REVIEW: The Addams Family return in spectacular fashion with near perfect Wolverhampton Grand Theatre production

EVERYONE’S favourite creepy and kooky family are back in spectacular fashion, writes Dan Sharp.

Based on the much-loved bunch of weird and wonderful characters from the brilliant 90s films, The Addams Family hits the Black Country stage this week and will put the whole family in stitches.

The only difference from the films is that the kids are now growing up and Wednesday has fallen in love with a young man from a respectable family – the horror!

Unlike the disappointing Wedding Singer, this comedy musical was as funny and enjoyable as they come, showing it is still very much possible to adapt a great film into a great stage show.

Written by those behind Jersey Boys, the score is sublime, the music is memorable and after a brilliant opening song, the audience knew it was going to be a two-hour ride of weird and wonderful entertainment.

From the over-the-top gothic sets, which provide the perfect back drop to the mayhem, to the stunning vocal performances and side slapping comedy, the show ticked all the boxes.

The star studded cast shone, with Carrie Hope-Fletcher (Wednesday), in particular, demonstrating her quality vocals, while Samantha Womack displayed everything that was needed to be a perfect Morticia.

Les Dennis – who has been playing Uncle Fester on the tour to this point – is unavailable this week, but the audience won’t be missing out as understudy Scott Paige makes the role his own. There is also a hilarious turn from Dickon Gough as the family butler Lurch.

But the undisputed star of the show for me is Cameron Blakely (pictured below) as patriarch Gomez. Blakely steals every scene he is in and commands the stage with his perfect comic-timing and a strong vocal performance.

If you are a fan of the films – or even if you’ve never experienced life inside the Addams Family mad house – then get yourself to the Grand this week as you’ll be in for the best pre-Halloween treat you can ask for.

The Addams Family is the closest production I’ve seen which had a chance of knocking Top Hat from top spot in my Grand Theatre show rankings. ‘Near perfection’ – 4¾ out of 5.

Tickets for the show, which runs at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday (October 21), can be bought online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01902 429212.