TV’s spookiest family gets their stage debut as The Addams Family at Woking Theatre.
For a musical largely aimed at taking fans on a nostalgia trip through the “Adams Family” Films and TV Series, it certainly delivers. For those of us not such die-hard fans, maybe not quite the same experience was to be had.
The story is how can I put it very politely….. simple, Wednesday Addams (Carrie Hope-Fletcher) has fallen in love.. When Wednesday decides to bring Lucas and his “Ma” and “Pa” home to meet her family she realizes this might have dire consequences.
Carrie’s performance was faultless and she shines as Wednesday Adams; her clear and beautiful vocals are captivating and provide an outstanding vocal prowess and stage presence.
There was an announcement that Uncle Fester would not be played by Les Dennis for the evenings performance, However Scott Paige delivered a funny and endearing portrayal of the man who falls in love with the moon and his uncanny stage presence really helped lift the show.
I found Samantha Womack’s (Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders) Morticia a little weak at times but she had a good stage presence, and I particularly liked the dynamics between her and on stage husband Cameron Blakely as Gomez Addams. One of the most touching moments of the show was his rendition of the song “Wednesday’s growing up” (She’ll be Thursday, Before you know it).
Diego Pitrach’s ingenious set and costume designs capture the mood beautifully and the costumes of the main cast were exactly as you would expect if you’ve ever seen the film or TV show, but it was the spooky period costumes and dancing by the supporting cast of ghoulish Addams family ancestors that really deserve a mention, each given their own distinctive character (Tudor Ancestor; Jester Ancestor; Geisha Ancestor; etc)
The Addams Family is an enjoyable night out, But for me the plot was predictable and many of the songs formulaic and too easily forgettable.
Reviewed by Neil Mcfarlane
Photo: Matt Martin