Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse is set to be home of Roald Dahl’s delightfully disgusting tale of The Twits during the winter school holidays period from 27 June 2023 until 1 July 2023. Aiming to be both a visually spectacular and revoltingly funny production, this production is presented by the Brisbane-based shake & stir theatre co, the same team behind the sold-out seasons of Fantastic Mr Fox and George’s Marvellous Medicine.
Co-Artistic Director of shake & stir theatre co, Ross Balbuziente, expressed his excitement in directing the company’s fourth Roald Dahl adaptation. Balbuziente emphasized the importance of laughter and the underlying message of Dahl’s story, which highlights the value of kindness, friendship, and family.
This is the fourth Roald Dahl adaptation I have had the privilege to direct, and I could not be more excited – it was one of the first Dahl books I ever read. Embracing that unbridled sense of abandonment and joy that Dahl’s words give will be a much-needed distraction, especially given the last few years. It is more important now than ever to take some time to laugh.
Ross Balbuziente – shake & stir theatre co – Co-Artistic Director
The story has the trademark grit, wit and grotesque deliciousness readers have come to expect from Dahl. Front and centre are two of his most hilarious meanies – Mr and Mrs Twit. At the same time, the beating heart of the story is the importance of being nice to one another and that if you have friendship and family and work together, anything can be accomplished. It’s a passion for us at shake & stir theatre co to use Dahl’s books as inspiration for reimagined theatre works for audiences of every age to enjoy.
The Twits revolves around the nasty couple Mr. and Mrs. Twit, who constantly try to outwit each other in their quest for mean-spirited supremacy. The classic tale promotes good thoughts and the importance of treating others with love and care, with a reminder that positivity shines through one’s appearance.
The family-friendly production is part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Winter Families and Children Program, which has gained national and international recognition since its launch in August 2009. The growing program offers an array of intimate and large-scale theatre productions from respected companies worldwide, as well as interactive workshops for children and families.
