A slick, spectacular production packed with razor-sharp wit and laugh-out-loud moments, this staging of The Addams Family delivers on every level—from powerhouse performances to pitch-perfect comic timing.
From the moment the curtain rose, the production had the audience in stitches, thanks to a steady stream of clever jokes and brilliantly executed physical comedy. Few shows manage to balance eerie charm with side-splitting humour quite like this one.
Picture credit: Pamela Raith
At the heart of the story is a delightfully twisted premise: Wednesday Addams has fallen in love—with a “normal” boy from Ohio. As the Addams clan prepares to host a dinner for her boyfriend and his unsuspecting parents, chaos ensues. Secrets are revealed, tensions bubble, and the collision of two wildly different worlds sets the stage for a night full of comic mishaps and heartfelt revelations.
Lauren Jones shone in the role of Wednesday Addams. Channeling teenage angst with a crossbow in hand, she brought an intense, “take no prisoners” energy that was both commanding and captivating. Her vocal performance was a standout—effortlessly hitting soaring high notes with remarkable control and agility. Her solo numbers were some of the most spectacular musical moments of the night.
Picture credit: Pamela Raith
Ricardo Afonso’s portrayal of Gomez was another highlight. With magnetic stage presence and impeccable comic timing, he brought warmth and charisma to the role. His chemistry with Alexandra Burke’s Morticia was electric. Burke, known for her powerhouse vocals since winning The X Factor in 2008, delivered a seductively nuanced Morticia—each word and movement oozing elegance and mystery.
The supporting cast brought just as much delight. Lesley Joseph as Grandma and Clive Rowe as Uncle Fester provided the perfect dose of eccentric humour. Rowe, in particular, had the audience in stitches with his unique take on Fester, complete with an awkward hunch and endearing quirks. His rendition of “The Moon and Me” was met with raucous laughter and cheers—a clear crowd favourite.
Picture credit: Pamela Raith
Visually, the production was equally impressive. The Addams’ creaky New York mansion was brought to life with clever set design and dynamic use of balconies, adding layers of depth and drama to the staging.
In the end, the production left me grinning ear to ear, buoyed by the infectious energy and charm of the entire cast. It even reignited a nostalgic desire to revisit the classic Addams Family films of the ’90s—and if that’s not a sign of success, I don’t know what is.
The Addams Family is playing at Leicester’s Curve theatre until Sunday, August 10.
For more information, visit: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/the-addams-family
