The Addams Family

For the last production for my 2-25-2026 season, Sunderland Theatre Company’s production of The Addams Family maintained the high standard of excellence that audiences have come to expect from this talented society. Even before the the curtain rose, the production captured the wonderfully dark yet humorous essence of the show with a rippling curtain and “Thing” captivating the audience, delivering an evening that was incredibly polished, engaging and thoroughly entertaining. It was clear that a great deal of thought, care and creativity had gone into every aspect of the presentation, resulting in a performance that was both visually striking and dramatically assured.

The picture-perfect scenes created an immediate and effective atmosphere, drawing the audience into the Addams family world with ease. The use of a fixed set was particularly impressive, providing a strong visual framework for the action while allowing the story to flow smoothly from scene to scene. The raised platform added both interest and dimension, and it was used very well throughout the production to enhance sightlines, create focus and support the staging of key moments. This thoughtful use of space ensured that the performance remained dynamic without ever feeling cluttered, and the photo frames created a wonderful visual to enable the incredible Brian Waldock-Leach ably assisted by Helen Clarke and Lisa Smith to create further moments within the piece especially with the ancestors.  Brian’s work is always stunning to watch, and he often thinks very cleverly about how to best present a scene to the audience to allow for the limited space at the Royalty.  In keeping with the picture frames used cleverly in upper stage right and left, each scene ended with a picture-perfect pose which for the audience was beautiful to experience.  The space available was used very well to maximise the impact for the audience.

The performances were strong across the board, with the leading cast bringing confidence, character and commitment to their respective roles. The production team should also be praised for delivering an excellent all-round production in which direction, staging and performance worked together cohesively. The result was a well-balanced and highly enjoyable show that reflected the company’s continuing dedication to quality theatre.  The ancestors rotated throughout and it was lovely to see their own individual characters being able to shine though, even when masquerading as trees, foliage, room décor and being generally cantankerous with Uncle Fester.

Addams Family is a great choice as show for a company with a strong ensemble such as STCo as the ancestors provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase not only a strong principal cast but a very strong ensemble with individual characters and strengths.  The cast of characters kept their individuality throughout and their antics on stage were fabulous, especially the misbehaving foliage! Abigail Bowman, Vanessa Bowern, Grace Brooks, Janice Farrow, Olivia West, Tyler Lewis, Demilee Turnbull, Richard Butler, Daniel Dryden, Stephen Fay and Dylan Stobbs all were superb, and I was reminded of the Stanislavski quote that “there are no small parts, only small actors”.  You were all stunning in your own wonderful unique ways.

The Addams Family themselves are characters who need little introduction being iconic characters that most people can recognise.  As such it’s sometimes difficult to bring individuality to them as their characterisation is somewhat entrenched in our expectation however with this strong casting there was a beautiful smooth transition into the recognisable vs the individuality that they brought to their characters.  Mathew Clarke gave us a suave, sharp Gomez Addams opposite the utterly beautiful Rebecca Crackett as Morticia who both consistently excel.  Their numbers were incredible and their chemistry together is excellent.  The incredible Kristan Bailey delighted as Uncle Fester, with the perfect blend of macabre cheekiness.  Chantelle Taggart as Wednesday Addams was incredible, visually the perfect Wednesday and vocally incredible.  I had no idea she could sing like that, “Pulled” and “One Normal Night” are technically very difficult and performing one after the other is no mean feat.  Erin-Rose Richards delighted as Pugsley Addams with just enough cheek, cuteness and another strong vocal performance. I’ve never seen Grandma played as a chain smoking funky cool grandmother, and Lily Lambton smashed those characterisations.  Clear diction and utter ridiculousness – a fabulous combination!  Lurch played by Steve Dodds was incredible, his comic timing and pauses had the audiences in stitches.  The Beineke family were played by a wonderful trio with Lucas being played by Danny Ross, Alice by Rebecca Smith and Mal by Sean Barrett.  All had wonderful characterisation of their respective roles and played well together with Rebecca delivering a vocal performance of “Waiting” incredibly well.  Bravo to every one of you!

The highlight for me had to be the “Tango De Amor” by Gomez and Morticia supported by various ancestors.  Take a bow, choreographer Kate Walker as that was an utterly stunning piece of art. Slick, sharp, well-presented choreography which was rehearsed and as clean as a whistle.  Utterly beautiful to watch.  Every number was polished to perfection, and I’ve written “precise choreo” next to almost every number in my notes.  Originality was applied throughout which I very much appreciated, it’s easy to take inspiration from other interpretations but Kate well and truly has made this her own art.  Beautiful work.  The interpretation of “The Moon and Me” was very original and gorgeous to watch with Abigail Bowman as the ballerina ancestor providing a solo performance of original work.

Vocally the Addams Family is a really tough one to get right but Musical Directors Matthew Ainsworth and James Pennell-Tutill had audibly put in the time and hard work to ensure this company sounded utterly spectacular with audible crisp clean harmonies shining through.  Sound by Duncan Baster of East Durham audio was impeccable and Mark Turner of Brightstar Light & Sound again providing innovative lighting solutions to really enhance the performance beautifully.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this production to the stage. This was another accomplished and spectacular presentation from Sunderland Theatre Company, and one of which all concerned should be justifiably proud.  I am certainly very proud of you all.

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