Press Release

The Addams Family Officially Opens Tomorrow Night At Hayes Theatre

Feature-The Addams Family

Tomorrow night, the gates of the family crypt creak open as The Addams Family officially opens at Hayes Theatre, inviting Sydney audiences to embrace the delightfully dreadful, gloriously gothic musical comedy that proves every family has its skeletons. After weeks of raising the dead (and rehearsing), the cast is ready to unleash a production that’s wickedly funny, hauntingly heartfelt, and just the right amount of unhinged. Tickets are selling quickly at www.hayestheatre.com.au

At the heart of this gloriously gothic household stands Morticia Addams, embodied by double Helpmann Award–nominated triple threat Erika Heynatz (Legally Blonde, Menopause the Musical), whose elegance is as sharp as her wit. Opposite her, the ardently devoted Gomez Addams finds his match in acclaimed Filipino-Australian performer Marcus Rivera (Miss Saigon, City of Angels), promising a romance that burns as brightly as it does bizarrely.

Emerging from the shadows, Wednesday Addams—the ultimate princess of darkness—will be brought chillingly to life by recent NIDA graduate Jenny Guigayoma (Nine, Peter Pan). Meanwhile, her delightfully devious younger brother Pugsley takes mischievous form in Georgia Oom (Werkaholics, Footloose), whose penchant for chaos keeps the household on edge.

Hovering somewhere between the strange and the sublime, Uncle Fester will be ignited by the electrifying Evan Lever (The Normal Heart, Muriel’s Wedding), guiding the story with peculiar charm. Adding fuel to the family fire, Deborah Galanos (The Boomkak Panto, Stop Girl) unleashes her comic prowess as the unapologetically anarchic Grandmama. Towering—both in stature and presence—Elliot Aitken makes his professional debut as the ever-loyal, ever-lurking Lurch.

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In a delicious twist of fate, Teagan Wouters (Bonnie & Clyde, The Wedding Singer), who originated the role of Wednesday in the original Australian production, returns to the Addams universe as Alice Beineke—a woman on the brink of polite society collapse. Her tightly wound husband Mal Beineke will be played by Rory O’Keeffe (HMS Pinafore, Playing Beatie Bow), while their seemingly “normal” son Lucas—harbouring a secret of his own—comes to life through First Nations performer Alexander Tye (Once on This Island, Footloose The Musical).

Completing this cryptic clan are the Addams ancestors, rising from beyond in the forms of Mae Li Cowell, Nathan Fernandez, Jayden Prelc and Paloma Renouf, with Kayla Ingle-Olson and Joey Phyland lurking in the wings as swings.

When Wednesday Addams, the ultimate gothic outsider, falls for a perfectly “normal” boy, everything the Addams family holds dear is turned upside down. As the two families meet for one fateful evening, secrets are revealed, boundaries are tested, and chaos is delightfully unleashed. With an extraordinary original score and a story to die for, The Addams Family promises a wickedly entertaining night for audiences of all persuasions.

Directed by Julia Robertson (The Producers, Metropolis), with musical supervision by Zara Stanton (Dear Evan Hansen, In The Heights) and choreography by Shannon Burns (Gutenberg! The Musical, The Producers), this bold new production will push boundaries and breathe new (after)life into a beloved classic.

The unsettlingly enchanting musical comedy from Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, writers of the multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, will haunt you in the most delightfully spooky way.

www.hayestheatre.com.au/event/the-addams-family

Producer Joshua Robson Productions (JRP)
Director Julia Robertson
Music Supervisor Zara Stanton
Choreographer Shannon Burns
Music Director Zander Gaal
Assistant Director/Choreographer Grace Stamnas
Production Designer Dann Barber
Associate Production Designer Meg Anderson
Lighting Designer Jasmine Rizk
Sound Designer Chaii Ki Chapman

SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Season: Until 9 August
Times: Tues 6.30pm, Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sunday 1pm
Price: Adult, $95 Concession, $89 Groups/Previews from $85
Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au | (02) 8065 7337

 

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The Nutcracker On Ice Skates Into Sydney This Christmas

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Sydney’s festive season is about to get a spectacular new centrepiece, with it announced today that the internationally acclaimed Imperial Ice Stars will return to Sydney’s Coliseum Theatre this December for an Australian-exclusive season of The Nutcracker on Ice.

With demand expected to be high following the company’s acclaimed season of Swan Lake on Ice, audiences are encouraged to join the official waitlist now to unlock exclusive priority access and save $20 per ticket, while also going into the draw to win four Opening Night tickets.* Join the waitlist at https://coliseumtheatre.com.au/whats-on/the-nutcracker-on-ice/

Bringing together the beauty of classical ballet, Olympic-level ice skating and breathtaking theatrical spectacle, The Nutcracker on Ice transforms Tchaikovsky’s beloved score into a dazzling production unlike any other. Created by world-renowned Artistic Director Tony Mercer, the production combines magnificent choreography, high-speed skating, spectacular acrobatics and lavish costumes in a magical family experience for all ages.

