Sprawling. That’s the word typically used to described Tim Winton’s 1991 novel, Cloudstreet. Epic often comes next. The story of two rural families – the god-fearing Lambs and the reprobate Pickles – sandwiched together in a rambling, ramshackle house in Perth post World War II, it warps and weaves two decades of saga to arrive at what is often referred to as Australia’s best-loved novel.

A monumental new theatrical production, based on the 1999 stage adaptation by Nick Enright and Justin Monjo and directed by Matthew Lutton will open next week at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre.