The nights are drawing in, the weather’s getting colder, and Halloween is just around the corner; what better time to spend a deliciously deadly evening in the company of the Addams Family and their ghostly ancestors?
Photo © Samuel Kelly
The creepy clan’s first (re)incarnation was in a 1930s New Yorker magazine comic strip, before hitting the big time in the hit 60’s television show, subsequently branching out into Hollywood movies, the current Netflix hit show Wednesday, and this joyously bonkers stage musical.
The show itself is somewhat of a mixed bag, not really sure of whether it wants to be a gothic horror, a stylised family drama, a splashy Broadway musical or a surreal pantomime.
However it is difficult to imagine it ever being presented more impressively than in Bath Light Operatic Group’s production, showing this week at Bath’s Theatre Royal.
From its ominous opening spotlight on the disembodied hand called Thing, through to a climactic journey to the moon, BLOG’s utterly professional show belies its status as anything other than a West End production.
Every element works seamlessly together, from Ellen Day Costume’s uncanny monochrome outfitting of the family and their faded ancestors, through the superb lighting and sound work of Jon Vooght and James Hartland respectively, to the unfailingly slick musical support of Matthew Finch and his orchestra, and the jagged and perky choreography by Alison Price.
Perhaps most impressive is the scenery by UK Productions, featuring an imposing mansion staircase and a gleaming night sky, often framing the monochrome staging with dramatic blood red drapes. It’s a visual and auditory triumph.
Director Tristan Carter has assembled a truly first rate cast, fusing excellent chemistry with comic timing and memorable vocals. Geoff White (Gomez) brings endless endearing energy whilst Hannah Graham as Morticia creates deadpan sultriness (not an easy feat) amongst the pin-sharp posing.
Sophie Baxter as Wednesday combines stunning singing with a characterisation both combative and vulnerable, whilst Rob Dallimore brings utter bonkersness to the Muppety voice, walk and appearance of Fester, delivering perhaps the highlight moment when soaring way up in the sky with legs akimbo towards his beloved moon in the song The Moon and Me.
The numerous other roles and impressively large chorus of dead folk are played with equal attack and clear relish.
It’s a gloriously ghoulish and spookily spectacular night out. Who knows, it may even be the death of you.
The Addams Family is showing at Theatre Royal Bath until 27th September. Box office: 01225 448844.
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Reviewer: Steve Huggins