Richard Errington, CEO of West HQ, said welcoming the Imperial Ice Stars back to the Coliseum Theatre was a major highlight for Western Sydney. “The Coliseum continues to draw audiences from far and wide for exceptional performances, and welcoming the Imperial Ice Stars back is a highlight for Western Sydney. Their production of Swan Lake on Ice earlier last year was a standout success, attracting visitors from across Sydney and beyond who came to experience the scale and artistry of this world-class company.”

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“We’re thrilled to close out 2026 with a two-week Australian-exclusive season of The Nutcracker on Ice. It’s a privilege to bring international performance of this scale to our stage and we look forward to welcoming audiences from near and far for a season that will elevate Western Sydney’s reputation for world-class entertainment and deliver an unforgettable finale to the year.”

Tony Mercer, Artistic Director of the Imperial Ice Stars, said “The Coliseum Theatre gave the Imperial Ice Stars the most incredible start to 2025 when we appeared there with our production of Swan Lake on Ice in January. Two weeks of warm and wonderful standing ovations to our production started the year with a bang.

Now we have the pleasure of bringing our enchanting production of The Nutcracker on Ice to bring the year of 2026 to a close. I promise you an evening of excitement with the beautiful tale of Clara and her adventures with her nutcracker doll and the wondrous journey it will take her on. Edge-of-your-seat excitement along with a story that warms the heart. I am so happy to be returning to one of the world’s newest and most unique theatres and do hope you can join me and my Imperial Ice Stars for an evening of theatre magic!”

The story follows young Clara, who receives a mysterious wooden nutcracker that magically comes to life. Guided by the Sugar Plum Fairy, she embarks on an enchanting journey through a winter wonderland and the Kingdom of Sweets, where imagination, adventure and wonder await. Featuring the Imperial Ice Stars’ signature ice-skating artistry, dramatic storytelling and breathtaking stage design, The Nutcracker on Ice promises an unforgettable festive theatre experience that will delight audiences from the moment the ice comes alive.

Those wanting the best value are encouraged to WAITLIST NOW, with waitlist members receiving exclusive priority access, $20 off every ticket purchased during the Waitlist period, and the chance to win four tickets to Opening Night.* (Terms and conditions apply.)

Join the waitlist now to be first in line for tickets and exclusive savings before tickets go on general sale at https://coliseumtheatre.com.au/whats-on/the-nutcracker-on-ice/

Priority Presales: From 23rd July, 10am
Kids’ Tickets start at $48 plus booking fees (Early Bird Only)

General Public On Sale: Thursday 6 August, 10am
Tickets start at $68 plus booking fees.

BOOKINGS
INTERNET: COLISEUMTHEATRE.COM.AU or TICKETEK.COM.AU
PHONE: 02 9625 5500 10am to 5pm
IN PERSON AT: WEST HQ Box Office, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill, NSW 2766

 

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Exquisite Harmonies – Marais Project’s New Album And Concert

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The Marais Project, acknowledged Australian masters of the baroque, launch their new album in July and will follow up with a spectacular concert in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Saturday August 15 at 7.30pm.

The Exquisite Harmonies concert features ensemble leader and viola da gamba virtuoso Jennifer Eriksson, keyboard wizard Anthony Abouhamad and enchanting violinist/vocalist Susie Bishop, plus – on the album – maestro of the lute, Tommie Andersson.

Unlike the violin and brass families whose members evolved but remained in use across the 17th to 20th centuries, the viol and the harpsichord all but disappeared by the late 1700s. They returned to concert stages in the 1960s and 70s and have not left the podium since. Over the years they have built a fan base of dedicated admirers.

This was the experience of gambist and The Marais Project’s founder, Jenny Eriksson:

“As a young musician I had no idea about the viola da gamba and initially studied the cello at Sydney Conservatorium. The first time I heard the gamba ‘live’ I fell in love with it. I’ve been in love ever since!”

Anthony Abouhamad similarly commenced with the modern-day piano but became interested in the fortepiano and harpsichord at Sydney Conservatorium. At different times both Anthony and Jenny undertook post graduate studies in The Netherlands, returning to Sydney to make their respective careers here. Anthony recently completed a PhD and is now on the staff of his alma mater.

“In one sense, there was a period of my life when I grew up making music with Jenny,” Abouhamad commented, “And I’ve always enjoyed working with her.”

