The Addams Family – The Brindley, Runcorn

For those who are resisting the total takeover of tinsel, they may find comfort in a date with America’s spookiest family.

The Addams Family packs lots of nostalgic charm for those who loved the various TV shows and films. In this adaptation, everyone’s favourite young goth, Wednesday, has a nasty shock for her family that, for once doesn’t involve the usual collection of weaponry and torture devices – instead she has fallen in love and, to the horror of the kooky clan, he and his family are ‘normal’ – and guess who’s coming to dinner?

Centenary Theatre Company’s production, directed by Claire Littlemore, and with musical direction by Emily Woodward, boasts all the hallmarks of their high standards. A splendidly macabre set brings us into heart of the Addams’ home and the slick lighting, effects and costumes deliverers cauldrons of eerie atmosphere.

And, as the opening strains of the famous theme tune echo round the theatre, Ceris Shadwell’s excellent choreography is immediately on show. The show has been well cast with Liam Darbyshire as fiery patriarch Gomez and Danielle Segar as the cool, elegant Morticia. Both deliver their songs well, with their tango in act two being a show highlight.

Similarly, Charlotte Aston as Wednesday, is suitably deadpan and has a terrific voice, if a little uncontrolled in some of the big ‘belt’ moments of her songs, that occasionally sends the pitch off-key. She nicely moves between dry wit to teenage rage as she tries to persuade her parents to give their blessing on her surprisingly conventional romance.

Excellent support comes from Dan Grimes as Fester, particularly in his charming serenade on his own lovelorn obsession with the moon, and nice comedy moments are delivered by Rosie Shields as Grandma, Sam Grimes as Pugsley and Richard Harrison as Lurch.

Toby Abbott is good as the awkward Lucas Bieneke, Wednesday’s proposed boyfriend, and Jo Lee and Nick Beckwith give solid turns as his parents Alice and Mal. Alice’s unhinged turn at dinner, thanks to a potion from Grandma, is a hoot. The ensemble is used well as the family’s ancestors, helping – or hindering – with relish.

Despite solid foundations though, tonight’s performance is oddly lacklustre and it’s not entirely clear why. Whether it’s a small audience to bounce off, or some problematic pacing in several scenes (not helped by the 150min run time), the result is a show that never fully sparks into life.

Elizabeth Thompson’s ‘Thing’ is well conceived but kept to the very edge of the stage making it very easy to miss. And the witty dialogue woven throughout the script frustratingly falls flat on regular occasions. When it does click, it’s hilarious and it feels like there’s a fantastic show lurking beneath the surface that just hasn’t quite been realised.

In the end, whilst tonight this version never fully achieves the ghoulish vibrancy the story promises, it meets an appreciative audience at its curtain call, and still offers a welcome antidote to the encroaching festive frenzy.

The Addams Family runs till Saturday 22^nd November – for tickets visit https://www.quaytickets.com/thebrindley/

Reviewed: Lou Steggals

Reviewer: 18th November 2025

North West End UK Rating: