Photo: Pamela Raith
Attending The Addams Family at The Lowry in Salford is a curious experience—part charming gothic comedy, part family-friendly farce—but it never quite reaches the deliciously dark heights it hints at. It’s a pleasant night out, but one that fades quickly from memory.
The cast is strong across the board. Morticia (Alexandra Burke) and Gomez (Ricardo Alfonso) share an easy chemistry, with their tango being the evening’s clear highlight—sultry, stylish, and perfectly timed. Alistair David’s choreography gives the undead ensemble moments of real flair, with slick formations and physical comedy that suit the show’s eccentric world. Diego Pitarch’s set design also deserves praise: grand, shadowy, and dripping with Addams-style atmosphere.
Kara Lane steals scenes as Alice Beineke, bringing a burst of comedic energy and a big first-act number that lands with colour and conviction. Clive Rowe’s Uncle Fester is another joy, floating in and out as a kind of whimsical narrator, with just the right mix of oddball sweetness and comic timing.
Yet for all its visual panache and charismatic performances, the production feels let down by the material. The plot is serviceable but thin, built on well-trodden musical theatre beats without much narrative surprise. Jokes occasionally land flat, and moments that should bristle with tension or eccentric wit sometimes settle for mild chuckles.
Most noticeably for a musical, The Addams Family doesn’t boast a truly memorable score. The songs are tuneful enough in the moment, but few, if any, have that hummable, can’t-shake-it quality that great musicals deliver. Numbers tend to blur together, serving the scene but rarely standing out as future playlist favourites. Without a show-stopping anthem or an emotionally charged ballad to anchor the evening, it’s hard for the music to linger in the mind once you leave the theatre.
There are still touching moments—particularly between Gomez and Wednesday—that offer warmth amid the kookiness. And while this production leans more towards light-hearted family fun than biting gothic satire, that choice will suit many audiences perfectly well. It’s colourful, pacy, and never dull, even if it plays it safe.
In summary: The Addams Family at The Lowry is entertaining in the moment, buoyed by an energetic cast and striking design work. But without stronger narrative depth or standout songs, it remains a fun diversion rather than must-see. A spirited night out, just not one you’ll be singing about later.
For tickets and more information visit https://thelowry.com/whats-on/the-addams-family-fh1q
Reviewer: Brian Madden
Reviewed: 12th August 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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