The Addams Family

The Addams Family is based on the 1938 comic strip story created by the cartoonist Charles Addams; it tells the story of a ghoulish family with an infinity for all things macabre. The story focuses around their daughter Wednesday who has fallen in love and plans to marry a “Normal boy!” to the dismay of the whole family. Dryburn Theatrical Workshop has a history of thinking outside of the box and not afraid to take on performances that are unique or a little different and this year was no different with their 2019 production of “The Addams Family” a musical comedy. Under the direction of Michelle Coulson, she created a production that was something to smile about, Michelle’s attention to detail is paramount in all her work and she has the ability to get the best out of her committed and talented cast; and as a consequence, delivers a first-class production. Taking the baton was John Hudson as the workshop’s musical director and in collaboration with his ten-piece band delivered a wonderful arrangement of musical numbers which were beautifully played enhancing the vocals and adding to the production. Choreography was in the capable hands of Helen Wilson her choreographed dance routines and movement are always a pleasure to watch and the cast always seems committed to perfect these routines perfectly. Congratulation to the production team especially those behind the scenes who’s professionalism and commitment realised Michelle’s vision and supported her to deliver a first class production, congratulations to Paul Scott as stage manager and the stage crew who managed the quick changes without any disruption to the story line, Jacqueline Dubre in wardrobe: the costumes looked fantastic thanks to Alan Graham Costumes, Martin Warden and Craig Holt from Hi-Lights who produced a fantastic lighting plot and sound and finally Brassneck Theatre for scenery and props which looked fantastic and created a very authentic set which created the  morbid interior of the Addams household and crypt.

The show for me was perfectly cast and as ever the theatre was full something that I have come to expect from this group, as the overture started we were introduced to the opening number “When You’re an Addams” which introduced the audience to the Addams family and their ancestors both alive and dead; a superb opening to the show, the contrast in the ancestors white costumes looked fantastic under the lighting plot and set the positive tone as to what was to follow. Playing Gomez Addams the patriarch of the Addams family was Adam Donald he delivered a first-class performance I loved how Adam portrayed the character with great comic timing and stage presence; vocally he delivered his musical numbers well especially “Wednesday’s Grown Up”, “Not Today” and “Happy Sad”. Morticia Addams was impressively played by Emma Scott who has a natural ability to play these strong female characters; in the role of Morticia Addams Emma pulled out all the stops and emulated this character with great detail showing the elegant and aloof side to this fiercely protective matriarch. Vocally Emma delivered her musical numbers beautifully I particularly enjoyed “Just Around The Corner” with the ancestors and her duets with Gomez “Live Before We Die”, Tango De Amor” and “Secrets” sang with Alice and the ancestors.  Delivering a stand out performance was Lucy McCabe as Wednesday; it was obvious that Lucy had put in a considerable amount of work perfecting her character and this showed in her performance which was well delivered and performed, there was an excellent on stage relationship with her brother Pugsley Addams played by Max Weatherhead and for such a young performer he certainly made a massive impression on the audience; musically I adored their duet  “Pulled” which was superbly delivered; and Max’s solo number “What If” which was for me outstanding a great performance from this young man and someone to watch in the future. Playing Grandma Addams was Karen Scott this was an excellent role for Karen who always delivers a believable performance, it was obvious from her performance that she had a lot of fun playing this character and I loved her scene with her grandson Pugsley discussing her potions which were beautifully acted. Delivering a stand out performance was Lee Passmoor as Uncle Fester; I can’t believe the confidence Lee has developed over the past few productions and his portrayal and delivery of Uncle Fester was excellent, genuine stage presence and his delivery of his musical numbers were both well staged and delivered especially “Festers Manifesto”, “But Love” with the ancestors and my favourite “The Moon and Me” which was delivered with such tenderness, well done Lee.

Playing the roles of the Beineke’s was Joseph Coulson as Lucas, Wednesday’s young love; great delivery and characterisation some lovely acting and chemistry between these characters. The family was completed by Mal and Alice Beineke, Lucas’s parents played by Katherine Saunders as Alice who was superb well cast in this role and vocally outstanding a real powerhouse; I loved her interpretation in her musical number with the ancestor’s “Waiting” which well fantastically delivered and her vocal performance with the full cast in “Full Disclosure”. And finally, Phil Martin as Mal again strong performance from this talented actor who always delivers whatever role he is cast in. Playing the smaller cameo roles were Hayley Cook as cousin IT and Grayson Wood as Lurch the faithful butler great character and what a surprise with his musical number which was well received by the audience.

Standout performances from the ancestors who formed the chorus and gave a strong support to the principals; excellent costumes with fantastic vocals in their musical numbers, I particularly enjoyed “Full Disclosure”; “Move Towards The Darkness and “One Normal Night”; well done to Stephen Sheild as Conquistador, Gary Eglinton as Caveman, Annette Morris as Flapper, Kaitlyn Taylor as Air Hostess, Frances Wood as Saloon Girl, Libby Martin as Bride and David Bruce as Soldier. No show is complete without the ensemble and dances all of whom enhanced and made this show so spectacular well done to the dancers; Nicole Blair-Foulds, Hannah Cuthbertson, Kirsty May and Rebecca Scott. Fantastic support for the ensemble Emma Bell, Pauline Blakeley, Laura Masters and Tanya Wills. It was also lovely to see the youth coming through well done to Jessica Callaway, Alicia Cook, Zora Dubre and Pippa Robson great performances from these talented youngsters.

Congratulations to everyone at Dryburn Theatrical Workshop on a highly energetic and professional production can’t wait to join you in your play Blood Brothers in September.

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