The Addams Family musical is a scream at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre
Published: 14:00, 23 February 2022
Updated: 09:20, 24 February 2022
Uncle Fester, Thing and Wednesday Addams are all familiar characters to me from films from my childhood and popular memes.
So how do you make a stage show version feel new and different from what's been done before?
The answer. By making them sing, dance and fall in love.
The macabre clan have been adapted for the stage and the first performance was at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford last night.
The show sees the family’s deadpan daughter Wednesday Addams fall in love with a “normal” boy, forcing the rest of the group to hide their spooky ways.
And, it's hard to pick a stand out performance from the group.
Even the mostly silent Lurch played a hilarious part, with his dead pan expression and comedy timing.
Wednesday and Pugsley had a very sweet relationship despite the constant torture and both Kingsley Morton and Grant McIntyre has incredible voices.
Joanne Clifton took on the role as Morticia. I saw her pre-pandemic as the lead in Footloose. And if I wasn't a Strictly fan I wouldn't have guessed it was the same actress.
She embodied Morticia. She was sexy, spooky and witty. Even the way she walked and talked was perfect for the character.
Gomez the gothic patriarch was played by Cameron Blakely who was everything you'd want him to be.
As for the iconic Uncle Fester, every time he came on stage, whether it was playing the ukulele or dancing with the ancestors, he never failed to make the crowd smile.
This production was full of laughs, horror and tender moments and is a show the whole family can enjoy.
The show runs at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Tuesday, February 22 to Saturday, February 26. Ticket prices range from £26.50 to £43.50. Book online here or call the box office on 03433 100 033.
The show will also be running at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley from Tuesday, March 1 to Saturday, March 5. Ticket prices range from £21.50 to £58. Book online here or call the box office on 03433 100 020.
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Amy Nickalls