Producers of The Castle stage show have cast the Kerrigans, the family at the centre of the beloved Australian 1997 film, which is headed for Her Majesty’s Theatre in March.
Darryl Kerrigan, the devoted family man determined to protect his home against impossible odds, will be played by Justin Smith.
Michael Caton played Darryl in the movie version.
“The Castle is one of those rare stories that have become part of Australia’s DNA,” Smith said.
“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.”
Christie Whelan Browne has been cast as the ever-supportive culinary queen Sal Kerrigan. Anne Tenney played Sal in the film.
Ed Oxenbould will play the Kerrigans’ youngest son and narrator Dale Kerrigan. Stephen Curry played Dale in the movie.
Oxenbould’s TV and movie credits include Puberty Blues and Paper Planes.
The Castle is his first stage role.
“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.”
Co-created by Rob Sitch, Jane Kennedy, Tom Gleisner and Santo Cilauro, The Castle is a classic David and Goliath story.
When an airport developer tries to force a family out of their home to make way for an expansion, loyal and loving patriarch Darryl Kerrigan takes the legal battle all the way to the High Court to protect his family’s “castle”.
The movie embedded one-liners such as “tell him he’s dreamin’”, “straight to the pool room”, “it’s the vibe”, and “how’s the serenity?” into the national vernacular.
In other casting news, Joel Jackson will play eldest son and model prisoner Wayne Kerrigan.
WAAPA graduate Stephanie Graham has landed the role of Sunshine TAFE certified hairdresser Tracey, which was played by Sophie Lee in the movie.
Marcus McKenzie will play bargain hunter and self-taught “ideas man” Steve Kerrigan.
Eric Bana played Tracey’s husband, amateur kickboxer Con Petropoulous, in the film. On stage, Petropoulous will be played by Roman Delo.
The Castle co-creator, Jane Kennedy, said: “Australians see a little bit of themselves in the Kerrigans. They’re 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.”
Kennedy, Sitch, Gleisner and Cilauro said the stage version of The Castle will have the same magic everybody knew and loved.
“It’s pretty simple. There’s no bells and whistles,” Cilauro said. “It’s the story, as everyone knows it; the greatest hits, and we’ve zhooshed it up a bit.”
Kennedy said The Castle was based on stories and characters she, Sitch, Gleisner and Cilauro knew.
Tickets: thecastleonstage.com.au.