The Addams Family

Following on from the Nippers a few months ago, NADOS were back on stage with their very appropriately timed production of ‘The Addams Family’. Lisa Griffiths directed ‘The Addams Family’. The set was good, utilising projections on a backcloth for different scenes. This was removed for scenes inside the Addams mansion. The set for the mansion interior was impressive, adding another level for the cast to use. There was a chaise longue stage right on the apron, which was used well, as well as Gomez’s torture chair stage left on the apron. Scene changes were good. They appeared seamless and didn’t interrupt the pace of the production. Costumes and makeup were a highlight of the production. Characters were instantly recognisable due to costuming. The Ancestors were all individually attired with all white costumes from a ballerina to a jilted bride. The general direction was good, with good blocking and movement.

Barry Dilworth was musical director for ‘The Addams Family’. The cast performed to backing tracks, which they did admirably. It was great seeing Barry directing the cast through the songs. There appeared to be a bit of a problem with one of Gomez’s songs in Act 2, but this was soon rectified with the song starting again under Barry’s watchful eye.

As well as directing, Lisa Griffiths choreographed ‘The Addams Family’. The choreography was good throughout. There were some lovely moments, including Morticia’s tango. The choreography for ‘The Moon and Me’ was a particular standout.

The lighting design was good. There were some colourful moments created and the different performing spaces created were lit well throughout. The sound balance throughout seemed a little off. The balance between some of the mics of the cast and the backing tracks could have been looked at, just to make sure that everything could be heard.

Gomez was played by Jim McMillan. On the whole, Jim did well to embody the character of Gomez. He had the accent, but this hindered his performance to some extent. It was difficult to understand what Jim was saying. He also stumbled through some of his songs, which was a shame.

Jo Lee stood out as the dead-pan Morticia. It was a great characterisation from Jo, who also got to display her vocals and dancing, which were both strong. She created sincere relationships with the rest of the cast, which were totally believable.

Wednesday was played by Sophie Butterworth. This was a strong performance from Sophie, who displayed a range of nuanced emotions very well. Her vocal was very good throughout, especially in ‘Pulled’, which was excellently performed. Sophie created good relationships with the other actors on stage.

Chris Roberts played Uncle Fester, the narrator of the musical. Chris looked the part completely. Chris has a good stage presence, but there were moments where it was difficult to understand what was being said. Just be careful with your diction, especially if you are putting on an accent.

Lilly Jaundril did well as Pugsley, the tormented brother of Wednesday. Lily looked completely comfortable on stage playing Pugsley. She played the mischievous brother well, but also made the audience feel for Pugsley when the reasons for his actions were revealed.

Gary Williams towered over the cast as Lurch. With the occasional grunt, Gary captured the character of Lurch well. With some good facial expressions, Gary was able to put the humour across as well.

Matthew Swann took on the role of Grandma. Matthew made this role his own, and totally went for it. It was full of characterisation and Matthew fully committed to it.

It was great having the addition of Cousin It, played by Bridget Harrison. Bridget was full of life and highly animated in this role. The audience appreciated seeing this classic character brought to life.

Vicky Dilworth stole the show as Alice Beineke. She totally let herself go, which is exactly what the role called for, creating good comedy moments. Vicky was totally invested in the character, which meant the audience were as well.

John Kennedy provided good support as Mal Beineke. John’s Mal was conservative, which was good. He could have really let go when the rocker side of the character came out to really emphasise that difference in character.

Wednesday’s love interest, Lucas Beineke, was played by Harry Thompson. Harry did well, creating a good relationship with Sophie. His vocals were good throughout.

The ensemble of Ancestors were fully invested throughout. It was clear that they had thought about their individual characters. They really added to the scenes, and were fully confident in what they were doing.

Overall, this was a good production. The set was impressive, there were some good performances, and the ensemble impressed.

Thank you to NADOS for their warm welcome and kind hospitality. All the best for ‘Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs’ in February.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.