THE ADDAMS FAMILY

The Addams Family is a great vehicle for so many aspects of theatre, and this version did not disappoint. 

Very quirky but perhaps slightly less otherworldly, but this made it somehow more believable, which was fun. 

Technically lighting and sound were spot on, and I loved the projections on the backdrop, rather than incessant scene changes, this type of insightfulness is the Director’s forte, which I felt the tech team brought their expertise to.  I appreciated the use of cast to move props etc, and the tables were incorporated seamlessly into the proceedings, well done to the stage crew.

Costumes were good throughout, the main characters looked well-turned out, as did the ensemble.

Choreography was very suitable, edgy and different, which everyone accomplished with apparent ease!

Musically the MD was able to bring out excellent harmonies throughout, with the cast being at ease with the music, which made it a pleasure to listen to.  Additional vocal weight from Emma Mills and Debbie Cavanagh as the Graveyard Choir was beneficial to the overall sound.

Paul Ramsey (Gomez) looked the part, he was able to show off his lighter side and still give us access to his undoubted vocal skill – well achieved.

Darina McMorrow (Morticia) played the part with more charm than is usual, but displaying her darker more dominant side too, nicely sung too.

I liked Ellie Fromow’s Wednesday, this is a lovely part, and Ellie was able to show Wednesday’s darker side with Pugsley and her more normal side with Lucas.  Beautifully sung.

Alex Currie (Lucas) was a new face to me, I thoroughly enjoyed his interpretation of the slightly naïve college boy, nicely defined with good vocals.

Nico Bamford (Pugsley) is a shoe-in for this type of comic character, which he did very well, I am always impressed by his ability to adapt himself to the type of comedy needed, well done.

Luke Murphy (Lurch) maintained his demeanour at all times, the very deep voice that issued out for his number was a complete surprise, a very different part for Luke, and one he carried out well.

I enjoyed Tracey Chatterley’s Grandma, with her disturbing habits, and unnerving poisons.  Another nicely evil character piece for Tracey to get her teeth into, adding much to the feeling of the piece.

Mel Ramsey (Alice) and Ben Jaggers (Mel) were a very good couple, playing off each other well, and giving some normality, whilst showing definition in their portrayals.  Alice’s song allowed Mel to give rein to her fine voice, with so many facets to both hers and Ben’s characters – I loved this combination.

Fester was played with Richard Alexander’s extreme eccentricity, which he does so well.  The concept of being in love with the moon both believable and unbelievable, which Richard communicated so well.  A thoroughly strange but lovable character.

The ensemble of Kyra Spratley, Alex Parsons, Jo Herd, Izzy Wheeler, Sophie Singleton-Sells and Vikki Burch gave us ghostly vibes, making it seem that this was their normal way of life, which added another element to the production.

All in all a good production, that showed experience and skill from everyone involved, and which I enjoyed watching.

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