The Addams Family

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky… what a great premiere and opening night (with a near capacity crowd) for the ADDAMS FAMILY. Clearly, creator Charles Addams' (the original cartoonist) ghoulish family is as popular as ever after so many years. This brand-new musical comedy production is an absolute joy from start to finish… simply put it’s fun galore and what stiff wouldn't enjoy that!

What a magnificent family they are too, from the charming Gomez (Cameron Blakely) - replete with a wicked sense of humour and nod to Raoul Julia. A true Spanish gent and master of the spooky mansion, Gomez also has some pretty nifty dance routines and a fair share of excellent one-liners. Morticia (a very apt looking Samantha Womack - having successfully escaped from the pretentious kitchen sink of East-Enders) oozes deadpan sex appeal while joyous Uncle Fester, he of 'undetermined sex', is brilliantly brought to live by seasoned veteran Les Dennis (who had his head shaved live on TV for the part). Lurch (a gigantic Dickon Gough) is the family’s somewhat less than monosyllabic butler complete with Frankenstein boots that make him appear even taller. Monstrous daughter Wednesday (Carrie Hope Fletcher) is a sadist who enjoys torturing her masochistic tubby little brother Pugsley (Grant McIntyre) and this even includes the rack. Valda Aviks has a field day as the incontinent and flatulent 103-year old Grandma. One can't help thinking of another gifted tubby little actress here with a certain proclivity.

If this isn't enough to wet your appetite, Uncle Fester lets no less than ten ghostly ancestors out of crypt in order to assist a love match or else… for it appears that the 'delightful' Wednesday has fallen in love with a relatively normal 'All American’ boy called Lucas Beineke (Oliver Ormson, who hits just the right note). Suffice to say, Mom and Dad Addams are far from enthusiastic! To make matters worse, Wednesday has arranged an informal dinner to introduce Lucas’ family to hers… suffice to say, Mom and Dad Addams are far from enthusiastic… When the Beinekes arrive to meet the family, we’re in for a helluva good time! ‘Square’ daddy Mal (Dale Rapley) is clearly modeled on Brad Majors from the Rocky Horror Show (albeit an older version) while poetic mommy Alice (Charlotte Page) is bound to discover her dark side... and with the help of a little magic potion is transformed into an awesome presence… though boring old Mal might be even crazier than her! The games are set to commence and the divine Morticia is very partial to the game! And Lucas shows his true love for Wednesday when he agrees to a little game involving an apple and a crossbow (was Burroughs the inspiration?). Punters are treated to a rollicking macabre entertainment involving 'bloody' good songs with witty lyrics, some splendid dance routines (especially ‘Tango De Amor’) and fabulous sets and costumes. Catch it if you can and treat yourself to a Bloody Mary afterwards.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY runs until the 29th of April ((www.edtheatres.com)