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Show: The Addams Family
Society: Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Venue: Paradise in Augustines
Credits: Norfolk YMT
Type: Sardines
Author: Chris Abbott
Performance Date: 10/08/2015
The Addams Family
Chris Abbott | 10 Aug 2015 18:50pm
(Performance from April 2015)
One of two versions of this show at the Fringe this year – and both of them from eastern England – this was an entertaining and successful production of the musical comedy by Norfolk YMT, now becoming Fringe regulars.
Obviously an enterprising company, they hit on the excellent idea of putting full credits for the show on the reverse of their flyer, thus answering the reviewer’s prayer faced with so many shows for which there is no accompanying information. This positive beginning was further enhanced by the joyous discovery that there was to be no amplification – instead, we heard every word that was sung, accompanied by the (just) offstage eight-piece orchestra.
The costumes and make-up were excellent and the show looked very good, always important where the look of the characters is as well-known as with The Addams Family. Adrian Connell’s production, with appropriate and well-rehearsed choreography from cast member Nicola Myers, gave opportunities to many young people since this is a show with plenty of parts and a lot for the chorus of ancestors to do as well.
As the central couple, the suave Aidan Parsons and the voluptuous Molly Cutter looked the part and sang strongly, although a little more volume or projection for some of Morticia’s spoken dialogue would be good. Lauren Bryant and Marland Barsby made the most of their roles as a suitably repulsive Grandma and a slightly taller than usual but no less evil Pugsley. Felix Revell impressed as Wednesday’s suitor, with Tom Coath working hard to make his father believable, and the impressive Nicola Myers seizing the role of Alice by the throat and giving it no mercy.
Lurch loomed large as expected, with Elliott Scott-Greenard only revealing his impressive bass voice in the closing moments of the show. Perhaps the strongest two performances were Megan Artherton as a feisty and believable Wednesday and a suitably over-the-top portrayal of Uncle Fester from Archie Brown.
The whole cast and orchestra, however, contributed to the success of this production, and let us hope they will continue to bring high quality youth music theatre to Edinburgh in future years.
(Performance from April 2015)
- : admin
- : 10/08/2015