The Addams Family Musical – Cloc MTC
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Monday 28th October 2024 – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Studio 55 Photography
I was very kindly invited to the dress rehearsal of Cloc MTC’s latest production of “The Addams Family Musical” at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall. If like me you grew up in the 60’s then I’m sure you will remember that creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky family, the catchy theme tune and snapping fingers.
The musical is based around the main characters of the TV series with a script from a book by Brickman and Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.
The story revolves around Wednesdays budding romance with normal boy Lucas and families meeting for dinner at chez Addams, obviously the course of true love never runs smoothly and the ensuing antics accompanied by some wonderful one liners it makes for a very uplifting show.
John Biddell who plays Gomez the Father, is wonderful with his phoney Spanish accent and desperately trying keep Morticia in love with him and keeping Wednesday happy. Katie Lewis who plays Morticia gives a polished and charismatic performance. Her voice is sultry and beautiful and with some alluring dancing nails the character.
Eloise Tanley who plays Wednesday with a demonic zest, swapping between her brothers tormentor and torturer and the love struck youngster with ease her voice is powerful and harmonious.
As for the rest of the cast Ravin Thakrar playing the wacky Uncle Fester, for me stole the show and gives a glorious performance even when he breaks into his ballad “The Moon and Me”. Charlene Payton who plays Grandma is hilarious delivering a crazy witch like character with some of the best one liners and is quite unrecognisable. Pugsley the son is played by Abi Crosby giving a energetic performance trying to send his sisters romance off the rails. Finally Lurch played by Rob Whitehouse although his is a performance with only grunts, he makes sure that his presence is always felt and the surprises us all with a lovely rendition of “Move Towards the Darkness”
The Beineke family who are travelling to the big city to meet the Addams family are wonderfully played delivering doubt, reservations and surprise. I feel Dan Benton as Mal was maybe the weakest cast member this being his first role on stage in 10 years. Sam Rogers as Alice the repressed wife was superb her vocals were beautiful and strong. Finally Lucas the son and Wednesday’s love played by Alex Tuckwell whose mellow tones work very well with Wednesday.
Finally the ensemble cast paying the Ancestors (cavemen, ballerina gladiator, sailor and so many more) absolutely fantastic the dancing so in sync Teresa Biddell choreographer has done an amazing job. Also a massive well done to the costume, make-up and set depts for a superb job!
Summing up I have to say this is among one of the best performances I have seen from an amateur group. Slick, professional, fantastic dance routines and perfect singing an all round winner, congratulations to Laura White house producer, and her team.
The Addams Family Musical runs at the Sutton Coldfield Town Hall from Wednesday 30th October to Saturday 2nd November, performances start at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 2nd November. Ticket prices start from £18 and can be purchased at the Box Office, ring 0121 296 9543 or book online at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/sutton-coldfield/sutton-coldfield-town-hall/the-addams-family/e-azekqp
