The Addams Family

The Addams Family - A new Musical Comedy, is based on the cartoon characters created by Charles Addams, depicting a ghoulish American family with a taste for the macabre. There have been many television and film adaptations based around these characters, but this is the first stage show set around the characters. This story is set in and around the Addams Family Mansion in Central Park, New York. A grown up Wednesday has invited her “normal” Boyfriend and his family to dinner - as you would expect, a normal family amongst the Addams family amounts to hi- jinks and japery, with a few songs thrown in for good measure. Well, the course of true love never did run smooth, especially with Fester dabbling by enlisting the ancestors` help.

Morticia, played by Sarah Hicks, and Gomez, played by Christopher Isherwood quickly established their relationship based upon (a level of) romance and honesty - apart from the fact that during Act One, Gomez is placed in the position of keeping a secret from his beloved. Both worked well with each other throughout, neither dropping their characters for an instant.

Sarah played the role of Morticia with style and elegance, creating all the poses equal to the versions of Morticia we all know and love.

Christopher grew into the role, his character, charisma and chemistry with all of the other members of the family shining through.

Lucy Bunce played the role of Wednesday, bringing out the weird and dark side of the character really well in both vocal and acting ability.

Her relationship and chemistry with both Lucas (the boyfriend), and Pugsley, her brother was palpable.

Lucas, played by Alex Morris was a believable match for Lucy’s Wednesday, working well with everybody around him.

Benjamin Pollitt, brought energy to the role of Pugsley, giving off a Jared Leto Joker type vibe in his portrayal, making it a fascinating watch.

James Shields played the role of Fester, the self appointed narrator of the piece. James was obviously an audience favourite, creating quite rapport with them throughout.

Ceri Hamer as Grandma, was diction perfect, and with perfect comic timing, made the role her own. On occasion, parts like this can be lost with really bad diction - not so with Ceri.

Mike Zorab filled the stage (literally) as Lurch - great timing and movement to match. Mike was another audience favourite.

Lucas’s parents Mal and Alice Beineke were played by Bob Bailey and Anna Webster. Both playing out the happy husband and wife .... that is whilst with each other in public. Bob played Mal as a bit of a lost soul, who, during life had lost any oomph. Anna Webster, for me, gave the performance of the night. Her portrayal of Alice was everything you’d have wanted from the character plus a bit extra. Her transition at the end of Act One was a delight to watch, and her timing, expressions and vocals were tip top.

The ancestors/chorus were well drilled, both in vocals and movement.

Set, designed by John Beamer, was everything you’d expect from a John Beamer set design- functional, practical and clever, with lighting to match.

Angela Potter had obviously worked the cast hard with this production, and it showed.

Sharon Bell as Choreographer and Director must have had fun with this one and should be proud with the company.

Thank you, Morecambe Warblers, for your invite and hospitality.

 

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