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A story of love, but not in the traditional fairytale sense, this show is full of emotion, energy and is clear perfection: all wrapped up in great music and powerful voices. Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
I was very excited when I found out that I would be reviewing The Addams Family, not only because I like musicals, but also because I am totally into alternative and goth fashion. This show definitely has that alt vibe. Having seen it, I tried really hard to find anything negative at all to say about the performance and then it hit me – the theatre was a little bit cold! (good ventilation probably). Yes, that’s all I could come up with.
This is absolute perfection. From the first to the last song, from the beginning to the end. The Addams Family is a show you can’t miss, especially if you are a fan of musical theatre with a scary vibe.
There isn’t enough space here to cover every single incredible part of this production but let’s start with the synchronisation in the musical numbers. I think that we can all agree that working in a group can be hard sometimes; and making this ensemble work together perfectly? – that sounds like mission impossible. But this company absolutely does not let us down. The movements of every character, the space between them all and the connections built with words, sound and dance – all these things together on one stage are just amazing and make the whole performance unforgettable. Every single part is 100% planned, with no space left for error or anything less than clear perfection.
As for the scenography, costumes and characterisation, I can’t give you too many details before you see it for yourself. The outfits and make-up of the characters are great – similar to the original movie cast but with some alternative spice. The set design is multi-layered and very spatial. A monumental moving staircase, the high towers of an old Victorian mansion and the enormous cast iron gate with a characteristic ‘A’ in the middle – these are just examples of the fantastic work of the creative team.
The choreography and vocal work is outstanding. All dances and moves are measured perfectly, and I had to wonder how it is even possible to achieve such rhythm and dynamism in every single song; working like one big organism. Additionally, there are some very powerful voices with a beautiful range of emotions. These two things together make this performance even more incredible.
I don’t want to give too many spoilers but I have to mention some of the characters and actors who played them. While the whole cast were all fabulous, special mention needs to go to Uncle Fester (Scott Paige) and Lurch (Dickon Gough). They are played so perfectly that at moments I felt like I was watching a movie. Their specific characterisations make this performance decidedly funnier. Be warned, you will laugh many times watching this show! The other thing is their appearance, regarding which I want to leave a short note to the casting team: ‘You did a great job’. In my opinion these two actors are just born to play these roles.
This is a show not to be missed. Scary, funny and a little bit dramatic (or maybe more than a little bit), it’s one of the best pieces of theatre I have seen in my life, and I hope that you will have the same opinion after watching this yourself.
Based on the book by: Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice
Directed by: Matthew White
Choreography by: Alistair David
Musical Supervisor & Orchestrations by: Richard Beadle
Design by: Diego Pitarch
Lighting Design by: Ben Cracknell
Sound Direction by: Richard Brooker
Musical Direction by: Bob Broad
The Addams Family plays at New Wimbledon Theatre until 19 February, then touring the UK until June. Further information on the tour and bookings via the below link:
