Addams Family

Based on the popular TV series of the same name, this production by Cleckheaton and Spenborough Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society certainly lived up to being creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky. The Addams Family is fundamentally a story of daughter Wednesday introducing her “normal” boyfriend to her family. The stage show is more aligned to the cartoons drawn by Charles Addams and not the TV show but the characters where expertly lifted off the page by the entire cast to give us the creepy and kooky family we have all come to know and love. Each member of the cast captured the essence of their characters whilst bringing their own individualism to it.

Fraser Sugden gave an outstanding performance as Gomez Addams. While brilliantly maintaining his Spanish accent, Fraser was charming and funny. He confidently served as the show's anchor, offering the audience a powerful performance as he switched between the roles of head of the household, irate husband, and devoted father.

Helen Burton's portrayal of Morticia Addams was both serene and gothic. Helen did a fantastic job of portraying this iconic character and was majestic, superior, and menacing. Helen displayed wonderful stage presence, a pitch-perfect voice and some fantastic cutting expressions.

With flawless vocal delivery and faultless melancholy menace, Sophie Hardill perfectly captured the essence of the crossbow-wielding stroppy adolescent in the role of Wednesday Addams. Sophie was a real joy to watch.

Mia Bates, who played Pugsley Addams, had confidence and an excellent voice. She was perfect for the role, and her comic timing was superb. I could sense the sincere desire for his adored sister to stop torturing him.

Uncle Fester, as portrayed by Jason Reynolds, did a fantastic job of giving the audience this endearing but foolish character. It was obvious he loved portraying the quirky uncle and had a fantastic interaction with the audience as he acted as the shows conscience. A Good performance all around.

Graham James performed as Lurch. James performed supremely as the commanding, yet somewhat dead butler. He effortlessly pulled off the tediously slow pace and stoic attitude necessary of such a famous character.

Grandma Addams played by Michelle Bates did not miss a trick in action or timing. A fantastic comic performance which never slipped once.

Mal Beineke, John Fisher, put in a solid performance as the rather bemused and then humiliated Mal. Good rock solid performance.

Alice Beineke, Angela Fisher, was excellent as the typical American wife with a bit of a secret. Lovely character, good strong performance.

Lucas Beineke played by Joe Smith was the ideal college student and Wednesday’s love interest who was slightly bewildered by what he had got into. Good stage presence and good vocals.

The chorus of ancestors which included Faye Benning, Gemma Buckley, Aleksander Lord-Charlesworth, Dan Lord-Charlesworth, Brenda Cox, Grace Hawkes, Patricia Mayfield and Zoe Shackleton all had their own ghoulish personalities, extravagant costumes and gave terrific support to the principal line-up.

The simple yet effective set designed for this production along with excellent costumes, solid choreography and make up added greatly to producing the creepy atmosphere. A well-balanced orchestra led by Ian Abbot provide the perfect accompaniment with some very catchy numbers that supported the cast and never once drowned them out. Clever direction by Dean Patrick, who also compiled the effective chorography, ensured the show moved along at a pace and creative lighting alongside high quality projections helped to enhance the atmosphere. 

Overall this was a most entertaining evening and I was very lucky to spend the evening with this talented society. Click Click.

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