The Addams Family

Wickersley YoungSTARS returned to the Rotherham Civic Theatre in Spooktacular style with this year’s show, The Addams Family. With 44, yes 44 ancestors in the production, it must have caused a few logistical problems for the production team, but one which they responded too magnificently. Congratulations to Jonah Thompson, Director, Hayley Shay, Musical Director and Lucy Swift, Choreographer, who created theatre magic. 

The casting for this show was exemplary, and each person played their part well. Not easy for a youth group to play people twice their own age, or in the case of Beth Stoughair as Grandma Addams, more than quadruple her age. Stoughair  captured Grandma’s strange  ways perfectly. Zak Humphreys as Pugsley played the spirited and mischievous youngster, who could cause mayhem with a single look with ease and displayed impressive vocals. Audience favourite, Evan Rowlands, as Lurch made a huge impact on the production, despite very little dialogue, I particularly enjoyed listening to his rich baritone voice. 

The pairing of Micha Swallow and Ben Kelly as Alice and Mal Beineke was a match made in heaven. Both performers gave it their all with Swallow being an enthusiastic Alice and Kelly showing his comedic skills. Their son, Lucas, played by Jack Brownless, had the hard job of being the only serious character in the show, but he pulled this off like a pro. Evie-Rose Robinson as the princess of darkness Wednesday Addams, was wonderful and portrayed the hormonal teenager with brilliance and plenty of sarcasm. 

When characters have an iconic look, we, as audience members want to see that on stage, and Reuben Clayton as Fester looked like he’d just stepped out of the movie. Clayton managed to capture the hearts of the audience as he shared his love of the moon. Bethan Carter as Morticia, was elegance personified. She never broke character once and her voice was a delight to listen too. 

However, for me, the night belonged to the wonderful Reece Sanders- Johnson as head of the family, Gomez. Bringing just the right amount of humour and angst, as the role requires with his dilemma of being pulled in different directions. His accent never faulted had the Spanish flare in abundance. A personal highlight as the number ‘Not Today’’. An exceptional individual performance.

Lights, sound and a wonderful set from UK Productions  all added to the production. I must mention the beautiful in-house made costumes made by Tina Witherden. Many congratulations to all involved in this great  show.

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