They’re creepy and their kooky, mysterious and spooky and now entertaining audiences in Norwich!
The Addams Family is a musical comedy based on the beloved Addams Family created by Charles Addams, with a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice alongside music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The story the peculiar Addams family as they prepare for a meal to meet Wednesday’s new boyfriend and his parents. However, nothing ever goes to plan when you have such a strange family and soon the night becomes eye opening after a game of Full Disclosure. Sound Ideas is a Norfolk-based group who often bring the highest quality to their production. Previous shows we’ve attended include Gypsy and The Spongebob Musical which were both excellent. As mentioned in our October Theatre Guide, we were highly anticipating this new production by Sound Ideas and they delivered an astonishing production!
Dan Smith, director and designer, has created an hilarious, joyful and entertaining production here at the playhouse. The set uses a screen to transport us to each location which, along with additional set pieces, works effectively to change locations. The music sounded polished and the costuming captured The Addams family perfectly. Moreover, choreography was uplifting and engaging which made each musical number exciting.
The ensemble were brilliant at adding more flair to each number. I distinctly enjoy how each costume, though similar in colour, are unique which adds character to each individual. Lucas, Wednesday’s new perfect boyfriend is played by Eddie Bays. Bays is able to portray the ‘normal’ Lucas well which contrasts with Wednesday, along with having great vocals. Alice, Lucas’ mother is played by Becka Jillings. Jillings’ vocal performance during ‘Waiting’ was phenomenal: hitting high notes which sounded perfect. Mal, Lucas’ father is played by Will Mugford. Mugford’s reaction to the Addams family was great and this helped add to the overall humour of the production.
Rowena Croston-Clegg plays Grandma Addams, an older lady who is a little bit peculiar. Croston-Clegg is able to portray the creepiness of Grandma which made for hilarious moments. James Bell plays Lurch, the loyal butler to the Addams family. Bell’s facial reactions were great and added lots of humour to his scenes. Meg Bays plays Pugsley, the youngest member of the family. Bays’ vocals were strong during ‘What If’ and she was able to capture the chaotic energy of Pugsley well. Leo Oakley plays Uncle Fester, who is eager to make the dinner go perfectly. Oakley’s performance was excellent, being a mixture of comedy whilst being a hopeless romantic for Wednesday and Lucas. His musical number ‘The Moon and Me’ was a highlight of the second act.
Emmie Wright plays Wednesday, the daughter of Morticia and Gomez who has fallen in love. Wright’s able to capture the struggle Wednesday feels between being in love and the darkness. Her vocals during ‘Pulled’ were fantastic: being the highlight of the production. Jess Taylor plays Morticia, the matriarch of the family who is deeply devoted to her family. Taylor’s able to portray the strong, confident individual Morticia is. Her choreography and vocals were strong, with great chemistry with Fox. Lucas Fox plays Gomez, the patriarch of the family who gets into difficult when keeping secrets from his wife Morticia. Fox was able to capture Gomez’s incredibly well, with a solid accent. His vocals were great and his facial reactions were brilliant.
The Addams Family continues to run until Sunday 4th October. Book your tickets here!
Tickets for this production were provided complimentary. Many thanks to Sound Ideas and Norwich Theatre for inviting us and we wish you all the best with the remainder of the week!
Leave a Reply