The Addams Family at Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Lily D

“Dun-dun, dun, dun, Click Click”, “Dun-dun, dun, dun, Click Click”. It only takes these few musical notes for everyone to recognise the story that is about to be told. We are of course, talking about the Addams Family. Last night was no exception. Audience members sat in their seats eagerly awaiting the latest show at the Kings Theatre last night, and suddenly the opening notes rang out. The audience needed no introductions, and eagerly joined in with an eruption of enthusiastic clicks.

The Addams Family is the latest production by the Benchmark Musical Theatre and what a show it was. A real mix; sickly sweet, devilishly dark and bursting with energy.

The Addams Family tells the tale of family, fun and falling in love. The dark daughter herself, Wednesday Addams has fallen in love; with a very “normal” boy, from a “normal” family. Her father Gomez discovers the secret and promises to keep the news quiet from his beloved wife, love of his life, Morticia. All does not end well. What will happen at the family dinner? Will the secret be released? You’ll have to watch the show yourself to find out.

At the beginning on Act One we are introduced to the Addams Family, standing in the darkness at the graveyard gates. From that moment on, the energy is set to high and it never dips. With a ghoulish ensemble cast of the Addams Family ancestors in almost every scene they do an excellent job of keeping the story transitioning from scene to scene with excellent choreography and vocals. This is not an ensemble to sit in the background, they “kill” it!

We quickly fall in love with the enthusiastic and lovable Gomez, played by the highly talented Luke Henley. Appearing in almost every scene, his energy was high from the start and doesn’t slump. His accent was superb, his comedic timing perfect and we all fell in love with him alongside his wife Morticia played by the amazing Laura Bowles. The secret-averse wife soon discovers her husband is hiding something from her. The tango dance scene blew us away and her one-liners and stunning vocals secured her firmly in this standout role.

Megan Parkes steps into the gothic black boots of Wednesday Addams and she was simply exceptional. Perfect vocals with the familiar posture and non-expressive facial expression we love to see in the princess of darkness she was a fantastic addition to the cast. The relationship between her and her younger brother Pugsley (played by the rising star Daniel F) was tender and sweet. Daniel did a fantastic job with a daunting solo piece which he took in his stride and nailed it.

Another stand out role was Emma Hall as Alice Beineke. At the family dinner, her transition to a moment of truth was a breath taking vocal masterpiece and one that should be applauded and was, with much enthusiasm.

Our favourite character of all has to be Uncle Fester. The lovable character played by the highly talented Martin Bristow, commanded our attention, whether at the front of the stage or not. As the narrator of the show, he led us on our journey and we happily followed his lead. He made the role his own with his quirky choreography and amusing quips. He had the audience in stitches.

With stunning set designs, powerful stage effects and dazzling costume creations, The Addams Family really is a spookily spectacular show. The perfect entertainment for a dark October evening.

Rating: 5/5

Addams Family is running from THU 24 – SAT 26 OCT at Various Times
Tickets can be purchase at www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Tickets start from just £18