Review: The Addams Family Musical Comedy at The Regent Theatre*

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, They’re altogether ooky, The Addams Family. Our most loved, spookiest family The Addams Family returned to stage last night with their debut of The Addams Family the Musical at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent and what better way to reminisce my childhood years than through song and dance!

The theatre was buzzing as the streets filled with people queuing to see the stage adaptation of The Addams Family. We entered the spectacular theatre, and the stage was set up with an eery setting, featuring the famous Addams Family gates. The basis of the story was set around Wednesday Addams (with sensational vocals from Kingsley Morton) and her secret engagement to her very ‘normal’ boyfriend Lucas (the wonderful ArtsEd graduate Ahmed Hamad) introducing his very ‘normal’ Beineke family to the Addams.

As the story unfolded Wednesday had confided in her father Gomez (played by the extremely talented Cameron Blakey) as we saw his torment, having to keep a secret from his beloved wife Morticia (Joanne Clifton whose demeaner mirrored the ever-seductive character). As the show unfolded Wednesday was not the only one hiding a secret, as there was more than meets the eye to the seemingly perfect couple Alice (Jessica Keable whose vocals shone throughout) and Mal Beineke (the brilliant Sean Kingsley). We saw Pugsley Addams the loveable rogue (portrayed by the incredible Grant McIntyre) struggle to come to terms with his love-struck sister and what this would mean for their tormenting relationship and my favourite character of all, the man who simply loves to love Uncle Fester (Matt Slack who was every inch of the original Uncle Fester). Lurch (Dickon Gough and Ryan Bennett) was heavily featured throughout and although a man of very few words their stage presence was nothing short of hilarious throughout, alongside Grandma (the fabulous Carol Ball) who is as mad as a box of frogs!

The vocals, harmonies, and choreography the were nothing short of spectacular, the humour throughout had the audience roaring with laughter but what I truly loved was not only the wonderful atmosphere the cast created during their performance, but you could clearly see what fun they were having too. When the show ended and the cast appeared, they were greeted by a well-deserved standing ovation. A real must see for all the family!

Cast

Joanne Clifton (Morticia Addams), Cameron Blakely (Gomez Addams), Matt Slack (Uncle Fester), Kingsley Morton (Wednesday Addams), Grant McIntyre (Pugsley Addams), Carol Ball (Grandma), Sean Kingsley (Mal Beineke), Jessica Keable (Alice Beineke), Ahmed Hamad (Lucas Beineke),

Dickon Gough and Ryan Bennett (sharing the role of Lurch), Abigail Brodie, Sophie Hutchinson, Matthew Ives, Jessica Keable, Sean Lopeman, Castell Parker, Sario Solomon and Ying Ue Li.

The Addams Family, A Musical Comedy, is directed by Matthew White, with choreography by Alistair David, production design by Diego Pitarch, orchestrations by Richard Beadle, musical direction by Bob Broad, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker and casting by Jane Deitch. Book is by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £13 to £53.

How do I book tickets to watch The Addams Family?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7615 or by visiting ATG’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

Estimated running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes.  The show will be opening on Tuesday, 29 March and will run until Saturday, 2 April 2022. The shows will be at 7.30pm with two matinee shows on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.  Do visit their website for more details.

Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649

About The Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

Tips / Information

• Masks and Covid passes are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment
• Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park has a single charge of £1.50 from 6pm to it closes at 11.30pm
• Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
• There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
• There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
• Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
• Accessible toilets are available

Review by: Chloe O’Malley

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* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.