The Addams Family (UK Touring)

I find it hard to believe that Charles Addams when he first produced his cartoons for The New Yorker in 1932 could have imagined what was to follow, the TV Series starring Carolyn Jones and John Astin (who remembers John trying to control the Sharks and Jets in the Mambo Dance Off scene from the movie version of West side Story) strangely only ran for two seasons but, seemed like more and there have been two movies with all star casting.

Not necessarily prime fodder for a musical but, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa that is exactly what has been achieved and a thoroughly entertaining piece it is, the current touring production is directed evocatively by Matthew White and is brimming with memorable moments.

Heading the cast some stellar names in Samantha Womack and Les Dennis as Morticia Addams and Uncle Fester, both give immaculate portrayals of iconic characters that we all feel we know and prove that TV doesn't always give breadth to a performer as theatre can.

Cameron Blakely literally throws himself into the role of Gomez Addams, as energetic and comedic performance I have rarely seen, if ever there is a need for a definition of the phrase 'losing yourself in the character', this performance is it.

In a performance filled with great voices, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Wednesday Addams has to pull out a gem of a vocal with 'Pulled in a New Direction' as she casually tortures her brother Pugsley, played with an evil and somewhat masochistic glint by Grant McIntyre. Charlotte Page also raises the singing bar as Alice Beineke with her part in the ensemble number 'Full Disclosure', that's a powerful voice you have there Charlotte.

This is a story about Wednesday falling in love, a concept somewhat alien when you're an Addams and in the words of the song all she wants is 'one normal night' when both families meet but, we all know that isn't going to happen !

It's relatively uncommon that a specific line sticks in your mind but, this one from Gomez has had me smiling ever since, 'Wednesday is growing up, she'll soon be Thursday !', that's a great quote.

I've been lucky enough to see this production more than once and I believe I've seen one of the great understudy performances, with Les Dennis struck down by bronchitis, Scott Paige stepped in at Salford and made a real mark, get well soon Les.

The Addams Family Musical continues to tour until 4th November 2017, it then hops over to Singapore for a few weeks so plenty of chance to see it and you should.



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