Round The Twist

Round The Twist is a quintessential Australian children's television series. First aired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC1) in 1989, the show ran for four seasons over a twelve year span till 2001. This iconic series is a unique blend of comedy, surreal fantasy, and family drama, capturing the imaginations of young viewers across Australia and worldwide.

The series centers around the Twist family, the father, Tony (played by Richard Moir in the first series and then a replacement was Andrew S. Gilbert for the latter seasons), and his three children - Linda, Pete, and Bronson. From moving into an eccentric lighthouse in the fictional coastal town of Port Niranda, to confronting and navigating a plethora of supernatural or inexplicable phenomenon, their life is anything but ordinary. A step away from the mundane, the show explores a fascinating world filled with ghosts, time travel, magic, myths, and odd rumours buzzing around their seaside hamlet.

The cast of Round The Twist underwent considerable transformation across its four series. The Twist children are originally played by Tamsin West (Linda), Sam Vandenberg (Pete), and Rodney McLennan (Bronson) in the first series. The latter seasons present various actors undertaking these roles, bringing forth diverse interpretations of the Twist family characters. Notably, the roles of Linda, Pete, and Bronson are portrayed by Joelene Crnogorac, Rian McLean, and Jeffrey Walker in series two and three and later played by Ebonnie Masini, Mathew Waters, and Ben Thomas in the final series.

Rounding off the ensemble cast are luminaries like Bud Tingwell and Frankie J. Holden, adding to the show's credence with their established portrayal of cherished characters. Mark Mitchell plays the character of Harold Gribble, a real estate developer who is Tony Twist's nemesis.

Round The Twist draws from the stories of renowned Australian author, Paul Jennings, known for his bizarre and intriguing twists aimed at children and young readers. The adaptation of these tales provides the narrative driving force of the series. Each episode stands as a unique story with an outlandish twist at the end. While seemingly far-fetched, the narratives and their twists are structured in a way that maintains the accessibility and relatability of the situations portrayed.

One of the defining strengths of Round The Twist is its ability to balance the outlandish with the ordinary. As much as it delves into the realm of the fantastic, it is equally grounded in realistic and relatable themes for young audiences. Subjects like friendship, bullying, rivalry, coping with loss, and the complexities of growing up are intertwined with the fantastical elements of the script.

The series received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, bold concepts, and humorous execution. It garnered appreciation for not shying away from darker or more complex themes, delivering them with an undercurrent of comedy and lightheartedness, making them comprehensible and entertaining for its young audience.

The show also takes pride in its commitment to its Australian roots. It made an effort to capture the nuances of Australian landscapes, the coastal setting, vintage architecture, and local folklore. The familiarity and cultural specificity of the context add a layer of authenticity and charm, notwithstanding its bizarre narratives.

In conclusion, Round The Twist is a cherished memory for many who grew up watching the series in the late 20th century. It's a story of embracing the unknown and the unusual, of family bonds, and navigating through life. The show’s infamous tagline ‘Have you ever, ever felt like this?’, is essentially an invitation into their extraordinary world, luring audiences of all ages through its peculiar charm. With a mix of the bizarre and the mundane, it remains one of Australia's most iconic and unique contributions to children's television worldwide.