The Addams Family A New Musical Comedy

BCMCS’ production of the Addams Family focuses on the ghoulishly kooky American family - expect the unexpected! Walking into the auditorium at the Albert Halls the lighting is dim and the set features a gauze of spooky trees and through it you can see a grave yard. Stage Right is a large TNT block with a handle lit up in red. When the curtain opens the set has a large commanding staircase sweeping round from Stage Right up to the top to create another level. On that level Stage Left overhangs an old theatre box with suitably draped curtains all covered in cobwebs, from where some of the ancestors look on the action. The staircase has various candles on the bannisters. Stage level off Centre Left is an archway leading to the outside and between the arch and start of the staircase are marble pillars. Over to Stage Left and under the said theatre box are large imposing gates leading to the unknown. Various scenes are then created on this set with the striking dining hall with red tablecloth and the large cruel looking Instrument of Persuasion Chair (torture really). A large swing in the forest and again great spooky trees and The Ancestors also hiding behind trees they were holding. Pugsley’s torture bed is ‘racked’ to Stage Right; the moon hangs lonely Stage Left & played a big part and even featured Fester’s face on it. Not forgetting a star cloth and smoke.  The set had an eerie and almost magical feel about it. Technical Director Debs Wilson, stage crew Debs Lyons, David Walston, Chris Grady, Andy Parmar, Toby Payne, Kathryn Worsley and Nathan Emmison. Sound unobtrusive as it should be by Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier. Lighting was particularly effective in bringing the show to life. Lighting by Aaron J. Dootson. Follow spots Gary Harvey ad Andy A Halligan. Costumes all looked good and I know supplied by Molly Limpets but someone has to look after all that and organise and that was Kathryn Wilkinson.

The chorus aka The Ancestors all taking on a role from the past like a Flapper, Maid, Bride, Pirate and strongman to mention a few. This was a large slick production and from front of house to back stage including makeup and props Pat Grady and team, Ursula Greenhalgh and Kath Chetham - you are noted - well done!

The 11-piece orchestra led by David Wilson and assisted by Jennie Pearce filled the Albert Halls with enthusiasm and excitement and supported the cast in this spooky spectacular.

What was evident was the teamwork and this came through in the duo of Gary Harvey and Matthew Gavin. Through choreography and character development the tableaux created were the theme throughout. Creating a caricature fitting to the piece. Choreography was simple but stated and all abilities were able to shine and looked confident. A choreographer in control can achieve this. The movement and acting aligned to be as one. A strong opening sealed the deal - we were in for a trick or treat of a show.

Opening the show was Cousin Itt played by Nicola Crompton-Hill who warned us through an interpreter the perils of mobile phones in the theatre (my personal bugbear) The Ensemble - The Ancestors - floated and hung around reacting and listening to the goings on in the house. The scene with the candles looked so effective - well done!

Lucas Beineke who falls in love with Wednesday Addams played by Alex Farrar. BCMCS always like to give Youth actors a chance and it’s great to see the future on stage. Playing his parents Mal Beineke and Alice Beineke were Stephen McGillivray and Carole McGillivray. They get more than they bargained for when the meet their future in-laws. Grandma played by Karen Grady - and let’s be clear we are not actually sure who’s Grandma she is or what actually happens to some of these potions she knocks up. We do know Pugsley played by Jake Little has a little mishap with one of the bottles all because he is scared he will lose is main torturer - his sister. Jake is also a youth member.

Lurch is played by Connor Davies-Parkinson who grunts his way through the show until his deep tones start off the song Move Towards The Darkness - well done all!

Uncle Fester played by Joe Davies certainly looked to be relishing playing the role - his voice and physicality were spot on and although an odd character Fester, some lovely moments of emotion came through - great work!

Morticia Addams played by Steevie-Leigh Crossley looked and sounded the part. Her world is turned upside down by her daughter and yes, she is turning into her mum. I must say intentionally or not when she is leaving Gomez, I couldn’t get over the fact her bag looked like it had a face. Anyone else (or just me spooked then)? The physicality of Morticia was never lost – good work!

Morticia’s husband Gomez played by Gareth Johns was in great voice and his slightly camp interpretation of Gomez was spot on. The confused face and wanting to please everyone and keep the status quo worked really well. Some belter songs but Trapped was hilarious. Gareth worked so well will Emilia Parkinson playing his daughter Wednesday Addams. Emilia was a delight and WAS Wednesday Addams - unusually for her character she lit the stage up when she was on it, in a good way and her songs on pointe. Pulled and Crazier Than You - excellent - again a youth member and one to watch in the future – Click!…Click!

BCMCS must be really pleased with this production and the part the Youth are playing. Thank you for the invite and making me feel welcome.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

D5 Rep

 

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