Strange Things Have Happened - There's A 'Round The Twist' Musical On The Way!
"I'm thrilled that the generation that grew up watching the show will be able to introduce a whole new generation of kids to the story."
It's one of the country's most loved TV shows and now Round The Twist fans are about to experience the series in a whole new way with a musical adaptation confirmed.
RGM Productions have announced that they'll be bringing the series - which was based on the unusual adventures of the lighthouse living Twist family - to the stage after being announced as recipients of the latest round of RISE Grant funding.
The production company has previously taken the Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert around the world and will see Simon Phillips (Muriel’s Wedding, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies) join as director. The musical will be written by writer and composer Paul Hodge.
"I am one of a generation of kids around the world who grew up watching and loving Round The Twist," said Hodge.
"Music has always been a core part of the series. The mystery behind the eerie music playing in the lighthouse underpins the show’s first season and the show’s iconic, unforgettable theme song, written by the amazing Andrew Duffield, will play a key part in the musical adaptation.
"For a show so much about family, I’m thrilled that the generation that grew up watching the show will be able to introduce a whole new generation of kids to the story – it will be a true family event."
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
"This is a brilliant opportunity to develop a musical based on a true classic of Australian children’s literature and television," added Phillips.
"So many Australians who were entertained by Round The Twist as children are now parents themselves and ready to pass on the joy! (Or just go by themselves for the nostalgia trip.)
"Distilling twenty-six episodes of ghost-busting television into just two hours of thrilling musical theatre is no mean feat, and the grant will enable us to properly explore all its possibilities and produce a well-honed, action-packed result.
"It's also terrific that the Government has chosen to support the work of Paul Hodge, a young, up-and-coming musical writer of huge talent and potential.
"His commitment to Round The Twist The Musical has been unswerving and it’s fantastic that it has been given a chance to come to life."
The production has also gotten the seal of approval from Round The Twist writer Paul Jennings AM.
"When I was writing each of the twenty-six episodes, I was the father of four children who lived in a house on the edge of a wild sea cliff," said Jennings.
"The Twist family was based on my own situation as a single parent. When Paul approached me and the ACTF with his ideas to adapt the series as a musical, we were absolutely delighted at his plans and proven abilities. Paul has done a tremendous job. He has taken the original stories and scripts and combined them with some wonderful new ideas. The book is fresh and new while still remaining true to the heart of the series."
The Round The Twist series originally aired in 1990 with follow-up seasons in 1993, 2000 and 2001. A premiere date for the forthcoming musical is yet to be announced.
More From Our Network
