Iconic '90s Show 'Round The Twist' Is Now A Stage Musical

The iconic ‘90s children’s TV series Round The Twist has returned in the form of a brand-new Australian musical by Paul Hodge based on short stories by beloved children’s book author Paul Jennings.

To refresh your memory - the Twist family features single father, Tony, and his three children, who leave the city to live in a lighthouse. The show first aired way back in 1990 for two seasons until 1993, then another two from 2000–2001, and has since been remembered fondly for its batshit crazy storylines and gross-out humour.

Now, the Twists are returning — this time to the stage — as the live-action musical hit QPAC's Playhouse from Tuesday, November 12 until Sunday, December 1, closing out Queensland Theatre's 2024 run.

“It is our absolute pleasure to bring these characters, these stories and these songs to the stage for the first time ever. This has been a giddy labour of love for all of us here at Queensland Theatre for years now, and we’re beyond excited to finally see this production come to life,” said Queensland Theatre’s artistic director Lee Lewis in a statement.

“ACTF is especially protective of Round the Twist – it’s the show that put us on the world stage and is so beloved of generations of kids,” Jenny Buckland, CEO of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), said in a 2021 press release about Round The Twist: The Musical.

She added that Hodge approached Jennings and the (ACTF) to turn the show into a musical.

“Paul Hodge is one of that generation and when he pitched his ideas, it convinced us to let him have a go at turning it into a musical. Paul’s brought the spirit and all the touchstones of the series into the show. [It’s] so faithfully drawn to the original … This show is going to be a real crowd pleaser.”

“Music has always been a core part of the series,” Hodge said in the same 2021 press release. “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.”

Captained by Director and Dramaturg Simon Phillips (Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical, Ladies in Black), Round The Twist: The Musical is a quintessentially Australian celebration of oddballs and misfits — and it’s sure to bring some major nostalgia for those of us who grew up with the legendary/absurd series.

Head here for tickets and more information.

Round The Twist: The Musical will run from 12 November to 1 December 2024 at the Playhouse at QPAC.