THE TOXIC AVENGER
- writeonarts
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Director: Jonty Climo
Band Director: Julia McIntyre
Vocal Director: Kate Scotting
Choreographer: Hannah Doherty
Producer: Deller Productions
The Meteor, 5-12 July 2025
Usually, I leave a performance feeling elated or inspired or occasionally somber. Following the sold-out opening night of The Toxic Avenger, I found myself in a state of hyperactive disbelief. Even director Jonty Climo said in the programme that audiences may have a feeling of “What the F*** did I just see” and, yeah…I agree with that. The Toxic Avenger was a chaotic, slapstick rock musical, and entirely unlike anything I have ever experienced.
Nerdy guy Melvin Ferd, the Third (Alex Pelham-Waerea) falls for Sarah, the blind librarian (Lucy Thomas). Melvin discovers that Mayor Babs Belgoody (Courteney Mayall) is responsible for all the toxic waste being dumped in New Jersey. The mayor’s thugs (Marangai Wainohu-Savage and Bailey Lindsay) throw Melvin into the waste, and he mutates into a grotesque but ripped bodied superhero vowing to avenge the environmental crisis created by the mayor. Noah Fortuin, Caitlin Morris and Alex Smith round out the cast in a variety of comedic supporting roles.
Pelham-Waerea and Thomas gave splendid performances and their chemistry (even though one was blind, and the other was mutant) was delightful. The way that Pelham-Waerea was able to portray two distinct characters particularly through physicality was remarkable. Don’t be fooled by Thomas’s sweet face and demure presence. She always delivers a sharp and genuinely funny performance.
Lindsay and Wainohu-Savage played Guy 1 and Guy 2, and I am keen to hear how many characters that encompassed for each. Both sang, danced and acted their way through, absolutely sending it in terms of comedic timing and impersonations.
Courteney Mayall was having the time of her life juggling the characters of Ma Ferd and Mayor Babs Belgoody. Her numbers “Disappointment” and “Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore” were exceptional. The dueling between her characters in the latter song was a feat of precision. You actually need to see it to believe it. Wow.
Take a bow, Tracey Wilson and Vicki Buchanan, who must have been run off their feet with costume changes, some of which were super quick. Many pieces were under-dressed (one costume worn under another for speed) and this logistical nightmare was flawless in execution. Wilson had assembled a multitude of looks representing the New Jerseyans, too numerous to name or remember. All the costumes were well-fitted, with hints of humour, and plenty of colour and patterns.
Deller Productions selected two creative team newbies - Kate Scotting (vocal director) and Hannah Doherty (choreographer). Scotting created some exquisite harmonies, and the diction and breath control displayed was outstanding. Seasoned performer Doherty showcased her wide knowledge of dance genres, and the cast performed the choreography effortlessly.
Julia McIntyre (band director) can now tick The Meteor off her list of places to perform. The band was small but mighty and included mega-talented Andy Derby on the saxophone.
Climo continues to hone his skills as a director, and has a knack for humour, empowering his cast to push the envelope with their characterisations. Deller Productions always goes above and beyond from the marketing campaign to set design (loved the double revolves and slick crew work) to casting and ultimately the final product. Climo has grown the fledgling outfit into a reliable company that produces thoroughly entertaining theatrical works. The Toxic Avenger is Deller Productions' best yet.
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