The upcoming stage adaptation of Australian comedy classic The Castle has unveiled its cast, with Justin Smith, Christie Whelan Browne and Ed Oxenbould leading the family into a new era.
Producers Michael Cassel and Working Dog announced the cast on Monday, ahead of the production’s opening at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre in March 2027. The announcement also comes alongside another extension of the Melbourne season, with performances now on sale through to May 16th, following strong ticket demand.
Smith, whose screen credits include Heartbreak High, The Artful Dodger and Wentworth, will take on the role of family patriarch Darryl Kerrigan, originally portrayed by Michael Caton in the 1997 film. He will star opposite Whelan Browne (Muriel’s Wedding The Musical, Kimberly Akimbo) as his wife, Sal Kerrigan.
“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,” Smith said. “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, known for his roles in Puberty Blues, Paper Planes and Wildlife, will make his professional theatre debut as the family’s youngest son and narrator, Dale Kerrigan.
Joining him are AACTA Award winner Joel Jackson (Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door, Mystery Road) as Wayne Kerrigan, Stephanie Graham as Tracey Kerrigan and Marcus McKenzie as Steve Kerrigan. Roman Delo (Bump, NCIS: Sydney) rounds out the extended family as Tracey’s husband, Con Petropoulous.
“The Castle was one of those films my parents introduced me to growing up, and it quickly became a favourite in our house,” Oxenbould said. “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.”
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
The stage adaptation was first announced in July, with Michael Cassel Group and Working Dog joining forces to reimagine the Australian comedy classic for theatre.
The production has been written by the film’s original creators, Rob Sitch, Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro and Jane Kennedy, who also serve as co-producers. Paige Rattray, whose credits include Fangirls and Netflix’s Heartbreak High, will direct.
At the time of the announcement, the creators revealed they had been hoping to bring The Castle to the stage for more than two decades, with the adaptation set to feature updated material alongside the film’s familiar humour and characters.
Released in 1997, The Castle follows the working-class Kerrigan family as they fight to save their Melbourne home from compulsory acquisition. Made on a budget of just $750,000, the film went on to gross more than $10 million at the box office and earned several AACTA Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Actor for Caton.
Nearly three decades later, the comedy remains one of Australia’s most recognisable films, with its characters and dialogue firmly embedded in popular culture.
Kennedy, one of the creators, said finding the right actors to portray the family was a priority for the creative team. “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,” she said.
“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.”
Rattray, who will direct, added that the chemistry between the performers was a deciding factor throughout the casting process. “Throughout the casting process, Jane and I spoke often about the qualities that have made the Kerrigans so beloved for nearly thirty years,” she explained.
“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 will premiere at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre in March 2027, with performances currently scheduled through May 16. Tickets are available now here.
From Variety Australia
