The Addams Family
Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: London Palladium
Cast: Michelle Visage, Ramin Karimloo, Lesley Joseph as Grandma, Chumisa Dornford-May, Sam Buttery, Nicholas Mclean, Dickon Gough, Sean Kingsley, Ryan Kopel and Kara Lane 

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she’s fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family! Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. 

After two successful UK & Ireland tours, the Addams Family are back. For two “normal” nights the kooky clan graced the London Palladium with a staged concert. The staging was brilliant and did not feel as though it was a concert whatsoever. It felt like a fully staged production. That brings me to the choreography, music, and lighting from Alistair David, Richard Beadle and Ben Cracknell. Two words: simply stunning. The way the music and lighting were in sync and perfectly timed absolutely gave the Addams family sense I know and love. Andrew Lippa’s music and lyrics are both timeless and catchy.

This brings me to the cast, Ramin Karimloo as Gomez and Michelle Visage as Morticia, bounced off each other effortlessly. Ramin’s take on Gomez was the perfect mix of serious and comedic. His comedic timing was unmatched and hilarious. The chemistry between Michelle and Ramin was special to witness. Chumisa Dornford-May is an extraordinary talent as Wednesday. The little opt up riff in "Pulled" was sensational and Chumisa blew the roof of the Palladium. Ryan Kopel as Lucas is another outstanding talent who's currently taking UK theatre by storm.

Chumisa and Ryan truly made the audience believe in Wednesday and Lucas’s love story. One could say they were crazier than imaginable. The entire company were sensational. Highlights for me were Lesley Joseph as Grandma Addams. In particular the line, “always look on the dark side of life” whether that was scripted or improvised, it was genius. Lesley took the role and completely made it her own. Sam Buttery’s Uncle Fester is makes you laugh and feel good, which is exactly the character's intention.

All in all, the live concert felt as though it was a full-on production which could transfer to the West End immediately. It was both hilarious and heart-warming, and wrapped in 2.5 hours. My only critique is that it simply needed more than two days of performances. "Full Disclosure": when is the West End run?

Review by Dani Minutola

**photography by Pamela Raith **