Addams Family

Review by Tessa Davies, Regional Councillor from NODA East
Performed at Thalian Hall on 27th October 2023 at 7:30pm

Director – Belinda Gee
Choreographers– Tammy Wall and Courtney Cole
Musical Director – Don Ephgrave

I have seen this show a number of times but this production was the funniest by far. Director Belinda Gee got every second of comedy, and completely understood the ‘send up’ nature of the script.

The venue is very small and I am constantly amazed at the creativity of the Directors and performers who work in this space. I particularly liked the creation of the ‘Things’, for this show; which the programme advises “are always on hand when you need them” They were scene changers, props movers and generally provided the extra support needed to make the show run smoothly. It’s very difficult to define their role if you did not see the show but, suffice to say, the show would not have run as smoothly without them.

The Principals were excellent, Alex Ryde played Gomez Addams with terrific style and great characterisation. His timing was impeccable, very well supported by the excellent lighting changes. Jenney Lewin played Morticia; this was another great characterisation and she maintained the style of the character throughout. The two made a great pairing and their vocals were also excellent.

I was, initially confused about the actors playing Wednesday and Pugsley until I realised that their pictures, in the progtamme, had been swapped around! Wednesday (played by Emma Gilby) was excellent, with just the right amount of teenage defiance with a good dose of beguilement. Pugsley (played by MJ Scott) was good, looking so innocent but being so bad!

Clive Dancey played Uncle Fester to perfection, a really delightful portrayal and he stole the scenes he needed to without detracting from the other actors. Lurch, played by Vincent Clemmens delivered another outstanding characterisation. His grunts were very effective and his singing was excellent. Grandma Addams (Maureen Davies) was another excellent performer, adding to the entertainment.

The three ‘normal’ characters, Lucas Beineke (played by Archie Davies) Mal Beineke (played by Chris White) and Alice Beineke (played by Amanda Sayers) were perfect foils for the madness that is the Addams Family and Amanda’s portrayal of Alice’s reaction to drinking the potion, meant for Wednesday, was absolute perfection.

The Ensemble (the Ancestors) each had their character and they all played them well, I was very impressed at each individuals characterisation, they had obviously worked very hard on them.

The scenery, supported by the Things, was appropriate in this very difficult and small space and the lighting was absolutely spot on every time. The costumes were very good, and very effective, the makeup, especially Fester and Lurch, was outstanding. The band was just the right level, allowing us to hear the actors but supporting the sound very well.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the show, I just need to get the theme riff out of my head! My thanks to the people Front of House who looked after me. Another very enjoyable evening with the Thalians.

Tessa Davies
Councillor
NODA East