DARYL came to town for the Serenity.
But he loved the unexpected attention.
Although now in his 80s, the charismatic a yet humble Michael Caton – “Daryl Kerrigan” - blitzed Mansfield and Bonnie Doon by serendipitously showing up at the same time as the launch of a local musical, “The Castle2”, based on the classic bogan movie.
Caton had simply stopped in at one of North East Victoria’s top pubs – the Delatite.
Publican, former mayor and celebrity in his own right Dean Belle told Caton what was about to go on up the road.
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Despite having been on a long road trip from Bondi, Sydney, since 6.30 in the morning with his wife Helen, Caton said it was "too serendipitous" not to pay a visit.
"It was pure coincidence," Dean said, stealing a line from the musical.
With Dean and director Will Twycross, Caton was instantly recognized when he entered the green room.
"Caton in his film rolesas Darryl Kerrigan and as Uncle Harry in the decades-old TV series “The Sullivans” epitomises the Aussie battler.
According to Twycross, the actor was charming backstage, chatting to all the children and his alter ego in the cast, "Darryl Kerrigan²" played by Murray Wallace, as he embraced the idea of the sequel set in Bonnie Doon.
"Michael's previous television and film career is well known, but less known is his stage career, and he told me that he got his start in musicals (including "Hair" in 1971), so he was delighted to see how MMuDS had converted the film into a musical sequel," said Will.
Caton wished the cast "chookers (break a leg)" and graciously stayed for part of Act One before disappearing for a well-earned rest before his variety charity commitment at Bonnie Doon the next day.
Social media was abuzz with many photos doing the rounds by the following morning, making it impossible for Michael to wander around town unnoticed.
The Mansfield Courier caught up with Michael and Helen on the front veranda of the Bonnie Doon holiday house dubbed "The Castle," on Friday afternoon, soaking up the serenity before the Variety SA Moto Run participants and officials arrived.
Caronl explained his involvement with Variety after meeting Nicole Haack, the Variety Moto-Run Co-Chair in Western Australia.
He is passionate about the charity's work to support Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability to unleash their full potential, with all funds raised going directly to where they are needed.
Michael spoke fondly about the beautiful work of his friend Yucca and his wife Joan, who was involved in the Wairoa School established in 1985 for families with disabled children in Bondi, which led to Michael adopting it as his charity.
"Variety beautifully supported the school with wheelchair access, a sensory garden and also bought a new bus," said Michael.
The Bonnie Doon visit was Michael's first time in 27 years since "The Castle", a film produced on a shoestring budget, was released.
Michael said, "1996 to 97 was a great period, I thought my acting career was over but thankfully it took off again."
He commented it looked different inside the house, but most of the filming was done outdoors where many of the original props remain including Coco's kennel.
Michael noted the disappearance of the insect zapper from the front veranda which was in the movie.
Gazing upon Lake Eildon across the road, now at almost 100 per cent capacity, he remembered how the actors had to walk through the mud to get to the boat.
Bonnie Doon's Paul Sladdin also dropped in to meet Michael for the first time in his capacity as chair of the Australian Men's Shed Association and through a shared friendship with Australian pop singer John Paul Young.
Michael met John Paul Young when they were both involved with “Jesus Christ Superstar” in 1972 and have remained friends ever since.
John met Paul when he produced a music video for the Men's Shed movement in 2020 and continues to host a regular podcast for the association.
Paul also plays a highly dubious character in the MMuD's version of "The Castle", and was among the many cast members the previous night at the PAC when Michael dropped in.
Michael made his second surprise appearance in two days to the delight of the Variety participants, who were thrilled as he held court from under "The Castle" shingle.
He told them, “Bonnie Doon I think we put them on the map.”
Michael recounted from the previous night when Dean Belle told him, “Do you realise that there is a musical about The Castle playing in town tonight?”
“I walked in on the cast, and they had no idea I was coming and neither did I until 20 minutes before,” he said.
There was an attempted bid to serve Daryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton) a summons by sheriff Mick Gresch, a former police officer from South Australia, which added a humorous touch to proceedings.
The house was open for people to wander through, and a flurry of photo opportunities with Michael, many of whom warmly shook his hand and complimented him on his various roles.
One of the Variety officials cranked up the barbecue to cook rissoles, also synonymous with the film.
Nicole Haack, Variety chair, said, "How generous and willing Michael has been with his time, and we thank his lovely wife as well."
"We're excited to be a part of the "team effort" in raising money that will ultimately help bring relief, support, and joy to the lives of Australian families," she said.
"Spending four wonderful days traversing our beautiful country is the reward our entrants receive for their incredible fundraising efforts, leaving behind smiles and an economic injection in all the communities they visit along the way," Nicole added.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of Variety – the Children's Charity of South Australia's Moto Run event, open to entrants with luxury vehicles and touring motorcycles.
After breaking the fundraising record in 2022, The Variety Moto Run hopes to raise more than $350,000 for South Australian kids who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with a disability by the time the run ended in Ballarat last weekend.
Managing Director of Tim Adams Wines / Mr Mick based in the Clare Valley, Tim Adams, also a participant, said: "As long-time supporters of Variety, we are excited to be supporting this year's Variety Moto-Run as Platinum Sponsors for a second consecutive year because we are big believers in the work that Variety does helping kids in need to prosper in life."
The Variety motorcade moves on as the Catons take their leave to visit family and friends in Melbourne – with fond memories of "The Castle" ensuring the spirit of the movie lives on in true Kerrigan style.
Michael's wife Helen has ordered an MMuD's Castle t-shirt for herself, which will undoubtedly get a workout on her regular walks along the Bondi Beach Esplanade.
Meanwhile, "The Castle 2" continues its sellout season with four more shows this week, including a closing night on Saturday, October 28.
Other backstage visitors have included the member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish on opening night and on Saturday night member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines.
