One of Australia’s most beloved films is heading to the stage, with Working Dog and Michael Cassel Group announcing a theatrical adaptation of The Castle will premiere at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre in March 2027, marking the 30th anniversary of the iconic comedy’s original release.

Written by the film’s original creators — Rob Sitch, Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro and Jane Kennedy — the stage production promises to bring the Kerrigan family’s battle to save their home to a new generation while retaining the humour, heart and unmistakably Australian spirit that made the 1997 film a cultural phenomenon.

The four Working Dog founders have also joined the production as co-producers and say the adaptation has been decades in the making.

“Over the best part of 25 years we have never lost our desire to turn The Castle into a live stage show,” they said in a joint statement.

“Not just a retelling of the story but a quarter of a century of funny updates. A celebration of all we love about the Kerrigan family.

“Our goal was to capture the warmth and humour — dare we say, ‘the vibe’? — of the original story in a way that will hopefully resonate with new and long-term fans alike.”

The play will feature many of the film’s best-known characters and moments while introducing new jokes and contemporary references.

The production will be directed by Paige Rattray, whose recent credits include Seasons Two and Three of Netflix’s Heartbreak High and the acclaimed musical Fangirls. Award-winning designer Jonathon Oxlade, whose credits include Girl Asleep and Bluey’s Big Play, will oversee the set and costume design.

Producer Michael Cassel said the story’s enduring appeal made it a natural fit for live theatre.

“When the team at Working Dog first approached me about bringing The Castle to the stage, I knew we had to do this,” Cassel said.

“The film miraculously captures the specificities of Australian life and yet feels so universally true; family love, the challenges change presents, and the warmth, humour and dignity of ordinary people standing up for what matters.

“That is exactly what live theatre does at its best and why The Castle was always destined for the stage.”

Released in 1997, The Castle became one of Australia’s defining screen comedies, turning the Kerrigan family’s fight against compulsory acquisition into an enduring celebration of the Australian underdog. Its memorable dialogue — from “Tell him he’s dreamin'” to “It’s the vibe” — has become part of the country’s cultural lexicon.

Casting for the stage adaptation will be announced in the coming months.

Tickets for the Melbourne premiere are on sale now.