The Addams Family Musical
Over three unforgettable nights, The Addams Family musical lit up the stage at Guildford Grammar School.
Led by our dedicated Arts team and brought to life by our passionate and incredibly talented cast, crew and all-student band, the production was a celebration of hard work, joy and genuine camaraderie. For some students, this marked the culmination of years of involvement in School productions. The end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
A Creative Journey
Director Phoebe Gatsos said some of her favourite memories came from the in-between moments during rehearsal. The growth, the grit and the friendships.
We spent countless hours together rehearsing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Those sessions were filled not only with hard work and determination, but also with so much joy, laughter and camaraderie.
Watching the cast come together was particularly rewarding.
Students who had never sung, danced or acted before stepped into the spotlight with such confidence. Watching them develop not just as performers, but as people – gaining self-belief, forming friendships, supporting one another was so rewarding.
As opening night arrived, Phoebe reflected on the journey with a sense of deep pride.
There’s something magical about that moment right before the curtain rises – the nerves, the excitement, the quiet anticipation. But above all, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Watching each student shine on that stage, knowing how far they’d come, was truly special.
For Phoebe, one of the most moving moments came at the end.
Seeing students I’ve taught since Year 8 take their final bow as confident, capable young adults was incredibly emotional. I’ve watched them grow up – and to see them own the stage in such a powerful way made me so proud.
Standout Performances and a Shoutout from Natalie Locke
Praise for the production even reached the airwaves. Perth radio personality Natalie Locke (Nat from Nathan, Nat & Shaun), gave the show a special mention on a recent Nova podcast episode.
She described the performance as a “great production” and “very well done”, highlighting the students who played Wednesday and Gomez. Macy, who took on the role of Wednesday, was described as “unbelievable” with a voice that “sounded like a Broadway star, already”. Felix, playing Gomez, stunned audiences with his powerful vocals and character work – all delivered in an accent. As Natalie noted, it was the first time his family had ever heard him sing, and there he was, nailing the lead in a major school production.
Musical Director Mark Underwood was particularly proud of the students’ courage and capability in taking on a challenging score, a rarity in Australian School productions.
For some, it was their first time singing publicly, and to see them overcome performance anxiety and deliver with such courage was truly inspiring.
One of the most memorable aspects for Mark was the work of the all-student band.
They took on an extremely difficult score, something very few schools in Australia attempt, and absolutely nailed it. The teamwork between cast, band and crew was something special to witness.
Behind the scenes, he said, there was a strong sense of unity.
There were no egos, just genuine encouragement and camaraderie. Everyone wanted everyone else to succeed.
Reflecting on the night itself, Mark said the energy was palpable.
The band was pumped, the cast was pumped, and you could feel the excitement buzzing through the theatre. It was a real ‘this is why we do it’ moment.
The feedback from the community was a clear endorsement of the students’ efforts.
Parents, staff and students have commented on how professional the production was, how strong the performances were, and how impressive it was to see an all-student band delivering at such a high level.
More Than a Performance
For Head of Learning – The Arts, Sonja, the 2025 production reflected something greater than what happened on stage.
It has been a privilege to witness the positive impact this creative journey has had on our students, guided with expertise by directors Phoebe Gatsos and Mark Underwood. School productions serve as pivotal moments in students’ lives and often influence future pathways in the Arts and beyond.
Our Principal Peter Allen called the production spectacular.
From the outset the show was spectacular. The band were on point, the singing was amazing, the comedic timing impeccable… it is simply a wonderful demonstration of our School.
The Addams Family brought together students from across year levels, skill levels and backgrounds, creating something unforgettable in the process. It was a brilliant reminder of what’s possible when young people are supported to take risks, work hard and create something they can be proud of.
As we celebrate the success of The Addams Family, our Preparatory School students are preparing for their adaptation of Matilda The Musical which set to debut in early September.
Discover the Magic Behind the Curtain
From rehearsals to standing ovations, the Performing Arts program at Guildford Grammar School opens doors to creativity, confidence and collaboration. Explore the opportunities that await your child.
Explore Performing Arts