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The Addams FamilyBirmingham Hippodrome***** As dysfunctional, fictional families go, the Addams clan must be one of THE most famous, especially to inhabitants of the underworld! The creation of American illustrator, Charles Addams, they made their first ghoulish appearance on T.V. in 1964 and now this glorious adaptation is a much loved stage show. And what a fabulous show it is!
Cameron Blakely as Gomez and Samantha Womack as Morticia. Pictures: Matt Martin From the opening overture, with the additional, accompanying clicking fingers of the dismembered hand, the capacity audience were soon clapping and clicking along in unison, eagerly anticipating the iconic story of this spooky household. As the Addams' ancestral ghosts emerged from the vaults, the vibrancy of the ensemble rocked to the rafters with imaginative choreography and powerful singing; their beautiful historical gothic costumes were stunning. Action was slick and balanced, the set was perfect with sweeping staircases, balconies, a working torture rack, various rooms, four poster beds, all enhanced with excellent atmospheric lighting. Basically, it is a love story as daughter Wednesday Addams falls for the charms of the 'normal' ( as opposed to 'undead' ) Lucas Beineke much to the chagrin of her mother Morticia and father Gomez. Amazing vocals from Wednesday, (Carrie Hope Fletcher) - diction was superb.
Les Dennis as Uncle Fester and Dickon Gough as Lurch Samantha Womack is the deliciously acerbic Morticia and her devoted, adoring husband, is played with comedic, florid charm by Cameron Blakey. The moon loving, amiable Uncle Fester is played with a delightful, unaffected naivety by Les Dennis. Pugsley Addams is Grant McIntyre, Grandma is Valda Aviks, Lurch is Dickon Gough, Mal Beineke is Dale Rapley, and Alice Beineke is Charlotte Page. All of the principals were fabulous, with acting, singing and dancing a joy to watch. Some fabulous one liners peppered the dialogue. The chorus formed extravagant montages and tableaux. A ‘moving' portrait in the background observed the action in several scenes and at the end of act one, in the Grand Hall, the full company delivered a lively rendition of Full Disclosure, a great number to round off the first half. This is a really 'feel good' show, and as musicals go, this has to be one of the best. It is compact, never flags, the characters are hilarious so, what's not to like?
Appealing to all ages, this is first rate on so many levels, visually distinctive, oodles of laughs, a must for fans of the TV series, and, the finale provided a special treat as Morticia and Gomez danced a fiery tango with gusto and panache. Not surprising then that the audience rose in a well-deserved standing ovation. Catch this if you can. You won't be disappointed. To 10-06-17 Elizabeth M Smith and Rosemary Manjunath. 06-06-17 |
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