REVIEW - THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL | THE LOWRY | 13/08/2025

The Addams Family Musical – Creepy, Kooky, and Full of Gothic Fun

The Addams Family have been a pop culture favourite for decades, whether through their 1960s TV show, the much-loved 1990s films, or more recent adaptations. Their blend of ghoulish charm, dark humour, and unconventional family values has proved irresistible to audiences around the world. The stage musical first premiered on Broadway in 2010 and has since toured internationally, offering fans the chance to see Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, and the rest of the clan in full theatrical glory. This latest UK production delivers a mix of gothic spectacle, toe-tapping numbers, and plenty of kooky chaos.

The plot revolves around a very Addams-style family dilemma: Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with Lucas Beineke, a perfectly “normal” boy from Ohio. The twist? She’s planning to marry him but hasn’t told her mother, Morticia. Instead, she invites Lucas and his straight-laced parents to the Addams mansion for “one normal night” – an evening where nothing, of course, goes to plan. Over the course of a chaotic dinner party, secrets spill, tempers flare, and both families learn a little about love, acceptance, and embracing their inner weirdness. It’s a fun premise with plenty of potential for sharp humour, though the teenage romance often takes centre stage over the rest of the weird and wonderful family dynamics.

Visually, this production nails the Addams aesthetic. Diego Pitarch’s set design immerses the audience in a spooky mansion full of crooked staircases, peeling wallpaper, and atmospheric details. Ben Cracknell’s lighting adds just the right touch of gothic drama, while the costuming is gloriously faithful – from Morticia’s sweeping black gown to the ghostly attire of the ancestor ensemble.Andrew Lippa’s score offers some memorable moments – particularly Wednesday’s “Pulled” and the infectious opening number “When You’re an Addams” – but other songs fade quickly from memory. The choreography by Alistair David, however, keeps the energy high, with slick ensemble work and a tango between Gomez and Morticia that’s a definite highlight.

Ricardo Afonso brings charm and comedic timing to Gomez, with a warm stage presence and a voice that makes the most of his numbers. Alexandra Burke’s Morticia is elegant and mysterious, though the role doesn’t give her powerhouse vocals much chance to shine. The tango she shares with Afonso is one of the evening’s stand-out moments.As Wednesday, Maria Garrett gave a confident performance, blending sardonic wit with impressive vocals – her delivery of “Pulled” was strong and self-assured. Clive Rowe’s Uncle Fester offers gentle humour, even with a slightly odd moon-related subplot, while Lesley Joseph’s Grandma has far too little stage time for such a fun character. Kara Lane impresses as Alice Beineke, especially in her big moments in the Act One finale, and Dickon Gough’s towering Lurch steals laughs with minimal words.

The Addams Family Musical is a good-looking production with a talented cast who work hard to make the most of a slightly uneven script and score. It’s fun, spooky, and occasionally heartfelt, but the plot leans too heavily on Wednesday’s romance, leaving other fascinating characters underused. Still, there’s plenty here for fans to enjoy – from sharp visual design to the infectious ensemble numbers – even if it doesn’t quite deliver the scream it promises.

"Creepy, kooky, and guaranteed to make you click your fingers."

The Addams Family Musical is at The Lowry until Saturday 16th August 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Pamela Raith

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.