The Addams Family

The Addams Family is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The show is based upon The Addams Family characters created by Charles Addams in his single-panel gag cartoons, which depict a ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre. Numerous film and television adaptations of Addams' cartoons exist but the musical, the first stage show based on the characters, is based upon the cartoons. The story follows that of Addams’ Daughter, Wednesday, falling in love with a boy who is deemed far too normal. The relationship meets with the disapproval of Morticia who in turns vents her anger to husband Gomez.

We are treated to performances that demonstrate the talent this ensemble possess.

We are treated to performances that demonstrate the talent this ensemble possess. In particular Thomas Putman as Pugsley delivers the role with charm and a wry observational smile that has the audience chuckling along. These performances are combined with detailed costumes and what might just be the largest stage set on the fringe. Some performers let themselves down by being unable to hold a frozen position but that’s a minor quibble.

The show has been triple cast in the principal roles which means every show feels fresh. On the performance I viewed, the principal cast managed to overcome some sound difficulties with ease, an issue which will be resolved by the next performance.

This is essentially a musical comedy caper. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland are celebrating ten years at the Fringe with this production and it delivers well.