Supermarkets may already be loading up with Christmas specials, but against the eerie background of a twilight-lit Norton Priory, there’s a spookier vibe in the air.
As the famous theme tune of the original 1960s tv show fills the air, the fabulous youth ensemble of community theatre group, A Place for Us, gather in front of us clicking their way into the roles America’s quirkiest family.
In this condensed version, Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with a young man she meets in the park (wooing him with her crossbow skills) and the family has to pull together to convince her beau’s parents that they are ‘normal’, with games, misunderstandings, and Grandma’s dodgy potions on the menu of a dinner party no-one will forget.
Tonight’s production is a great showcase of local talent and a strong reminder of how important it is to keep the arts accessible to all. The output of an intense summer school, the result is a crackling and cackling show full of energy and charm with some stand out performances.
Having swapped around principal cast for the two performances, for tonight’s show we have Adam Tickle as the irrepressible Gomez Addams, bringing great vocals and lovely comic timing to his role. He’s matched with deadpan sass and a fabulous singing voice by Libby Marshall as the family matriarch Morticia.
Jasmine Green is a lovely Wednesday, again with a mighty voice that belies her small size, and Maggie Finnigan is a total hoot as Pugsley.
Great support comes from Paige O’ Toole as the moon-obsessed Uncle Fester, Lauren Yensen as a feisty Grandma, Sophie Royle as the ever-looming Lurch and Mel Bushell, Liberty Fillingham and Olivia Wallace as the bamboozled Beineke family who must get to grips with a family that would take ‘party hosts from hell’ as a massive compliment.
Director Kate Allerston, Musical Director Chris Bastock and Choreographer Colin Kiyani have honed their ensemble well, meeting the challenges of, and making good use of, the outdoor space (although the ensemble of ancestors sometimes feels a bit lost sitting at the sides of the audience) and using props sparingly to move the story along.
There are a few rough edges here and there, but the enthusiasm of the cast and crew is infectious, and many of the audience are soon on their feet to join in with a bit of dancing at the end.
Overall, it’s a splendidly spine-tingling show of which the group should be very proud.
For more information on events at Norton Priory, visit www.nortonpriory.org. For details of A Place for Us’ next venture visit www.placeforus.org.uk
Review: Lou Steggals
Reviewed: 28th August 2024
North West End UK Rating: