Review: The Addams Family

Review: The Addams Family – The Musical Comedy

12-08-25 The Lowry by Jamie Griffiths

Some nights at the theatre you just want to sit back, relax and be dazzled. No heavy themes to unpack, just a cast clearly enjoying themselves, great melodies in the air and staging that fills the auditorium. The Addams Family at The Lowry delivered exactly that as part of its 2025 UK tour.

Matthew White’s production makes an immediate visual impression. Diego Pitarch’s set layers gothic architecture with playful nods to Charles Addams’ original illustrations. Gabriella Slade’s costumes stick to the family’s iconic monochrome while Ben Cracknell’s lighting adds depth and colour that keeps the stage alive.

At the centre is a company who look like they are having the time of their lives. Alexandra Burke, familiar to Matinee listeners from The Bodyguard, Sister Act and her powerhouse turn as the Narrator in Joseph, puts her own stamp on Morticia. Less icy than some portrayals, she brings warmth and wit, pairing beautifully with Ricardo Afonso’s charismatic Gomez. Together they create one of the most believable Addams marriages I have seen.

Lesley Joseph’s Grandma is a joy to watch, with comic timing that never misses. Her Sister Act co-star Clive Rowe is a brilliant Uncle Fester, breaking the fourth wall and earning big laughs while making you root for his romance with the Moon.

Nicholas McLean impresses vocally as Pugsley, while Lauren Jones delivers a sharp and assured Wednesday. Her performance of Pulled has been a Matinee favourite in recent weeks and she more than delivers in the role. The standout of the night is Kara Lane as Alice Beineke. What begins as a seemingly one-note character becomes something much deeper by the first act twist. Lane’s vocals are outstanding and her performance adds a level of emotional impact that lingers long after the curtain call.

Supporting performances from Dickon Gough’s slow-moving Lurch, Dale Rapley’s Mal and Jacob Fowler’s Lucas keep the family dynamic engaging. Alistair David’s choreography is well judged, supporting the humour and character work without overwhelming the scenes.

Andrew Lippa’s score could coast on the show’s name recognition, but instead it provides wit, melody and moments of real warmth. Richard Beadle’s orchestrations and Richard Brooker’s sound design allow every lyric to land cleanly while keeping the music full and rich.

The pacing is sharp, giving the jokes and the musical moments room to breathe without slowing the evening. On press night, the Lowry audience responded warmly from the overture and was quick to its feet for the ovation.

This Addams Family is feelgood musical theatre that understands its own appeal. It is colourful without losing the darker edges, funny without tipping into panto, and played with charm and energy by a cast who clearly love what they are doing. It is an uplifting night out and another strong chapter in the show’s legacy.

The Addams Family runs at The Lowry until 16 August before continuing its UK tour to Canterbury, Blackpool and other venues. Get more details from the official site HERE.