Spotlight Theatre's younger members yet again managed to surprise me by the talent that they have within their ranks. This musical isn't the easiest to do as well because the cast have to have a grasp of the comedy and darkness of the musical.
In a nutshell, for anyone who doesn't know the musical, sixteen year old Wednesday has fallen in love with a mere human called Lucas. She has told her Dad Gomez that she wants to marry Lucas but to keep it a secret from her mother, Morticia, until after the meal where both sets of parents will meet.
Throw into the mix a brother, Pugsley, who likes to be tortured by his sister who is scared of losing his sister, and the torture and things turn out quite unexpected, and not just for the Addams's.
This cast has so much confidence for such young actors. If this is the level that they are at now, when they grow up, they're going to be unstoppable, and I've seen this happen before at Spotlight.
The opening number is one of the best openers in a musical with "When You're An Addams", setting the humour for the rest of the show.But it doesn't stop there because there are so many musical highlights in this show. I adore "Pulled In A New Direction" and "What If", then there's the iconic "Addams Family Theme" complete with finger clicks and "Crazier Than You", plus a love song to the moon in "The Moon And Me".
Jack Symington (Gomez) has great projection in his voice and I love his characterisation which he kept throughout as well as that wonderful accent which created a lot of the comedy with this role.
Emily Holder (Wednesday) has a very strong voice for musical theatre, even at this young age. her rendition of "Pulled" was as good as I've ever heard, and what confidence.
Esther Mole (Morticia) looked stunning and her cool air gave a real laid back persona to Morticia.
Jason Thompson (Lurch) really got into character with his unhurried gait, causing a ripple of laughter throughout the packed theatre.
Tom Blakey (Fester) looked brilliant with the make up and stooped appearance, and I loved his main song to the love of his life, The Moon.
Tilly Wilshart (Grandma) has a brilliant eye for physicality in her role. Not the biggest role but she made a lasting impression.
Bradley Law (Pugsley) provided me with the first shiver down the spine moment for this show. Bradley has one of those voices that is naturally very easy to listen to. His whole physical performance when he is being tortured was marvellous and his version of "What If" was really heartfelt, and I completely believed in his character. Bradley is one to look out for in the future.
Jude Forsey (Lucas) also has a really strong voice and he created a lovely believable chemistry with his character and Wednesday.A really natural performance.
Maddie Keown (Alice - Lucas's mother) really showed both sides of her acting skills when she was transformed from a quite mousey character into a woman taking charge after taking one swig of Grandma's truth drink, administered in error by Pugesley.
George Young (Mal - Lucas's dad) also showed a real confidence in his character acting.
The ensemble had the usual "aaahhh" factor, ramping up the cuteness stakes. Not only did they look cute but they also ended up where they were supposed to be on stage without any confusion.
Directed by Jake Brindley and Jess Hardy-Turner, they did a brilliant job with such a young group, and they kept the action and fun flowing, along with the stage management of Amy Rogers-Gee, Nigel Newton and Joseph Smithmaking it a very smooth run ship.
The show was produced by Nottingham's Lady of theatre herself, Amanda Hall.
Brilliant costumes thanks to Jules Sheppard and Laura Ellis.
Lighting was by the man who can do no wrong where lighting is concerned, Tom Mowat and the crystal clear sound, thanks to Rob Kettridge.
I couldn't think of doing anything better on a dreary Saturday afternoon than watching this entertaining lot and spotting the future Nottingham stars of the stage.
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