The Addams Family

The set on this production designed and built in house was absolutely stunning with so much attention to detail. There were no movement changes required to the set which aided the flow and pace of this production. The aprons were used creatively being the torture room to stage left and the cemetery/gravestones to the right. The lighting was great and complimented the different scenes perfectly. The sound worked well with great effects.

The props were stunning and perfect for the show and characters. Costumes looked fabulous and again suited each character. Hair and make up looked very effective including the extended ancestors.

The Orchestra sounded great and harmonies had been well drilled by David the MD. The balance was super and we could hear every lyric from the cast.

Jo Weetman’s direction and Katie Fry’s choreography was beautifully put together, The casting, blocking and humour was pulled out of every performance and the choreography was very inventive and never looked out of place.

John Weetman played Gomez and extracted every ounce of humour from this role. There were some touching moments too with his wife and daughter but the comedy was top notch. Playing opposite John was Shelley Roberts as Morticia who was absolutely brilliant. Vocally perfect and with all the right characteristics for this iconic part including a fabulous accent and delivery Shelley was superb in this part.

Sarah Howarth made a feisty Wednesday playing the dark young woman who falls in love with an all American boy much to her family’s dismay. Her vocals were strong and the performance was dark, just as it should be.

Holly May Hughes was a fantastic Pugsley with super vocals and great acting skills. This was a touching performance too as the character tries to come to terms with the changes which will happen as Wednesday falls in love. I loved “What if” both from a vocal and acting point.

James Earnshaw was a fabulous Fester with super diction and characterisation of the barmy uncle. Andrea Loasby was a brilliant Grandma with super comic timing and touching scenes with Pugsley. Jack Forrest was great as Lurch, with no dialogue until the final scenes, his portrayal worked beautifully.

The opposing family, the Beineke’s were strongly represented by Jon Crebbin as Mal showing his nervousness at the introduction of the strange girlfriend his son has chosen. The only disappointment was that this character doesn’t have a solo as Jon’s voice is stunning. Sarah Thewlis was fabulous as his wife Alice with a great comic portrayal and delivery of both dialogue and vocals. Completing the family was Liam Dodd as Lucas who is in love with Wednesday. A good strong performance with super vocals Liam played the boy next door role really well. I loved “Crazier then You” both from a vocal and staging point of view. 

I know there is not much of a story to this musical but I really like the songs and the characters just remind me of watching the TV show when I was younger, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and thought the whole cast looked like they were enjoying themselves which always transcends well to the audience.

The whole show was well cast and delivered and add to that the gorgeous scenery and it made it a captivating evening’s entertainment.

 

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