Addams Family the Musical

Sublime! 

From the moment you stepped through the door of the Granville Theatre it was clear that this evening was going to be so very different from the norm! We were greeted and given our programmes that really helped ready us for what was to be a very special evening. The reception area of the theatre was buzzing with families – from grandmas to toddlers. Yes – including teenagers! The slightly raw nature of the decor of the Granville Theatre actually suited this musical down to the ground. Enormous changes have taken place to update this quirky theatre – and the unfinished nature of the auditorium was truly atmospheric. As we took our seats it felt like Christmas, families chatting, laughing and full of anticipation. Before us was a fabulously painted gauze drop curtain. A ghostly introduction to the static set that would support our players for this evening.

Truly impressive – and when the players were added – it felt like the West End production had come to Ramsgate. Professional through and through. Director - Steve Porter had honed his players to perfection. They had clearly parked their personas at the door and their characters had completely absorbed them! Your supporting crews – makeup, props, sound, stage management – my goodness, were totally on song. Choreographer - Brya Porter had honed her crew. Those very special little touches and attention to detail made everyone look so polished and professional. Vocal Coach - Molly Knight really worked the company to perfection. Supported by a super system, the sound was magical – clear, accents on and in tune. Enunciation was perfection and such a treat to hear every word. 

And – what a wonderful cast you had to work with: Gomez Addams – Phillip Halpin was made for the part. Suave, confident, clever… ever mindful of his better half...Morticia Addams – Laura Dryden.  Fashioned to perfection. A stare that could kill at ten paces! Moulded into the deep plunging black dress she epitomised the image that we have all come to recognise in Morticia – cleavage on song! Wednesday Addams – Coralie Hughes – pugnacious on the outside – with a lovestruck teenager trying hard to get out! Stature, attitude, lovestruck - everything fitted perfectly. Pugsley Addams – Ben Chapman - was a typical younger brother with torture on his mind – but really likeable in a macabre way! Uncle Fester – Grayson Goldfinch – Child-like and sinister! Convincing and disturbing! Well done. Grandma Addams – Julie Sanders Great for a 102-year-old! Lucas Beinee – Alfie Murray played the love-struck American teenager confidently and convincingly. I have seen him grow into an accomplished adult actor from a fifteen-year-old in various productions in Thanet. Alice Beinee – Jodie Gower a natural and convincing portrayal of Lucas’s doting Mother – midlife crisis of keeping up appearances and the ‘letting it all go’ when the right potion comes along! Mal Beinee – Calvin Mitchell convincingly established and pretentious. Then as convincing playing the transitions that the ‘Addams’ family set in play. Lurch – Lee Thompson – Well Lee you definitely added to the magic! What a presence – as tall as can be! As dead pan as should be! You deserve an oscar for not looking down as you walked down those perilously steep looking stairs in those amazing, stacked shoes! Phew…Of course, the members of your Chorus and team of Creatives Backstage deserve special congratulations too. Stage Manager - Stuart Clements and The Granville team who assisted you, Molly Knight and the students from East Kent College, all of whom were clearly fundamental to this show’s success. Those stunning costumes and wigs hired from Utopia were definitely the icing on the cake, as was the awesome make-up and prosthetics that adorned the cast. Wigs to shoes – nothing ignored!

We talked about the show all the way home. What a fabulous evening – thank you

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