The Addams Family

This was a new musical for me, that was a joy to watch from this select cast of nineteen from the company and aided by twenty one of their youth members. Walking into the theatre the decoration was superb and the static set of gothic style stone extended into the auditorium was beautifully designed by Norman Austick, and cleverly lit to create extra atmosphere of the spookiness required.  The additional scenery augmented the fixed set, was delivered and removed very slickly by the cast to add the settings for additional scenes, making the story flow easily. The script was very witty and delivered by all cast members with good volume and diction. 

The eight principals and three cameos were extremely well done, with costumes to suit superb, and ably supported by the thirty Ancestors in white gave great contrast and effect if not a little cramped on such a small stage. The singing from the company was super and the accompanying music worked well, and for such strident music the overall sound was effective, a job well done from Mike Harbisher. 

Lead role of Gomez was played by Lewis Southall who as a performer is so entertaining, great voice, endless energy, articulate accent maintained throughout and clever characterisation that was so expressive giving great comedy all night.  The sultry Morticia was portrayed by Hannah Smith who was so stunning. The costume, the walk, the mannerisms and the character were all beautifully carried out and the voice when singing was superb, well done both. Ben Lambert as Uncle Fester encapsulated the part too, the shaved head, costume, giggle, and with light bulb to match gave a lovely performance. Helen Smurthwaite, a new member certainly knows how to make an impression with her role of Wednesday was great. She has a lovely powerful voice and characterisation with lovely energy on stage. Doting brother Pugsley was this performance played by Michael Reeve who was really lovely to watch, great song from him too, and fierce characterisation.(Other equal performances was from Edward Cook-Smith)  Wednesday’s love interest Lucas Beineke was played by Matthew Beck as the young man wooing her gave a really nice characterisation. Parents Alice and Mal from Kim Boagey and Mike Harbisher were very funny in their roles and had great character and definition that allowed the change of character to shine through. Cameos from Alex Cook-Smith as Lurch with his slow deliberate walk, menacing stance and groans were super, and a song to finish added to the cast; whilst Grandma from Viv Winterschladen added some good comedy moments. A brief appearance form Cousin It (Patrick Cook-Smith) was beautifully costumed and had the audience “awhing” nicely. Company numbers were well rehearsed and movements nicely choreographed, congratulations Hannah.  A wonderfully entertaining show and well done Alison Dale for a complete picture that was well created, aided by all in TMTC. Congratulations and thank you for lovely evening.

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