The Addams Family

Roleystone Theatre’s second production in their new theatre, and they are clearly now feeling at home, with this well-polished, thoughtfully directed, and expertly performed production of The Addams Family. 

A striking, multilevel set designed by Peter “Pear” Carr nicely evokes the Addams’ family home, lit with appropriate eeriness from a design by Keely Johnson. Costumes, designed by Jo Padgett are picture perfect and lifted further by Yvette Drager-Wetherilt’s superb makeup and wig design.

Musical Director Vouyoucalos has nurtured some superb voices, and the cast perform to a quality backing track. Sometimes though, on Opening Night, this was to their detriment as sometimes the track and/or microphones were late.

The cast were very strong. Christopher Alvaro steps into Gomez Addams’ well-polished shoes, not for the first time, in a top-notch performance with excellent characterisation and outstanding timing. He works smoothly opposite Samantha Robb, who could have been the model for Charles Addams’ original cartoon and plays Morticia with precision. 

Daughter Wednesday is played with charming menace by Genevieve Wilson, working opposite Matthew Walford, very convincing as love-interest, sweet boy-next-door type Lucas Beineke. Luca Daniels acts the role of Pugsley with panache, but despite having one of the best falsettos I have heard, I’m not convinced a changed voice works in this role written for a young treble.

Peter “Pear” Carr could easily pass for Jackie Coogan, shaving his head and immersing himself in the role of Fester. Vaughn Lowe groans his way beautifully as Lurch, while Candice Preston makes a high energy off-beat Granny.

Lovely journeys are made by the outsiders, Alice and Mal Beinecke, intelligently portrayed by Elizabeth Croft and Alan Gill, who also craft a tangible relationship.

Eight Addams Ancestors, raging historically from Cave Woman to Flapper form a hard-working ensemble, busy, and completely engaged throughout.

Opening weekend sold out completely, and given the calibre of the show, I would expect this trend to continue. Get in fast to secure a ticket.

Kimberley Shaw