‘Up the pong!’ and other Twist faves in a musical that delights
A much-loved children’s book and television series is now a stage musical, thanks to QPAC and Queensland Theatre.
Round The Twist The Musical is the second world premiere penned by Brisbane’s Paul Hodge to be presented at QPAC this year.
While this Queensland Theatre co-production with QPAC is stylistically and thematically very different from Black Box, which told the true story of the flight recorder’s Australian inventor, both works celebrate our national imagination, identity and spirit.
However, it’s the intersection of Aussie spirit and ghostly spirits with humour, heart and growing pains that helped make Round the Twist an Aussie classic – first as Paul Jennings’ short stories and then as the beloved children’s television series (1989-2000) that spawned this stage incarnation.
Hodge was one of those who grew up watching the off-beat and fantastical sea change adventures of the Twist family – eccentric widower Tony, his teenage twins Pete and Linda and eight-year-old Bronson – in the fictional Port Niranda. Their lighthouse home and its outdoor dunny turn out to be haunted, and fresh air eludes them thanks to the youngest’s stinky superpower.
The latter generated the show catchphrase “up the pong”. When a smelly nappy brought it to mind in 2016, Hodge’s eight-year journey to bring Round The Twist The Musical to the stage began.
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While the catchy original theme song by Andrew Duffield remains integral, Hodge has written the two-hour show’s book, music and lyrics.
Naturally, the musical has an audience of nostalgic fans, like my guest, but it also needs to resonate with those who are oblivious to the connotation of being asked: “Have you ever, ever felt like this?”
Being among that latter group, I was reassured by learning that the production’s distinguished director and dramaturg Simon Phillips was too. Having successfully translated the magic of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Muriel’s Wedding from movies into musicals, he deftly balances those dual requirements.
Drawing its storyline from the TV series’ first two seasons, the production brilliantly evokes the source’s tone, style and locations through an inspired design melding Renee Mulder’s sets and costumes with an array of transformative video elements created by Craig Wilkinson.
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The familiar look, phrases and scenarios drew cheers of recognition and delighted laughs on opening night. But the animated visuals and bold graphics, awkward interactions, daggy jokes and over-the-top antics involving Port Niranda’s aspirational Gribble family are independently winning.
The well-cast ensemble of 15 features a mix of established award-winning artists, led by Matt Hetherington as sculptor Tony Twist, and young emerging talents. Portraying Pete and Linda Twist, Hanlon Innocent and Charly Oakley are among seven representatives (counting a swing performer) of Queensland Theatre production partner Griffith University’s acclaimed musical theatre degree, while 10-year-old Edison Ai plays Bronson with gusto (alternating with brothers Sebastian and Luka Sero).
Musically, act one’s songs are primarily expository and character-establishing. While they’re effective in that regard, the emphasis on speak-singing over melodies produces mixed vocal results when the kids’ Strine sounds strained (especially contrasted with the open operatic tones of Tarita Botsman as Matron Gribble).
The second act moves up a gear, delivering more range and variety in both the music and movement, and everyone hits their stride. Queensland Theatre stalwarts Christen O’Leary (as the spirit of fortune teller Claire King) and Liz Buchanan (playing Tony’s love interest Fay James) deliver their lovely tunes with aplomb.
Things also ramp up from funny to hilarious, but the details are best left a surprise.
The show’s finishing momentum swept away the reservations that my guest and I had shared at interval, ending on a high note endorsed by an enthusiastic standing ovation. Round The Twist The Musical looks set to attract a new legion of younger and older fans to the franchise over the next three weeks.
Round The Twist The Musical continues in the Playhouse, QPAC, until December 8; qpac.com.au