The Addams Family

Much like opening a creaking mansion door to find both chaos and charm lurking inside, the curtain rose on Huddersfield Musical Theatre Company’s The Addams Family with a surge of irresistible energy. Before the audience even saw a character, the iconic Addams musical refrain in the overture sent a ripple of excitement across the theatre—an audible shift as the crowd leaned in, ready to be welcomed into this delightfully morbid world.

The show opened upon a strikingly atmospheric graveyard set, bathed in moody lighting that immediately captured the eerie elegance essential to the Addams aesthetic. As the ancestors emerged from the shadows and the full company launched into “When You’re an Addams,” the stage became a living tableau of gothic charm, instantly establishing the tone and setting the bar high for the storytelling to come.

At the heart of the family was Gomez Addams, portrayed by John Danbury in the iconic pinstripe suit that is almost a character in itself. Danbury’s performance blended charm, warmth, and a gloriously overstated sincerity. His accent remained consistent and characterful throughout, and his expressive facial work paired with sharp comic timing brought endless delight. Whether wrestling with moral dilemmas or professing devotion to his beloved Morticia, Danbury showcased an impressive emotional range that anchored the production.

Opposite him was Morticia Addams, played with poise and precision by Sonia Calvert. Calvert mastered Morticia’s languid movement style, gliding across the stage as though floating—helped tremendously by elegant, carefully chosen costumes that enhanced her statuesque presence. Her cool, unflappable demeanour contrasted beautifully with the chaos unfolding around her, and her physicality alone communicated volumes about the character’s timeless mystique.

Wednesday Addams, brought vividly to life by Evie Robbins, proved a standout. Robbins delivered an engaging, vocally strong, and emotionally layered performance of the challenging number “Pulled”, capturing both the comedic absurdity and the genuine turmoil of a girl experiencing love for the first time. She shared excellent chemistry with Charlie Leonard as Pugsley Addams. Leonard injected the role with a fresh burst of youthful energy; his heartfelt performance of “What If” revealed a young performer with impressive instinct and stage presence.

As Fester Addams, Robin Walsh performed as a sort of spectral narrator, threading the story together with equal parts kookiness, tenderness, and gentle whimsy. His moments with the moon were especially endearing. Grandma Addams, played by Julie Leonard, added a hefty dose of mischief and physical comedy, delighting audiences with every crooked movement and cackling aside.

Outside the Addams household, the contrast came beautifully from the “normal” Bieneke family. Craig Squance as Mal Beineke captured the character’s rigidity and self-important seriousness, while Honey-Joy Spivey brought depth and humour to Alice Beineke, excelling in the shift from tightly wound frustration to exuberant liberation. Blake Iredale as Lucas Beineke offered an earnest, sensitive portrayal of a young man willing to push through façades—his scenes with Robbins’ Wednesday felt genuine and well-balanced.

A production of The Addams Family simply cannot succeed without a strong ensemble, and HMTC’s ancestors were a triumph. Each performer created a distinct persona, from an air hostess to a renaissance aristocrat, with every character adding texture to the world and enhancing storytelling throughout. The dedicated Dancestors elevated musical numbers further, providing technical precision and theatrical flair. A particularly memorable moment came during “The Moon and Me”, where, instead of a digital projection, the moon was personified by a ballet dancer—a beautifully graceful interpretation that brought serenity and poetic magic to Fester’s romantic fantasy.

Adele Taylor’s choreography ensured the musical numbers were original, slick, and tailored to the unique comedic and thematic style of the show. Large ensemble sequences were visually stunning, well-drilled, and full of character-driven detail.

Musical direction was shared between James Greatorex, who guided the company through learning the score and establishing a strong musical foundation, and Mark Breen, who stepped in during the second rehearsal phase and shaped the final sound through to show week. Their combined work resulted in accomplished vocal performances and a cohesive musical identity.

Under the direction of Becky Widdop, the production delivered a charming, spirited, and cohesive telling of the Addams’ delightfully abnormal family life. Scenes were well rehearsed, characters clearly developed, and ensemble integration seamless—a testament to thoughtful creative leadership and dedicated cast commitment.

Congratulations to all involved on a witty, heartfelt, and visually compelling production.

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