One of Australia’s most beloved films, The Castle, is set to premiere as a major stage play in Melbourne in March 2027, marking the 30th anniversary of the iconic Working Dog comedy.

Produced by the Michael Cassel Group in partnership with Working Dog, the adaptation reunites the film’s original creators – Rob Sitch, Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro and Jane Kennedy – who have written the script and join the production as co-producers. Paige Rattray will direct.

Left to right: Bert LaBonté, David Berry and Rodger Corser will co-star in the stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption. Photo © Daniel Boud

With a number of big musicals struggling at the box office, several commercial producers are looking to drama. Forthcoming productions include The Shawshank Redemption, adapted from Stephen King’s novella and Frank Darabont’s film. Produced by Impresario Productions and starring David Berry, Rodger Corser and Bert LaBonté, it will open in Sydney in January 2027 and then tour.

Meanwhile, Hugh Bonneville and Lisa McCune will co-star in a new production of Noël Coward’s Private Lives, directed by Christopher Luscombe. Produced by Trafalgar Theatre...