"The Addams Family" (Quarantined Concert Version) by Erewash Musical Society

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

The only reason why this is called a "quarantined" version of the show is because some of the big choreographed numbers have been omitted, not that you'd notice really, which made it easy to rehearse, but it also has several references to the pandemic and being quarantined that bring the story bang up to date.

Not quite sure why "concert" was added in there because this ain't no concert, it's the musical but slightly slimmed down version. This is the perfect show to come back with, appealing to every age group.

For those who have never seen "The Addams Family" musical, the whole story is that Wednesday has now grown up and she has fallen in love with Lucas Beineke, who is pretty normal. What will Gomez, Morticia and the rest of the family think?

What I love about this musical is that, not only is it daft, it's great fun at the same time and it also has subtle life nuggets to take away. Stuff like keeping secrets can be good as well as bad, and that if you see something you want; go and get it. Plus losing sight of who, or what you were in the past is not always a positive progression and it's nice just to let loose every now and again.

What I also love is the brilliant soundtrack. Listen carefully to the words to get the full comic element from the lyrics. Some are very cleverly wrapped up in incredibly catchy pieces of music!

Morticia is played by Hayley Wood and this is her second show with Erewash Musical Society, previously Hayley appeared in "Godspell" and her first lead. Smooth, sexy and sultry. It's no secret that this woman knows how to pull off that vampy look, similar to Fenella Fielding in "Carry On Screaming". Simply smoking!

Gomez is played by Graham Buchanan, and I was told tonight that I am Graham's nicest critic. What makes me write so many nice things about Graham? Whatever role and character Graham takes on, he embodies himself in the character and makes you believe that the character is who you see, and not the actor. Not only that but I know the graft that Graham puts into his roles. be it Shakespeare, Basil Fawlty or Gomez Addams, he morphs into the role. Love the accent. love the facial expressions - he really does act with the whole of his body, and I love the physicality he brings to the character. Great fun role and a great fun actor.

Lurch is played by John Fletcher, and John is another actor who has great physicality in his role. There was a scene where Lurch goes to answer the door to the Beinekes and the pace taken to do that extracted so many laughs from the audience, he shows that taking time to get the laugh does pay off. And wait until the end to hear what a lovely voice he has, especially that last low note! John also deserves recognition for managing to walk in those blocked up shoes.

Richard Dawson plays the wonderfully excitable Uncle Fester, and his whole enthusiasm within the character floods the audience, winning them over from the very start. This cast is full of wonderful character actors and Richard is another who can put on a character like a jumper. Great fun to watch and I am sure that Richard is having amazing fun playing Fester, because it looks that way from where I was sitting.

Maria Lawrence plays Grandma, and is almost unrecognisable thanks to the make-up and costumes, as well as the physicality that goes along with this wacky character.

Playing Pugsley Addams, the masochistic brother of Wednesday, is Lewis Taylor. Loved how he really let it go during the "Pulled" scene, plus we also saw a softer side of Pugsley with his solo "What If". Nice to see the broad scope of emotions portrayed by Lewis in these two sides of Pugsley. Lewis' voice also shows great promise for when he gets older.

Francesca Foster plays Wednesday Addams, and while this story is all about Wednesday, we also get to experience Fran's incredible singing voice. Channelling Carrie Hope Fletcher that voice has power and wonderful control. I love "Pulled" and also "Crazier Than You" and Fran really gets to showcase that voice, which gave me goosebumps, to the max. Mix that voice in with her acting ability and this girl is bound for bigger stages and roles.

Lucas Beineke is played by Gabriel Leshko, who I recognise from the Erewash Musical Society Youth Group. He has transitioned well between the two groups and he is another young actor who I have a good feeling about going forward.

Lucas' parents Mal Beineke and Alice Beineke are played Martin Briggs and Kathi Ludlow. The relationships between Gomez and Morticia are well matched with this couple. The scenes where Alice totally discloses what she really felt were classic comedy, so much so I thought some of the women behind me almost wet themselves with laughter. Martin also got chance to let rip as he turned back time, complete with his Grateful Dead T Shirt. Martin also must be noted for his vocals in the four way "Crazier Than You".

I touched on costumes and make-up earlier on, and this area really stood out for me, especially with the ensemble who looked frighteningly good.

Choreographed by Abbi Burns, this is a very stylized piece of theatre and the choreography showed this. Abbi is a seasoned choreographer and obviously knows how to get the best out of her pupils, as this show proves.

Directed by Chris Moss, and this is his Directorial debut for Erewash Musical Society. The Director has possibly the hardest job as he has to make sure that he has the best cast he can round up, and he has ticked that box rightly enough as the casting is perfect. Pace is another biggie and with the zombie movements of Lurch and the excitability of Fester, Chris has made sure that the pace is just right. In short, the Direction is absolutely spot on.

The Musical Director for the show is Martin Lewis. What can I say? With Martin in control, I knew the music side of this would match the quality and expertise of the rest of the production.

Absolutely no issues worthy of a mention with the sound quality or volume, thanks to Dave Dallard. The same can also be said of the Lighting by Richard Chamberlain.

The set, by Mark and Bill Robbins, was wonderfully thought out and designed with two staircases and double doors centre stage to allow other entrance and exit points apart from into the wings.

This whole production was just so easy to watch, I almost forgot I was there to review ( I love my job) and enjoyed every second of EMUS comeback show.

The only thing that needs to be highlighted now is the glossily produced programme (Lewis Allsopp), and the very welcoming and warm Front of House staff, who I always feel should be mentioned as they are all part of the evening's enjoyment and image of the drama company but often fail to get recognition.

"The Addams Family (Quarantined Concert Version)" is at the Duchess Theatre until Saturday 9 October. get those tickets now for this frighteningly good show before they get scare-ce. See what I did there?