KMS'S Addams Family Is A Weirdly Wonderful Ghoulish Delight

I was fortunate enough to see The Addams Family Musical last night, presented by Knowle Musical Society at Solihull Arts Complex.

Following the story of the macabre family, Gomez, Morticia, Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and Lurch, they are faced with the terrifying prospect of dinner with Wednesday's fiancé, Lucas, and his parents. The question is, will the evening run smoothly, will love conquer all or will Grandma pee her pants?

Knowle Musical Society are, yet again, presenting a Midlands premiere this year and it was a bold decision. The Addams family was cast faultlessly, with Jonathan Busk as Gomez and Penelope Simpkins as Morticia, heading the weirdly, wonderful family unit. Simpkins exuded a Christine Baranski-style quality and Just Around The Corner was a particular highlight. 

Sophia Bailey took the part of Wednesday Addams and she was a delight. Pulled was a sure-fire favourite, as her powerful voice resonated round the auditorium and there wasn't a fault in her excellent characterisation. Wednesday's love interest, Lucas, was played brilliantly by Matt Branson and Wednesday's younger brother Pugsley was played by Sam Cox at this performance. A little star in the making. Excellent voice, excellent stage presence, bloomin' excellent! 

It has to be said, the two characters that garnered some of the most hilarious reactions of the night (aside from Lurch who we'll move onto next) was Uncle Fester and Grandma, played by Dan Peet and Joan Ransom respectively. Each were hilarious, with fabulous comic timing. And without spoiling the surprise for those that haven't seen it yet, the fact that you can get a Miley Cyrus and Pussycat Dolls reference into The Addams Family is beyond genius. I was crying with laughter!

However, somehow managing to steal every scene of the show, even though he barely spoke (and when he did it was nonsense) James Gough was utterly fantastic as Lurch. There was many an audience member laughing uncontrollably! 

The set design was brilliant, with a strong ensemble of ghoulish characters, and there were no stops or pauses as set was brought on or off, helping with the fluidity of the show. 

Kudos to the director Richard Agg, musical director Chris Corcoran and choreographer Rachel Tuton, who together united the cast and crew in a fantastic production filled with marvellous music, song and dance, that all at KMS should be justly proud about.  

KMS's production of The Addams Family runs until Saturday 14 March at Solihull Arts Complex. Click here to book tickets or call box office on 0121 704 6962. 

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