Part of the winter school holiday line-up at the Sydney Opera House (see: Kids & Families | Sydney Opera House), The Twits is a staging of the disgusting(!) Roald Dahl book. The people behind the show, Shake and Stir Theatre Productions, really lead the way with children’s theatre (that can be sincerely enjoyed by parents and caregivers too), with this big bold fun production.
The Twits is a story about a couple who are downright gross. If you like your fart and poo jokes, this play is the one that delivers. Based on one of the iconic Roald Dahl stories, the book was published first in 1980 and tells the story of a dreadful couple, Mr and Mrs Twit, and their terrible treatment of each other and their pet monkeys.
Known for writing other books (that may sound familiar), including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964), Matilda (1988), The Witches (1983), and The BFG (1982), Roald Dahl has produced another eccentric tale that is getting some traction some 45 years after the fact, of characters who are repulsive and incredibly unlovable.
The Twits, Sydney Opera House. Photo credit: Katje Ford
The Twits are described as dirty, hairy, smelly, and have absolutely no table manners. This springs to life on stage with Judy Hainsworth playing Mrs Twit and Kieran McGrath as Mr Twit. Hainsworth embodies the putridity of Mrs Twit, with her cackle and irritating screams to match. And McGrath plays a big rotten bloke who has no hygiene practices whatsoever, to absolute perfection.
The other three performers in this stage production are not just ‘the other three’ but the individuals who carry this story in their hands, include Ryan Hodson as Maverick, Billy (Bridget) Fogarty as Claudette, and Johnny Balbuziente as Rex. These three transport the audience through the story and provide a narration larger than life. As a matter of fact, all five performers that take the stage are fantastic talent, packing tonnes of energy into a tight 50-minute performance.
Not to be forgotten, the lighting and staging are very flashy and engaging (geared towards kids 5 and up, although this reviewer was accompanied by a young lady twice that age and had an absolute ball), and there was even room for some catchy pop tunes, thrown in for good measure. The Twits is a total riot and a perfect pick-me-up for kids and adults alike.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Reviewer attended on 6 July 2025.
The Twits is playing at the Playhouse in the Sydney Opera House until 19 July 2025.
Tickets available here: The Twits | Sydney Opera House
Header photo credit: Katje Ford
