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“How’s the serenity?” “We’re going to Bonnie Doon!” “That's going straight to the pool room” – if these quotes mean something to you, chances are you've seen the classic Aussie film The Castle once or twice (or a hundred times, we're not judging).
Well, in exciting news for all those who consider the loveable Kerrigan crew part of their own extended family, it has just been announced that a brand new theatrical adaptation of the flick will land in Melbourne next year – premiering at Her Majesty's Theatre in March.
It's been almost 30 years since the film was first released, starring local acting legends Michael Caton, Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry, Eric Bana and Sophie Lee. It told the tale of working-class battler Darryl Kerrigan as he fought to save his beloved family home (“A man's home is his castle!”) from greedy developers keen to expand the neighbouring airport.
The stage adaptation is being developed by the film's original creators – Rob Sitch, Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro and Jane Kennedy – and is set to recapture all the heart, humour and larrikin magic audiences know and love. With a few contemporary references thrown in, of course.
While the cast is yet to be announced, the production will be directed by Paige Rattray (best known for her work on Netflix's Heartbreak High), with set and costumes by AACTA Award-winning designer Jonathon Oxlade.
And if you're hoping to snag a seat, we reckon you'll want to more fast – The Castle has just smashed Her Majesty Theatre's box office record for the highest first day ticket sales ever for a play. Now that's the vibe right there.
The Castle will premiere at Her Majesty's Theatre in March 2027 for a strictly limited run. For more information and to buy tickets, head to the website.
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