The Addams Family at Blackpool Winter Gardens Opera House Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Cath Joyce
I’ve always loved watching the Addams Family, as a child I enjoyed the old black and white TV series and when the films came out in the 1990’s I fell in love with the family all over again. The new Netflix show “Wednesday” has introduced the Addams family to a whole new generation so it came as no surprise to see Blackpool Opera House theatre full last night for the opening night of the Addams Family Musical. The atmosphere was buzzing before the curtain even went up and the show was every bit as spooky, funny and nostalgic as we’d hoped.
For those less familiar with the stories, the Addams family are not your average family. There’s husband and wife Gomez and Morticia, their children Wednesday and Pugsley along with Uncle Fester, Grandma and their towering butler Lurch. The musical centres around a very important family dinner at which the Addams family are meeting Wednesday’s boyfriend Lucas’s family for the very first time. Lucas is from a normal family and as the pair have fallen in love and plan to marry they want their families to meet, but in true Addams family style the meal is anything but ordinary!!
Whilst we really enjoyed the show we did feel that the storyline was a bit weak, but what it lacks in depth it more than makes up for in spirit. Andrew Lippa’s score is packed with catchy tunes and witty lyrics that were very cleverly written and went down well with everyone, both young and old. From the opening number, where the family gathers in the graveyard and we’re introduced to their ghostly ancestors, the energy is infectious. These ancestors also appear in different scenes throughout the show, acting as a mischievous chorus and adding plenty of humour to the performance.
The whole cast was brilliant, Ricardo Afonso completely steals the show as Gomez, he’s just like the original Gomez, funny, warm and totally devoted to his wife and daughter. His accent was perfect too. Alexandra Burke is fabulous as Morticia, she glides across the stage with a cool elegance and as you would expect from an X Factor star, her singing is breath-taking, filling the large theatre with her amazing voice. Her tango with Gomez was also a highlight of the night too.
Lauren Jones really pulled off Wednesday’s trademark deadpan expression and was brilliant in the role. Lesley Joseph’s character Grandma was also a favourite with cheeky one-liners that had the couple next to us in stitches! Clive Rowe as Uncle Fester had the whole audience laughing from the start and his song called “The Moon and Me” was surprisingly touching to watch.
The set was absolutely spectacular, with the grand Addams mansion recreated on the stage in all its gothic splendour, complete with sweeping staircase, balconies and even some torture equipment which brought plenty of laughs when used. The costumes were just as impressive with the ghostly ancestors outfits really adding to the spooky vibe.
If you get the chance to see The Addams Family musical then grab it – whether you’re seven or ninety seven, you’ll be enchanted by this wonderfully spooky and funny family. We had a fantastic night out and yes we were clicking our fingers and singing the theme tune on the way home!!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets start from £15
The Addams Family is at Blackpool Opera House from Tuesday 26th August to Saturday 30th August 2025 – please note Alexandra Burke, will not be performing on Saturday 30 August 2025..
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 770 0593
Winter Gardens Blackpool, Church Street, Blackpool, FY11HU