The Addams Family

Finger-clicking fun was on the menu at the Swan Theatre, as WODYS returned with their production of The Addams Family.  All the talent and commitment of these young performers was once again on display, as the whole cast gave their all to give us all a suitably creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky time!

The Addams Family is of course based on the characters developed by cartoonist Charles Addams and popularised in particular in the long-running TV show (the theme to which was played but not sung, presumably due to copyright constraints).  The story is a very simple one – Wednesday Addams falls in love with outsider Lucas Beineke, much to the chagrin of her mother in particular.  When the Beineke family visit for dinner, secrets are aired and splits in both families are revealed, before a series of heart-to-hearts results in a happy resolution for all. 

I want to start by talking about the costuming for this show.  This was absolutely superb, in particular amongst the ‘Ancestors’, who were kitted out in a variety of outfits all fitting the same grey, blue and black colour palette. This was enormously effective, giving the ensemble a wonderfully consistent, not to mention spooky, look.  The Addams Family themselves were also very well costumed, with impeccable hair and make-up completing a totally authentic look.  There was a great contrast with the primary colours worn by the Beineke family, which worked really well to highlight their outsider status.  Very well done to Christina Humphries and Judy Hooper, and their teams. 

Charlie Raven gave an immaculate performance as Gomez Addams, with great physicality and strong comedic characterisation.  He also maintained the accent throughout, which is no mean feat.  Alongside him, Caitlin Clements was excellent as Morticia, stately and in command throughout.  There was a really confident stillness about this performance, which worked as a great contrast with the antic Gomez.  Olivia Lee was perfect as Wednesday Addams, an absolutely flawless performance; and WODYS newcomer Ralph Francis showed no nerves as Pugsley, grabbing the opportunity of ‘What If’ with both hands. 

Alfie Thomas was a smiley, welcoming Uncle Fester, who acted as a kind of master of ceremonies from time to time, taking us through the story.  He also had a charming solo number, ‘The Moon and Me’, in which he serenaded his love, given human form in an excellent ballet-themed dance sequence.  The Addams household was completed by Rebecca Stephens’ chirpy Grandma, and Joshua Silvester as the almost silent Lurch – great concentration shown here to keep a straight face and maintain slow, measured movements throughout.  He also took his brief chance at vocalisation with aplomb!

As the outsiders from the ‘normal’ world, Ellis Harding (Lucas), Carter Chilton (Mal) and Maya Sumera (Alice) provided a very convincing contrast.  Lucas was every inch the wholesome high-schooler, whilst Mal and Alice’s somewhat strained relationship was well depicted, culminating in Alice’s chemical-assisted breakdown ‘Waiting’ at the end of Act 1. This was particularly well sung by Maya, with excellent support from the rest of the company.

The principals were very ably assisted by a well-drilled forty-strong ensemble, who mainly played the Addams Family ancestors who follow and accompany the action.  The show had a good, spooky atmosphere from the start, as we saw the ancestors throwing shapes in the graveyard.  Two outstanding dance numbers enlivened the second half – alongside Fester’s moon ballet there was a great Tango number, led superbly by Gomez and Morticia. 

The cast were superbly marshalled by the production team, my congratulations to David Humphries (Director & Producer), Harriet Amos (Musical Director), and Rachel Price (Choreographer).  Such was the standard of this production, WODYS could remove the ‘Y’ from their name and I don’t think anyone would bat an eyelid. 

The set was quite simply done, with an impressive Addams family hallway set being supplemented by several largely plain backdrops.  However, this did mean that there wasn’t much to distinguish, say, the playroom from the guest bedroom.  I did like the gates and railings that provided a very effective backdrop outside the house, especially with the ancestors huddled behind them.  Lighting, very important in a show such as this to maintain the atmosphere, was nicely done, although those pesky Swan theatre dark spots at the sides of the stage were once more in evidence!

My congratulations to WODYS on yet another excellent performance.  The quality of singing, dancing and acting was very high across the board, and the whole team can be justly proud of their efforts.  Well done.  I look forward to seeing you again in 2025, when Footloose hits the boards.

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