The Addams Family

I have never watched The Adams Family on TV so was probably one of the few people in the audience who had no idea what to expect from the musical.

The set was amazing - congratulations to the designers, builders and painters. The stairs and windows afforded interesting settings and the gates were used to good effect. How wonderful to have so much talent and commitment, not only on stage but behind the scenes too. I loved the trees and the way they were used in Central Park.  

The orchestra, under the baton of Alexander Boyall, was set behind the barred section of the stage and that worked well. The sound was balanced and at the right volume.

Tim Beardsley gave an excellent performance as the Patriarch of the family, Gomez Adams, and his accent never faltered.  As his wife Morticia, Heather Bokata, was first rate. Her every word could be heard in both dialogue and singing and she appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the role.  For me Uncle Fester was the least macabre of the family and Bertie Chatfield was commendable. His ‘relationship’ with the moon and the ballet scene were beautifully depicted and his journey to the moon was very funny, as was his re-appearance with his wife and baby in pram!  Ellie Morrow, playing Wednesday Addams, was captivating. When she introduced Lucas and his parents to her weird family she tried hard to appear like an ordinary girl but it proved too great a challenge. That scene around the table in the Great Hall was exceptional and ‘Full Disclosure was a memorable number.

Alice Beineke’s revelation of the loveless marriage between she and her husband was a highlight of the show and Kathryn Winfield was brilliant in the role.  Her poor unsuspecting husband Mal was in the safe hands of Patrick Coad who can always be relied upon to give a sound performance.  Cara Lynch was very good as Pugsley and came across well as the typical younger sibling. Her mannerisms, movement and posture were convincing.  In the role of Grandma, the only colourful character on stage, Sam looked as though she was enjoying every minute of it and adapted the walk and gestures of an old lady – a good performance.  Will McDermott gave a secure performance as Lucas, the nice normal young man in love with Wednesday. I couldn’t help but wonder how that union would work out!  It’s not easy to make a mark as Lurch – he has no lines and not really a lot of action either, but in the second Act Mark had more involvement and the audience enjoyed his character.  Sophie Findlay was delightful as The Moon, so very graceful and controlled in her movements.

Choregraphy by Hannah Dare and Phillipa Wilding was also notable. I loved the Spanish Dance in ‘Tango De Amor’.

Martine’s attention to detail in the direction was unrivalled. She and Elizabeth produced a striking production. Visually it was impressive and I’ve not seen anything quite like it before. There were some really clever ideas - the apple being passed down the line in the arrow shooting for one, and also the rocket to the moon.  The vastly varied array of ‘white’ costumes which covered so many different periods and walks of life were striking as was the make-up. I didn’t recognise many of the people on stage until I came behind the tabs at the end of the performance!  Your programme is nicely presented with coloured photos. The writing on the centre page is rather small and difficult to read in the low lights of the theatre.

Thank you for inviting me to see ‘The Addams Family’ After a somewhat doubtful start I settled into the show and enjoyed it very much indeed. My guest is my cousin, her daughter is a producer at the Young Vic, and she was amazed at the professionalism of the show.

Thank you also for your hospitality on the evening. It was, as always, good to chat to Martine and meet Elizabeth in the interval – and to meet the creepy Addams family and their many ancestors on stage after the show ended!

 

 

 

 

 

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