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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, a brand new theatrical adaptation of the flick will land in Melbourne next year, premiering at Her Majesty's Theatre in March – and the cast has just been announced.
While the announcement of the musical adaptation came in July, we've been waiting on the edge of our seats to know who will play the beloved Kerrigan family. Leading the charge as Darryl Kerrigan is Justin Smith (Heartbreak High, The Artful Dodger, Wentworth), and by his side is Christie Whelan Brown (Muriel's Wedding The Musical, Kimberly Akimbo) as his wife, Sal Kerrigan. As for the kids, Ed Oxenbould (Puberty Blues) is making his theatre debut as Dale Kerrigan, the Kerrigans' youngest son (and the story's narrator). AACTA Award-winning actor Joel Jackson (Mystery Road, Scrublands) will take to the stage as Wayne Kerrigan, the oldest son and prisoner, and Stephanie Graham will play Tracey Kerrigan, the much-loved middle child. Marcus McKenzie will play "ideas man" Steve Kerrigan, and Roman Delo (Bump, NCIS: Sydney, Home and Away) will play Tracey's devoted husband and amateur kickboxer, Con Petropoulous.
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.
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 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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