Producers Michael Cassel and Working Dog have officially unveiled the principal theatrical cast bringing the Kerrigan family to Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre in March 2027, the Herald Sun reported.
The Bottom Line
- Justin Smith steps into the iconic role of family patriarch Darryl Kerrigan for the upcoming stage adaptation.
- Ed Oxenbould makes his professional theatre debut as the youngest son and narrator, Dale Kerrigan.
- Following record-breaking ticket sales, the production has extended its Melbourne run through May 16, 2027, as reported by 7NEWS.
Who Are the New Kerrigans on Stage?
Justin Smith takes on the role of Darryl Kerrigan, the devoted family man immortalized by Michael Caton in the 1997 film. Joining him as culinary queen Sal Kerrigan is Christie Whelan Browne, stepping into the character originally played by Anne Tenney. Ed Oxenbould joins the ensemble as Dale Kerrigan, the family’s youngest son and narrator who was famously played by Stephen Curry on screen. Oxenbould noted that the film was a household favourite introduced by his parents, marking his first-ever theatrical role.
The extended family lineup features Joel Jackson as eldest son and model prisoner Wayne Kerrigan. Recent WAAPA graduate Stephanie Graham secures the role of certified hairdresser Tracey, while Roman Delo plays her amateur kickboxer husband, Con Petropoulous. Marcus McKenzie rounds out the household as bargain hunter and self-taught ideas man Steve Kerrigan.
How Did the Stage Adaptation Break Box Office Records?
Public enthusiasm for bringing the classic David and Goliath story to the stage proved overwhelming. The Age reported that just 24 hours after tickets went on sale, the production achieved the highest first-day sales for any play in Her Majesty’s Theatre history. In response to the unprecedented demand, producers Michael Cassel and Working Dog extended the Melbourne run, with new performances now selling through May 16, 2027, ahead of its scheduled opening.
| Character | 1997 Film Cast | 2027 Stage Cast |
|---|---|---|
| Darryl Kerrigan | Michael Caton | Justin Smith |
| Sal Kerrigan | Anne Tenney | Christie Whelan Browne |
| Dale Kerrigan | Stephen Curry | Ed Oxenbould |
| Wayne Kerrigan | Vince Colosimo | Joel Jackson |
| Tracey Kerrigan | Sophie Lee | Stephanie Graham |
| Con Petropoulous | Eric Bana | Roman Delo |
| Steve Kerrigan | Anthony Mir | Marcus McKenzie |
What Creative Vision Drives the Theatrical Production?
Co-creators Rob Sitch, Jane Kennedy, Tom Gleisner, and Santo Cilauro designed the stage version to retain the core identity of the original film. Cilauro noted that the production avoids unnecessary bells and whistles, focusing instead on delivering the greatest hits of the story with a refreshed execution. Kennedy explained that finding performers who could authentically capture the loyalty, humour, and unwavering optimism of the Kerrigans was paramount during the casting process.
The Castle On Stage officially opens at Her Majesty’s Theatre on March 27, 2027. Further details and tickets remain available directly through the official production website.
