The story of Australian new wave icons Mental As Anything will be brought to life on the big screen, as two of the group's original members reform Mentals to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Titled 'Live It Up: The Mental As Anything Story', and written-directed by Matthew Walker (whose documentary 'I'm Wanita' won Best Australian Documentary at Sydney Film Festival in 2021), the film features never before seen archival footage.
It also contains exclusive interviews with group members Reg Mombassa, Martin Plaza, Peter O'Doherty, and David Twohill as well as members of the band's inner circle. The film will release in Australian cinemas from 5 March.
Brothers Reg and Peter, who left the group in 2000 to pursue their respective art careers and other band Dog Trumpet, have also reformed the band as it celebrates its 50th birthday in 2026.
To be joined by Shannon Stitt (keyboard, vocals), Declan O'Doherty (drums, vocals) and Simon Rudston-Brown (guitar, vocals), the band will tour nationally in 2026, with dates to be confirmed, although they have already locked in appearances at Bluesfest, St Kilda Festival and Lighthouse Rock.
Original drummer Twohill will also make appearances at select shows, while co-founder Martin Plaza will not be available due to ill health. "It's slightly weird to think that we started the Mentals 50 years ago, but that's how time works," Reg Mombassa says.
"The film captures the humour and the energy and the art and personalities of the band members. I am grateful that I was able to be in an interesting and popular band and I feel proud of our legacy."
Without a doubt one of Australia's biggest musical acts of the 1980s (alongside INXS, Farnham and Hoodoo Gurus), Mental As Anything clocked up 22 Top 40 hits including 'Live It Up', 'If You Leave Me Can I Come Too?' and 'The Nips Are Getting Bigger'.
"I joined the band at the age of 19 and we were grafted together like a second family," Peter O’Doherty adds.
"This film captures the essence of what it was like to be in an Australian band in the '70s, '80s and '90s, and I'm reminded of how chaotic, creative, funny, and intense it all was."
Writer-director Matthew Walker adds: "Growing up in the '80s, Mental As Anything was a part of everyday suburban life. As a kid, it seemed normal and correct that they existed, dressed in tin foil, singing unforgettable songs that made you happy.
"Later, you realise how great those songs were and how much of an impact they had. This film is a celebration of the magic of The Mentals and their extraordinary story and is well overdue for the big screen."
Mental As Anything 2026 Tour Dates
Sun 15 Feb - St Kilda Festival (Melbourne)
Mon 9 Mar - A Taste Of The Huon (Huon Valley)
Sat 4 Apr - Bluesfest (Byron Bay)
Sat 23 May - Lighthouse Rock (Bundaberg Region)
