The London Palladium – 13th February 2024
Reviewed by Fiona Leyman
3***
“They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. They’re altogether ooky, “The Addams Family”.
I’m betting you couldn’t help yourself, but to sing that line above? The Addams Family have been in our lives since the 1930s, turning this iconic dysfunctional family into the cult classic it is today. Can this family’s success continue on stage as it has on our screens for all these years?
The Princess of Darkness, Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with Lucas (Ryan Kopel), a ‘Normal’ young man whose family is coming for dinner. After telling her father she intends to marry him, she makes him promise not to tell her mother Morticia (Michelle Visage). Gomez is trapped! He has never kept secrets from his wife before. Does he break the trust of his eldest daughter, or keep a secret from his wife? Could keeping this secret mean the end of Gomez and Morticia Addams marriage forever?
Running for only two days at the London Palladium was always going to be a challenge for Set Designer Diego Pitarch. Elaborate sets were out of the question, and with such a large stage to fill, how could he transform the iconic theatre in the Addams Family’s mansion? Unfortunately, most of the stage was bare. The static backdrop was limited, bland, and not what you’d expect in the Addams Family’s home. The odd chaise lounge, torture rack, or interrogation chair was wheeled in to fill in the gaps on this large stage. Unfortunately, due to the length of time this musical was on stage, Pitarch was unable to fully design the production to its full potential. He did, however, successfully transform the performers into an array of stunning costumes. All of the family members were easily identifiable, with their costumes remaining true to their original form. Wednesday, played by Chumisa Dornford-May (Aspects of Love), on the other hand, has grown up. She ditched the classic black collared dress in favour of skin tight leggings and platform boots, turning her in to a real rock chick. An appropriate look for a teenage Wednesday.
There was no shortage on talent on stage, with each actor bringing their own unique style to their roles. As Uncle Fester, Sam Buttery (The Voice UK) delivered a hilarious performance. She was the night’s standout performer, capturing Fester’s quirky, loveable attitude while also playing to the audience. Kara Lane (Mary Poppins, Rebecca) delivered an unforgettable performance as Alice Beineke. Her transformation from dutiful wife to crazed wild woman was brilliant. Ramin Kariloo (Phantom of the Opera) as Gomez Addams brought the house down with his incredible vocals, slick style, and charismatic persona. Director Matthew White chose his leads well, making sure the spotlight shone brightly on them. Birds of a Feather icon Lesley Joseph’s performance as Grandma was unique. Her accent kept switching between American and Cockney, so I was unsure, and surprisingly, neither Gomez nor Morticia knew where Granny came from. Dickon Gough (As You Like It) was a big hit with the audience as he reprised his role as Lurch, grunting and moaning throughout the performance.
If given a West End residency, this production has the potential to be a huge success. This would allow for more extravagant set designs, worthy of the Addams Family’s household name. Unfortunately, pictures from the UK Tours in 2017 and 2021 in the Souvenir Brochure revealed what we missed on stage in London. This performance also had a few technical issues with microphones, resulting in missed dialogue and lyrics. Although not every line or song hit the mark, it was a pleasant enough show all the same.
The Addams Family – The Musical Comedy is completely kooky, not particularly spooky, and an overall easy-going show for both adults and children.