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Having met as members of one of Eriksson’s Musica Viva Australia in Schools ensembles, they continued to perform together regularly. Most recently, Anthony appeared on The Marais Project’s ‘Australian Monody’ album. Appropriately, all ticket sales from the 15 August performance will go to the Musica Viva Australia in Schools Program – the musicians donating their time to this important cause.

The Exquisite Harmonies program includes suites and sonatas for viola da gamba by Telemann and Carl Friedrich Abel. In addition, Jenny assembled a ‘Grand Suite’ of several famous French baroque composers for the viol, men whose lives were closely linked. For example, Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, who famously added the seventh string to the viola da gamba, taught the young Marin Marais. Antoine Forqueray’s fearsome virtuosity was said to have exceeded that of the celebrated Marais, whose career he overlapped with. Both men attracted the attention of the music and dance-loving monarch, Louis XIV. A contemporary commentator, Hubert Le Blanc, wrote that Marais played like an angel, and Forqueray like the devil. Anthony also presents music for solo harpsichord by Telemann and Couperin as well as improvising a Fantasia in the style of Telemann – a rare treat.

The Marais Project has always taken an innovative approach to music making. The final track on Exquisite Harmonies is The Acceptance by Biripi and Gamillaroi musician and composer, Troy Russell. Jenny asked Troy to write The Acceptance as a kind of musical acknowledgement of country. Tommie Andersson, gallichon, and Susie Bishop, voice and violin, join Jenny on this track. It gently reminds listeners that First Nations’ artists preceded European musicians on this continent by millennia.

Singles from the album will be released on 15 and 29 July with the full album available from 7 August.

The Marais Project: Exquisite Harmonies – album available as CD and download from MOVE Records, Buywell Music, iTunes and streaming platforms including Apple Music (also mixed in Dolby Atmos), Spotify and as a high-resolution download.

Exquisite Harmonies: Launch Concert 7.30 pm, Saturday 15 August 2026
Choir Rehearsal Room, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct – Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Dawes Point

All album and ticket purchases at www.maraisproject.com.au

 

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Black Swan Theatre Company Appoints New Artistic Director

Feature-Black Swan State Theatre Company Appoints New Artistic Director

Black Swan State Theatre Company is delighted to announce the appointment of acclaimed Australian theatre maker Matt Edgerton as its new Artistic Director.

An award-winning director, dramaturg, writer and actor, Edgerton will lead Western Australia’s flagship theatre company into its next artistic chapter, succeeding outgoing Artistic Director Kate Champion.

A WAAPA graduate with more than 25 years’ experience across Australia’s theatre sector, Edgerton brings an exceptional record of artistic leadership, new work development and audience engagement. His career has spanned senior creative roles including Head of New Work at Melbourne Theatre Company, Artistic Director of Barking Gecko Theatre Company, Resident Artist at Bell Shakespeare and Senior Lecturer in Acting at WAAPA.

Edgerton is widely recognised for creating bold, inventive theatre that connects deeply with audiences. His directing credits include productions for Melbourne Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, Barking Gecko, The Last Great Hunt, Monkey Baa, Sport For Jove and numerous other leading Australian companies.

He has also enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Black Swan, directing The Seed, The Shepherd’s Hut and Fully Sikh, while appearing on stage in Plainsong and Speaking in Tongues.

Black Swan Chair Francois Witbooi said Edgerton’s appointment marks an exciting new era for the company.

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“Matt is one of Australia’s most respected theatre artists and leaders. His remarkable ability to champion new voices while reimagining classic works makes him an exceptional choice to lead Black Swan into its next chapter. He deeply understands this company, its audiences and the unique role Black Swan plays in telling Western Australian stories.”

Witbooi said Edgerton’s vision aligns strongly with the company’s commitment to artistic excellence and community connection.

“Matt brings an extraordinary combination of artistic ambition, generosity and strategic leadership. His passion for developing artists, building audiences and creating theatre that is inspiring, courageous and entertaining will ensure Black Swan continues to thrive as one of Australia’s leading theatre companies.”

Edgerton said he is honoured to lead Black Swan.

“Black Swan gave me my first professional break in the epic Plainsong, directed by its Founding Artistic Director Andrew Ross. Nearly thirty years later, it is the greatest honour of my career to be appointed as the company’s fifth Artistic Director,” he said.

“I can’t wait to begin work with the amazing Black Swan team and our community of exceptional artists to create the next wave of great Western Australian theatre for audiences here and across the country – work that is bold, eclectic and unmistakably our own, “ Edgerton said.

Edgerton will commence full time as Artistic Director at the beginning of 2027, working closely with the company to build upon the strong artistic legacy established under Kate Champion’s leadership while shaping an exciting future for Black Swan State Theatre Company. Champion will continue to finalise the 2027 programme, and will conclude her term at the end of this year.

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