The Addams Family – The Musical Comedy, Birmingham Hippodrome 11 July 2025, until 12 July, then on tour, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith Photography.
The Addams Family – The Musical Comedy, Birmingham Hippodrome 11 July 2025, until 12 July, then on tour,
4☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
"A horribly funny show.”
The core conceit of the Addams Family - the juxtaposition of cosy suburban family comedy with characters that might seem more at home in a horror film – has proved a resilient laugh generating machine over the last eight decades. The formula has powered the titular clan from its comic book roots, through a TV sitcom, animated outings, two films and now a musical.
It is a comedy gift that keeps on giving; ‘The Addams Family, The Musical Comedy,’ - very funny show performed with excellent comic timing.
A generally strong cast delivers with the high energy levels necessary to carry off the show’s inherent silliness with aplomb. Despite their absurdity, the actors commit to their characters, so we are sufficiently engaged to care about them. Strong ensemble work makes the most of a fairly predictable plot and drives the show through to a surprisingly moving finale.
It’s nice for a change to hear an original score rather than a jukebox conglomeration of hits. The songs are strong enough to ‘live in the moment’, and serve the drama well, but not strong enough to stay with you when you leave the theatre. A vocally proficient cast gives the songs all they’ve got so they work in context. Lauren Jones in the role of Wednesday is particularly impressive.
The one surprising let down is Alexandra Burke as Morticia. Her performance seems a little underpowered, vocally and dramatically, particularly when set against so many megawatts of charisma radiating from the rest of the cast. Her energy levels pick up towards the end of the show, notably during her sizzling tango routine with husband Gomez, portrayed with great suavity by Ricardo Afonso.
There are pacing problems, particularly during the first twenty minutes or so. But the show hits its stride thereafter and moves forwards with a decided bounce in its step.
The production is slick and polished with high production values, the choreography is imaginative and energetic and, taken as a whole, this is a fun packed night out.
Cast
Alexandra Burke – Morticia
Lesley Joseph – Grandma
Clive Rowe – Uncle Fester
Ricordo Afonso – Gomez
Lauren Jones – Wednesday
Nicholas McLean – Pugsey
Jacob Fowler – Lucas Beineke
Kara Lane – Alice Beineke
Dale Rapley – Mal Beineke
Dickon Gough – Lurch
Creatives
Matthew White – Director
Deigo Pitarch – Designer
Alistair David – Choreographer
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice