The Addams Family

Two different worlds were about to collide in this musical comedy. Will love triumph, or did everyone go home vaguely depressed?

Personally, I feel this show is very much like marmite you either love it or hate it, very pleased to say it's one of my all-time favourites and I was very much looking forward to seeing it again.

The well cast ‘Family’ gave strong performances without exception. Well directed by Sabrina whose vision managed well to incorporate the large number of Ancestors, or should I say ‘Dancestors’ that were present as spirits in a number of scenes, wearing an assortment of amazing costumes. As a wardrobe mistress myself I would have no hesitation in describing them as exceptional!

Michelle and her assistant Dan who also played the role of Lucas gave the choreography a lively modern feel, it was noticeable the hard work and effort that would have been needed by everyone during rehearsals.

Musical director Steve completed the talented production team. The Central Park Band sounded fabulous, be it a little loud for the audience on some occasions, it was probably because they were having so much fun.

The well cast ‘Family’ gave strong performances without exception, i must congratulate them as their characterisations never faltered, even though I’m sure they just wanted to laugh out loud many times.

Paul Stait was brilliant as Gomez. I have seen him play a few very different roles now, however I think this is his best to date. There was no mistaking the on-stage chemistry with Catherine Greenway who was playing Morticia, her movements purposefully inhibited in her tight costume until ‘Tango De Amor’. I really liked her characterisation leaving the audience with no doubt of how much trouble Gomez would be in when she found out he was keeping a secret from her.

One of my favourite performances was that of Evangeline Stait, who gave a wonderful poker face portrayal of Wednesday Adams.

We also saw Thomas Hughes as Pugsley.  

I would also like to mention other cameo performances from Fran Foster who played Grandma, also Gilly Harris as Alice and Gareth Knipe as Mal. I loved both the setting and content of ‘Full Disclosure’.

In every production I see, there is always one or maybe two characters that, from the audiences’ point of view, almost steal the show as that’s who you vividly remember. From the moment they set foot on the stage to the moment the curtain closes. On this occasion it was Ed Blann as Uncle Fester (randomly in love with the moon) and Steve Harris (as the painstakingly awkward Lurch) who both ensured that the audience were truly entertained on their every entrance.

Finally, to answer the question, did everyone go home vaguely depressed? Oh no we most definitely did not … when you’re an Addams, the whole production was a resounding triumph from start to finish.

Thank you for inviting me once again.

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