With some incredibly iconic shoes to fill for any Aussie, producers Michael Cassel Group and Working Dog have today confirmed whom will be joining the Kerrigan family next year, when the worldwide stage premiere of The Castle opens at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne from March 2027. The Melbourne premiere will bring the story back to audiences nearly 30 years after the film’s release, once that for decades has been watched by countless Australians, either on the silver screen, the telly, or in my case, on a television in a classroom back in high school.
Justin Smith and Christie Whelan Browne will lead The Castle stage cast as Darryl and Sal Kerrigan, with Ed Oxenbould joining them as youngest son and narrator Dale. For Smith, whose screen credits include Heartbreak High, The Artful Dodger and Wentworth, the role means taking on the family patriarch determined to protect his home. He reflected on the responsibility of bringing Darryl Kerrigan to the stage:
The Castle is one of those rare stories that have become part of Australia’s DNA. Darryl’s love for his family, his optimism and his unwavering belief in doing what’s right have resonated with audiences for generations. To step into his shoes and help bring this story to a new audience on stage is an enormous privilege, and one I don’t take lightly.
Oxenbould’s casting also marks his professional theatre debut. Following screen roles in Puberty Blues, Paper Planes and Wildlife, he will play the Kerrigan who tells the family’s story, offering a view of their lives through Dale’s sincere and optimistic perspective. He discussed his connection to the film and making his professional theatre debut as Dale:
The Castle was one of those films my parents introduced me to growing up, and it quickly became a favourite in our house. Dale sees the world with such sincerity, curiosity and optimism, which is a big part of why audiences have connected with him for so many years. To make my stage debut playing such an iconic Australian character is incredibly exciting.
The rest of the household brings together performers from television, musical theatre and contemporary performance. AACTA Award winner Joel Jackson, whose credits include Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door, Mystery Road and Scrublands, will play eldest son Wayne. Recent WAAPA graduate Stephanie Graham takes on Tracey, the family’s Sunshine TAFE-certified hairdresser, while Marcus McKenzie plays bargain-hunting Steve. Roman Delo rounds out the announced family cast as Tracey’s husband Con Petropoulous, an amateur kickboxer. His screen credits include Bump, NCIS: Sydney, Ten Pound Poms and Home and Away.
Produced by Michael Cassel and Working Dog, the adaptation has been written by the film’s original creators, Rob Sitch, Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro and Jane Kennedy. The production will revisit the family’s fight to protect their home beneath the flight path, with the producers promising familiar moments alongside new jokes and contemporary references written for the stage. Co-creator and co-producer Jane Kennedy explained what the team was looking for in its Kerrigan family:
One of the reasons The Castle has remained so close to people’s hearts is because Australians see a little bit of themselves in the Kerrigans. They are funny, loyal, optimistic and endlessly devoted to one another. Finding actors who could capture that spirit was incredibly important to us, and from the moment we saw this cast together, we knew we’d found our family. We cannot wait for audiences to meet them.
Director Paige Rattray spoke about the connection between the performers and their approach to the characters:
Throughout the casting process, Jane and I spoke often about the qualities that have made the Kerrigans so beloved for nearly thirty years. What excited me most about this company was the genuine sense of connection between them. They bring extraordinary talent, but also the generosity, heart and authenticity that sit at the centre of The Castle. Together they have created a Kerrigan family that feels fresh, while remaining true to everything audiences love about the film.
The Castle begins performances on 23 March 2027 at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne. Tickets are available through the official production website. The producers have also announced a further season extension, with new performances through 16 May 2027 now on sale.
