REVIEW: The Addams Family
- Benjamin Olivera
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Over time, The Addams Family has been cemented as all our favourite, satirical and fabulously macabre family. Joshua Robson Productions has brought this to life on the intimate Hayes stage almost 90 years after the original New Yorker comic in a way that pays perfect homage to every iteration of this altogether ooky family whilst also fostering some of the best talent that Australia has to offer. This production of The Addams Family at the Hayes truly has everything; breathtakingly intricate sets and costume design, an extremely slick band and a cast who truly embody their characters.
Director Julia Robertson has proved that she is one of the strongest up-and-coming directors in the Australian scene, compiling a team of creatives to pull of this monumental show. Her directorial vision for the show is crystal clear and evident from the moment you step into the space. It flows consistently and effortlessly throughout all departments involved, making the viewing experience of the show so much better as I know I am in the most capable hands.
Making his Hayes debut as Music Director is the incredible Zander Gaal. In a similar vein to Robertson, Gaal has proved with this production that he does not muck around. The band he has assembled is tight, the vocals and harmonies within the cast are slick and it is clear that he has but truly unlocked the heart that is at the core of the beautifully written score.
Shannon Burns continues to amaze me with the work that she is able to conjure up on stage. The choreography is truly beautiful because it all stems from storytelling and meaning. One thing that I get bored of easily is shows that just have dance for the sake of dance and it is so clear that Burns’ and Roberston’s have actively created a show that is all about the narrative. Brava!
The core of this kooky family is made up of some true incredible artists in their own right. Marcus Rivera and Erika Heynatz have immaculate chemistry as Gomez and Morticia. Rivera commands the space with his wit, sharp movement and strong balance between goofy and loveable, demonstrating the difficult position of being a loving husband and a caring father and the chaos that ensues when those worlds collide. Balancing this chaos is the stoic matriarch who’s presence on stage alone is enough to garner applause. Heynatz has her entire family, the Beineke’s and the audience wrapped around her finger as she brings such a multi-dimensional performance to the stage, paired with vocals that are to die for! Her comedic timing is one to be rivalled and brings a grounded relatability to this larger than life family.
The two Addams children, Wednesday and Pugsley, are brought to life by Jenny Guigayoma and Georgia Oom respectively. Guigayoma is casting perfection as she navigates the multiple plots that she is entangled in with ease, has every mannerism down to a tee and handles some of the most complex musical material in the show flawlessly. Oom should be highly praised for her physicality that brings a refreshing revival to the often-forgotten character of Pugsley. Her portrayal is both nuanced yet playful and truly adds to the ambiance of anticipation, keeping audiences on their toes as to what wild antics will come next.
Evan Lever brings unique charm to the stage as Uncle Fester, giving my favourite interpretation of the character ever. Being equal parts captivating, charming and crazy, Lever is able to show a level of commitment to the role that left me in awe! Aitken is a force to be reckoned with as ever-loyal and ever-lurking Lurch. His patience, timing and natural stage intuition is incredible which is complemented by his incredibly rich and resonant bass vocals towards the end of the show. Deborah Galanos is side-splittingly funny as the anarchic Grandmama, balancing the role of chaotic relative in the attic well with the important job of serving as the wise mediator with the children. Her physicality and mannerisms are perfection and are the cherry on top of this spooky family.
One thing that truly grabbed my attention in this show is the way that the Ancestors were used throughout the show. They were able to provide smooth and effective transitions that supported the story, hold up or even become sets and props, whilst also committing to their own characterisation of their individual ancestor. These six powerhouse performers are the strongest possible foundation for the leads to build off and should be eternally commended for their efforts… whether living, dead or undecided!
Jasmine Rizk & Chaii Ki Chapman have evidently worked so hard to create a smooth and technically beautiful show with lighting and sound respectively. The band and vocal balance was clear and crisp with only a few vocal lines and dialogue being lost. I also love when a lighting designer aligns lighting cues with musical beats and accents so that was definitely a bonus too!
Where this production excels the most, however is in its set and costume design as mentioned before. Dann Barber’s sketches and designs are such a beautiful homage to the history of the Addams family cartoons, comics, movies and series’ appeasing fans of the show and movies alike. The use of space was ingenious and resourceful, as was the black and white aesthetic that they cultivated in the family home. The biggest shout out also has to go to Lurch’s costume with the design of the original house being incorporated into his headpiece and shoulder pads. This is what independent theatre is all about and is, hands-down, the best piece of theatre that I have seen in 2026 and it will be difficult to beat.
Joshua Robson Productions have, yet again, continued their tradition of bringing some of the highest-quality productions to the Sydney independent theatre scene. In an age where generative AI is slowly seeping into theatre, it is so incredible to witness a show that relies on true, authentic and beautiful human artistry, creativity and talent. You will never see a production of Addams family like this so load your crossbows, bring all the family and make sure you secure yourself tickets to this limited season because… full disclosure… you’d be absolutely crazy to miss it!
The Addams Family, playing at Hayes Theatre Co until the 9th of August
