The Addams Family

On a cold November evening I met the Addams family. The programme is a fabulous introduction to the company and the stage gave us a glimpse of the Addams family’s spooky old house. There were ragged curtains which gave good atmosphere and they were used imaginatively throughout the performance for scene changes and to divide the stage when appropriate. When the music started the audience joined with the familiar theme-tune by clicking along. The excellent lighting and the atmosphere that was created, added to the impressive first glimpse of the Addams Family tableau.  

The music was very enjoyable and when the ensemble joined the main cast, representing the ancestors of the family, we were treated to some perfect harmonies. I was extremely impressed by the music and standard of the actors throughout.

The main cast were dressed to impress and looked very much like the familiar characters that we know from film and TV. Lurch played by John Bearman, displayed fabulous characterisation, he kept his slow pace and added to the comedy with his noises, his maid outfit and his expression. Bradley Green’s Fester was a triumph. His jovial character was a delight. When he took off for the moon at the end and we tracked him travelling across the stage in the form of a model it was hilarious. Pugsley, played by Charlie Cater and Grandma played by Kate Andrews were also close to the traditional characters that we know and love. They both maintained their characters well. I particularly enjoyed Pugsley’s song Honor Roll and his torture scene. His relationship with his sister Wednesday, played by Becca Pooley was good. Becca’s portrayal of Wednesday was excellent and the relationships between her, her family members and her prospective in-laws were believable and this is testament to the acting skill of all the performers. Gomez and Morticia, played by Ian Benson and Gemma Carracher were brilliant representations of the characters. Gemma looked perfect, sounded amazing and acted convincingly. Ian Benson as Gomez was great casting. A great voice, and a wonderful stage presence, he was certainly the ‘man of the house’. I think the couple had great chemistry. There was one late entrance that was well covered by Gomez and was quite funny. It certainly did not detract from the audience’s enjoyment as it was opening night after all.  I did notice the scenery shift a few times and backstage could clearly be seen when the Beineke family arrived, these are relatively small details and when balanced with the smooth scene changes and the technical trickery such as Thing and ‘the tassel’.

The Beineke family are the ‘normal family’ that come to visit because Wednesday and Lucas are in love. Lucas is played by Chris Higginson, a gawky teenager, wanting to impress the future in-laws, Lucas is a surprising match for Wednesday but eventually proves himself. Mal Beineke is played by Jamie Redgate, he plays a geeky man, trying his best to support his wife and his son and to understand his hosts. Ami Laura Roberts plays Alice Beineke. I really enjoyed the way Alice’s character transforms when she accidentally takes a tonic meant for Wednesday. I enjoyed Ami’s American accent and her performance of 'Waiting'. Ami’s performance was a joy to watch.

There is a lot of talent in The Little Theatre Company and not just from the main characters. The orchestra, lighting, costume make-up and backstage is equally good. The choreography meant that the stage was used well and that the whole ensemble could be utilised effectively. The ‘Death is Around the Corner’ tap dance was impressive, and there were some tableau scenes that just made me very happy. Really well done to everyone.

I left the theatre with a good feeling having learned that “life is like a tightrope, at the other end is your coffin!”

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