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

Produced by 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 joined the production as co-producers.

Detail from key art for the stage production The Castle.

The production will be directed by Paige Rattray, whose stage credits include the London season of Fangirls and productions such as Do Not Go Gentle, The Lifespan of a Fact, The Deep Blue Sea and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Sets and costumes will be created by award-winning designer Jonathon Oxlade. Casting will be announced in the coming months.

The announcement comes amid a small but growing wave of stage adaptations of celebrated films. Productions in the works include The Shawshank Redemption, adapted from Stephen King’s novella and Frank Darabont’s film, while The Shark Is Broken – a behind-the-scenes comedy about the making...