The Addams Family

Phoenix Theatre’s The Addams Family is an immersive experience - from a heavily and impressively decorated foyer, to a playing area that extends through the auditorium.

Phoenix Theatre has a notoriously small stage, and this production accommodated its cast of 25 by extending the playing space, via catwalks, forming a ‘pit’ to house the strong 13 piece orchestra.

The music was very precise and the sound levels of the band were well controlled - although it was difficult to hear individual solo lines within the big production numbers.

Paul Reed’s Gomez Addams is a nicely layered performance, forming a solid anchor for the show. Holly Denton looks great as Morticia, and although a little young and lighter voiced than you’d expect, she delivers an admirable performance. Charlie Martin is strong and sweet as Pugsley, Callum Siegman-Bant is a funny Fester. Devetta Ridgwell did not disappoint as Grandma, with Declan Roden an imposing Lurch.

Catalyst character Wednesday Addams was nicely played by Olivia McGavock in her community theatre debut, looking and sounding like actress Sara Gilbert. She is nicely matched with Matthew Arnold, handsome and charming as love-interest Lucas.

Lucas’ parents are well played by Lee Wilson and Claudia Van Zeller, with Claudia as Alice being a delightful scene-stealer.

A fifteen member ensemble are exceptionally tight and strong. Gorgeously costumed by Ryan S. McNally, Rhiannon Thomas and Rebeka Thomas, they are integral to the success of the production. (Special mention to Tabitha Kerlin - The Ballerina, whom I am told joined the cast in the last fortnight - and was faultless.) Choreography, by Sarah-Rose Kelly is notably strong and very nicely executed by all cast members.

The set is simple, with atmosphere left in the capable hands of Alex Coutts-Smith and Krispin Maesalu’s strong lighting design - in a very good looking production.

Lots of surprises in this fun production, which is my favourite Phoenix production to date. Well a trip to Hamilton Hill, for this comic-book-treat of a show.

Kimberley Shaw