Whether you were first introduced to the Addams Family from watching the original 1960’s TV show, the early 1990’s Angelica Houston movies, any of the numerous cartoon incarnations or are recently discovering the clan through Netflix’s heavily promoted Jenna Ortega vehicle “Wednesday”, it is unlikely you have managed to forget these creepy and kooky characters. The Addams Family musical comedy, which is currently being staged at Lowry, honours these well-loved representations but doesn’t assume familiarity allowing the show to be a self-contained entity.
The first scene revives some Addams’ ancestors from the grave who are impressively dressed in the intricate designs of Diego Pitarch, providing an ensemble including vikings, matadors and ring masters. Uncle Fester prevents their return so they can help love prevail between his niece Wednesday Addams and her boyfriend Lucas Beineke who hails from a “normal” Ohio family. Wednesday wants to introduce Lucas and his parents to the rest of the family and announce their engagement which leads to secrets and lies putting the family relationships under pressure.
The majority of the staging then occurs in the Addams’ imposing gothic mansion which is eerily lit.
Ricardo Afonso gave an excellent performance as the super smooth Addams patriarch Gomez, trying to keep both his daughter and wife, Morticia, content (happy would be a step too far). Morticia – Alexandra Burke – former X Factor winner, pop star and now regular leading lady on stages around the country gave a note-perfect showing as usual.
Wednesday, who was performed by Maria Garrett at the performance I saw, produced a powerful vocal performance, thrilling the many cosplaying in the audience who had donned their dark clothing and makeup. Her brother, Pugsley (Nicholas McLean) humourously sings about how he worries her engagement will mean she will never torture him again.
Oliver Award winner Clive Rowe played the moon-crazed Uncle Fester superbly with charm, singing like CeeLo Green.
The family is completed by Lesley Joseph of “Birds of a Feather” fame in the limited but amusing role of Grandma and the slow-moving zombie butler Lurch (Dickon Gough) who earned plenty of laughs with his grunts and moans.
Musical Director Andrew Hilton had the band sounding tight and although the songs are not particularly memorable they don’t drag. This show is funny, entertaining, looks terrific and sitting in a darkened theatre in this heatwave will help if you are seeking a goth look.
The Addams Family is at Lowry, Salford from 13 to 16 August 2025 before continuing on tour. Age recommendation 7+
