The Addams Family Musical Comedy Review

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There won’t be many out there that haven’t heard of the Addams Family. They’re an institution and have appeared in many different formats over the years since their inception by American cartoonist Charles Addams back in 1938.

They first appeared in a series of simple cartoons, about half of which were originally published in The New Yorker over a 50-year period.

The Addams are a satirical opposite of the ideal 20th-century American family: an odd wealthy aristocratic family unit who take huge pleasure in the macabre and are seemingly not concerned or unaware that others find them bizarre and frightening.

In 1964 they were brought to TV but lasted for only two seasons. Some would say that the series could have run for longer but the fact that it was released at the same time as The Munsters meant that viewers became tired of the very similar themes. The late 70’s and the majority of the 80’s didn’t see much of them, but two movies in the 90’s reintroduced them to a new generation, along with another version of them in CGI in 2019 which my kids really appreciated.

Now they’re brought to life on stage as part of a musical comedy tour created by the writers of the multi award-winning hit musical JERSEY BOYS, with music and lyrics written by Tony award nominated Andrew Lippa.

Up until now, I’ve been able to take it or leave it when it comes to the Addams Family. I remember watching the cartoons on Saturday mornings as a lad, but the 90’s films never quite struck a chord with me. So I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the musical.

Time has moved on a little and Wednesday Addams (Kingsley Moreton) is a little older now and has fallen in love with Lucas Beineke (Ahmed Hamad) with plans in place to become husband and wife. But the couple are worried as they’re unsure how Lucas’ parents Mal (Sean Kingsley) and Alice Beineke (Jessica Keable) will react to The Addams Family and their creepy, kooky way of life. Needless to say, hilarity ensues and truths come to light that make this a challenging welcome to the family for the Beinekes whilst also creating some personal challenges for the Addams.

Will the two families accept eachother? Or are Wednesday and Lucas destined not to be happy? Well you’ll need to see it to find out, but I can assure you that you will be in for a superb night out at the theatre. I absolutely loved it, as did my 6 year old son Callum.

The set design is impressive from the off, with the Addams’ run down looking mansion adapted to the stage perfectly. Most of the action takes place here, and when it doesn’t, the set is cleverly adapted to set whatever scene is required.

Alistair David’s choreography is absolutely superb, with some incredible routines on display throughout. And live orchestra were simply fantastic.

And for the first time ever, I can honestly say that I thought each member of the cast were perfectly suited to their role, and all of them had incredible voices.

Strictly’s Joanne Clifton & Cameron Blakely were perfect as Morticia & Gomez Addams. The chemistry between the two was easy to see. Morticia is queen of the household, muted, witty and dry and Joanne portrayed her brilliantly, gliding around the stage with a mystical elegance and beauty. And Gomez’s enthusiasm and wit was there to see in a heart warming performance by Cameron. They were probably my favourite version of the well known power couple.

Carol Ball was brilliant as the wise yet troublesome Grandma Addams, and Ryan Bennet pulled off a strangely impressive performance as Lurch. I’ve always felt a little sorry for whoever was in the role of the growling butler as it doesn’t seem like a lot of talent is required, but this was unlike any other previous version of Lurch that we’ve seen before. No spoilers, but he was definitely front and centre.

Grant McIntyre was excellent as brother Pugsly, but I was torn when it came to our daughter of darkness, Wednesday Addams. This was a different version of the Wednesday we’ve come to know over the years. In creator Charles Addams’ own words, “Wednesday is her mother’s daughter”. She’s always been very similar to Morticia prior to this production, in the sense that she’s dry, lacks visible emotion and has a quiet deviousness about her. In this musical, we see a different style of dress, smiles, excitement and laughter. Whilst that was strange for me, I couldn’t help but feel that the story wouldn’t have worked if the Wednesday of old was part of it. They had to make some changes, but they were brutally obvious. However… please don’t let this take anything away from Kinglsey’s performance as for me, she had possibly the most powerful and beautiful voice of the whole cast. And her performance was magnificent. It was different, but it worked.

Matt Slack put in a stellar performance as the zany Uncle Fester. He looked the part and had all of the mannerisms to pull it off. As one of the countries leading pantomime comics, I can’t think of a better choice for the role.

With the ensemble cast performing as the Addams long deceased ancestors, the choreography on display was superb.

With an original score comprising of some memorable, feel good music such as “When You’re An Addams”, “The Moon & Me” and “Crazier Than You”, you’re sure to leave with at least one of them stuck in your head.

It received my sons approval, and it definitely receives mine.
The Addams Family Musical offers up everything we adore about our favourite creepy family along with so much more. It’s heart warming, crazy and absolutely hilarious!

My Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It's playing at the Regent Theatre NOW until and including Saturday 2nd April. Tickets are on sale and are available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or visiting www.atgtickets.com/stoke