The Addams Family musical at Curve and on tour – review

Charles Addams created the fearsome relatives for The New Yorker in 1938, intending it to be a poke at the stereotypical idealistic family. The Addams are proud to own their individuality and are uninterested in what “normal” society may think of them.

The Addams Family is a musical comedy with book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. It explores themes of love, secrets and stepping outside of “your norm”. It’s full of humour, charm and nostalgic moments whilst giving us a fresh and modern twist to the adored series.

Staying mostly true to the characters of the much-loved comic strip and TV show, this rendition of The Addams Family centres around an unexpected romance. Wednesday Addams, the notoriously sadistic, anti-social loner has fallen in love. However, it’s not to a fellow creature of the night; instead, she has become smitten with a “normal” boy. Lucas Beineke hails from an unremarkable and ordinary family. Antics ensue when the two sides come together at the Addams mansion to meet for the first time over dinner and a game that reveals many hidden truths.

Diego Pitarch’s glorious gothic sets add gravitas to the atmosphere, utilising pieces such as large staircases and various torture equipment, which are cleverly and discreetly maneuvered on and off the stage by the ensemble. There are also balcony pieces that really open up the stage and give dimension to the show.

The musical numbers are beautifully performed and well-executed under Andrew Hilton’s musical direction and Alistair David’s choreography is sharp, energetic and a delight to watch. The ensemble cast of the “undead” keeps us entertained throughout the performance with their unexpected appearances and strange undulations. Brickman and Elice’s book is inconsistent at times, but the cast manages to elevate the show to another level. Alexandra Burke, as Morticia Addams, is sleek and sophisticated, which matches her amazing voice. Ricardo Afonso as Gomez Addams has superb comedic timing and great stage presence, owning each and every one-liner to perfection. Burke and Alfonso’s tango is a real treat.

Clive Rowe as Uncle Fester, the endearing fourth-wall-breaking selenophile, acts as a narrator as well as having his own unique love story. Lauren Jones as Wednesday Addams and Jacob Fowler as love interest Lucas have a lovely connection on stage. Lesley Joseph, who plays Grandma Addams, and Nicholas McLean as Pugsley Addams, bring some moments of hilarity. Kara Lane steals the show as Alice Beineke, belting out a spectacular number to close act one and dazzling us with quite a character transformation.

The Addams Family musical is entertaining throughout and chock-full of talent. Each character is strongly realised, the vocals and orchestration are powerful, and the design elements bring this show about the undead to life. Matthew White’s direction engages from start to finish. Humorous and contemporary, the production captivates both adults and children.

No effort has been spared to keep us engaged and feeling like part of this creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky family.