Douglas locals take lead in Addams Family musical

Two Douglas Shire locals are stepping into the spotlight once again, this time in the upcoming Addams Family musical comedy with the Cairns Choral Society.

Port Douglas residents Stephen Bigby and Craig Eggins are sharing the lead role of Gomez in the production, which opens on 25 July at the Society’s hall in Edge Hill.

It follows their earlier involvement in "Come from away", staged at CPAC earlier this year.

For Stephen, the stage journey began just six years ago with a walk-on role in The Full Monty at Port Douglas’ Clink Theatre.

Since then, he’s appeared in numerous local productions including South Pacific, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, and My Fair Lady. 

He even played a different role in The Addams Family two years ago; Mal Beineke.

“This time I get to spread my wings a little more by playing the cheeky, funny, and passionate role of Gomez,” Stephen said. “I’m really excited to bring the role to life.”

Known for his sharp wit and love of performance, Stephen says he’s thrilled to continue working with the Cairns Choral Society and to be sharing the lead role with a fellow Douglas local.

That local is Craig Eggins, who’s equally grateful for the opportunity to revisit such a wonderfully eccentric character. 

He brings Gomez (and all his delightful madness) back to life with charisma, humour, and a healthy dose of family pride.

Craig is no stranger to the stage, having previously played Emile De Becque in South Pacific, Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, and Dr. Hubert Bonney in It Runs In The Family.

“The lessons I learned during the Douglas Theatre Arts Group performance have left me in good stead for the current Cairns Choral Society production,” Craig shared.

“This is also a big coup for Port Douglas, with both male leads in a major Cairns Choral Society production coming from our own community, a true testament to the depth of talent in the Douglas Shire.”