The Addams Family - Leicester Curve Theatre

Review written by Oviya Thirumalai

The Addams Family, a beloved musical based on the comics and TV series of the same name, returns to delight audiences in a new UK tour. Directed by Matthew White, the tour brings the iconic kooky family to stage again, allowing for a new wave of theatre-goers to enjoy the musical. 

The musical, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, is a charming tribute to the Addams Family. Despite having several stand out songs that are firm favourites with musical theatre lovers, the musical is slightly let down by a book that doesn't quite match. Prior knowledge of The Addams Family is perhaps expected of audiences, for the musical dives right into a dilemma, the young Wednesday Addams secretly being engaged to Lucas Beineke, and the two families meeting for the first time for dinner. The show spends a large portion of the first act, slowly trying to introduce characters and their quirks, of which there are many, whilst also trying to drive through the narrative, leaving audiences unable to fully connect or root to the characters from the get go. However the second act picks up considerably, with the characters and plot being well established, leading to an excellent musical that has the right balance of humour and heart. 

This production, although still burdened with the original writing, manages to shake off the dust, and breathes life and passion into the characters, through the stellar performances of the cast, choreography and creative choices. 

Photography: Pamela Raith

Alexandra Burke is mesmerising as Morticia Addams, commanding the stage. Burke brings out the finesse of Morticia with a deadly and cold persona, which slowly thaws throughout the show. Burke's stage presence fills the large stage even when she's alone, drawing audiences in with her small but sharp expressions. Ricardo Afonso is charming as Gomez Addams, bringing much of the humour to the show in act one, yet it's in act two that he really comes into his own, delivering one of the most impressive performances of the might. Afonso's ability to bring intimacy and tender emotional depth to the musical and to Gomez, creates a rather beautiful portrait of the much beloved character. 

Clive Rowe brings warmth and Mischief to Uncle Fester, with a dedicated performance, giving the role his all. Rowe brings the stage alit every time he's on stage, in a sadly limited role. Lesley Joseph is hilarious as Grandma, bringing a neat blend of bewitching and bizarre to the role in another brilliant yet short lived role. Nicholas McLean as Pugsley Addams manages to capture the naivety of the young child, yet the role severely limits the vocal talent that McLean teases in his solo song "What If"?.

Photography: Pamela Raith

Dickon Gough as Lurch, solidifies the character as a fan favourite, with a solid performance that absolutely kills on stage. Gough has perfected the slow movements of the zombie butler, yet it's his comedic (slow) timing that has the audiences in stitches whenever he's on stage. 

Kara Lane shines as Alice Beineke, bringing a passion and power to the character's moment of epiphany at the close of act one, and continues to only build this moment throughout the second act. Dale Rapley as Mal Beineke, although limited by the book, delivers a strong performance in the second act, as he embraces his youth with an amusing vulnerability and vigour. 

Photography: Pamela Raith

The stand out performers are Lauren Jones and Jacob Fowler as Wednesday Addams and Lucas Beineke. Whilst the latter is sadly given very little stage time, Fowler makes every moment count with a memorable performance. Fowler's vocals are instantly captivating, along with the sincerity of the character, render Lucas an adorable and most beloved character. Fowler's duet with Jones (Crazier Than You), highlights the passion of both performers, with an incredibly exciting and heartwarming moment of connection. Jones is a star as Wednesday; creating an unforgettable new iteration of the most famous of the Addams. Jones transforms into Addams, with a masterclass performance as she brings out the light and dark of Wednesday. Jones delivers stunning vocals, along with an irresistible performance, and emerges as nothing short of pure genius.  

The cast are completed by the ensemble of Addams ancestors (Sario Solomon, J.R. Ballantyne, Abigail Brodie, Jak Allen-Anderson, Eamonn Cox, Siobhan Diffin, Maria Garrett and Chloe Gentles).

Andrew Hilton as musical director, leads the band through the impressively varied list of musical styles and genres, including the finger-clicking overture that had the audience joining in. The music remains as the musical's biggest strength, and runs as a undercurrent throughout, providing emotional context to the characters and their world. 

Photography: Pamela Raith

Alistair David fills the stage with the ensemble, allowing for small moments to feel larger and keeps the audience engaged at all times. The famous Addams waltz, is choreographed to perfection, with Burke and Afonso being a beautiful and deadly match. The ensemble are consistently on stage, creating another layer of whimsy and helping adapt the story for stage. 

Diego Pitarch has created a stunning set for the Addams Family house, along with costumes that are to die for. Pitarch focuses on the detailing of the house, creating a convicinging depth to the house. The backdrops of the moon, amongst a cloudy star filled night is stunning, and helps add to romantic atmosphere. The ornate family crest (An "A") hangs above the stage adding to the magnificence of the set. 

The Addams Family proves itself to be the successful spooky musical with a stellar casting and a dead fun evening at the theatre.

Production Value: 75%

Value for Money: 75%

Personal Enjoyment: 90%

Overall Score: 80% ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)

(AD | gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Leicester Curve Theatre, Leicester

Playing until the 10^th August 2025 before moving onto next venue