PHOTOGRAPHS: MATT MARTIN
Firstly a hugely popular TV series debuting in 1964, then a worldwide box office hit film in 1991 with a closely followed sequel, the Addams Family morphed into a highly entertaining theatrical musical comedy in 2009, now currently touring the UK. This now well-known morbidly “kooky” family has amused and entertained more than three generations, kept alive in modern culture by the characters making regular appearances at annual Halloween and fancy dress parties since its inception. Written by award-winning writers and now with an all-star British cast of Samantha Womack as Morticia, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Wednesday, Cameron Blakely as Gomez and Les Dennis as Uncle Fester, the stage production is set to entertain audiences and induct a new generation of fans.
The audience at the Woking opening night was a fair representation of its enduring popularity, spanning the generations. The show opened to a full and expectant house, young and old, and a fair amount of women dressed in long, Morticia-like black dresses.
Starting with the familiar musical refrain, the show took off, led by a live orchestra, taking the characters and original tropes into a new domain. The story is simple yet effective; daughter Wednesday has now grown up and has fallen in love with a “regular guy”. The story is set around the meeting of the two families, orchestrated by Wednesday with the plea to her parents to “act normal” – a familiar phrase heard by, essentially, all parents these days. Obviously, all things go awry, and although the energy levels drifted a little in the second half of the first act, it came together in the second act, which had stronger musical numbers and rather more passion.
Samantha Womack reprised the role of the darkly demure and beautiful Morticia, previously played by Angelica Houston in the movie, and came into her own with the number (Death is) Just Around the Corner, and a sexy, climactic tango in act two. Uncle Fester (played by an extremely talented and scene-stealing understudy, Scott Paige) provided much of the comedy and the best lines, only upstaged by Gomez, Cameron Blakely, who sizzled with his Spanish passion, torn between the love of his wife and his daughter.
The set and costumes remained close to the original style, but new direction has brought more elements of glam morbidity with hints of Rocky Horror and some musical numbers and choreography reminiscent of Wicked. The orchestra was tight, and the chorus, as the Addams Family ancestors, provided strong visual and musical support. Lighting was a key element too, and was used effectively to enhance the dramatic moments.
So, as the nights draw in and you are readying to embrace the darkness, with a bit of light comedy thrown in, go and see The Addams Family, now playing at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, from Tuesday 26 until Saturday 30 September. Duddle de dum che che.
The Addams Family is at the New Victoria theatre, Woking, from 26-30 September.
Amanda Briggs, September 2017
Woking Writers Circle 