acts with you. She goes for it and when she serves, boy, you better return that ball. Lily was the only one who stood up to her.''

Sullivan took a term off school during her HSC year to embrace the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I sent in a self (audition) tape. Two weeks later, my world had changed completely.''

The fledgling actress celebrated her 18th birthday on location in Queensland.

"I had my first legal glass of champagne with Toni Collette at the wrap party. How cool is that?''