Thursday, 20 July 2023

SCHOOL THEATRE REVIEW: The Addams Family - St. James's Church of England High School, Bolton.


This evening St James's Church of England High School in Bolton, transported us into the quirky and macabre world of The Addams Family. The talented cast brought the beloved characters to life, capturing their unique personalities and eccentricities with precision and flair.

One of the standout performances came from the lead actor Alex Farrar playing Gomez Addams. His portrayal was charismatic and captivating, effortlessly embodying the charm and wit of the character. The chemistry between Gomez and Morticia, played by the equally talented Nicole Zielinska was palpable, adding an extra layer of depth to their scenes together. My favourite moment being the ‘Red scene’ that encapsulated their love, passion and commitment to one and another. Wednesday Addams, portrayed by Izzy Garner commanded the show during her solo numbers and truly ‘pulled’ out all the stops of the young character. The mischievous Pugsley Addams, played by the talented young Matty Gilkey, provided the perfect comedic relief and added a touch of innocence to the otherwise dark and twisted story. Lucas Bineke was by far my favourite talented actor on stage, I have watched many an Addams Family show and his portrayal of Lucas was stunning, my favourite amateur & professional portrayal from Matthew Shallicker.

The set design and costumes were nothing short of spectacular. From the Addams' family mansion with portraits of Gomez and Morticia, to the quirky Central Park and Taxi signs that transported the audience into their world A special shout out to the Moon and Mini Uncle Fester – if you don’t know, you should get to know! The eerie and gothic atmosphere created by the set and lighting design enhanced the overall experience, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the production.

The musical numbers were a highlight of the show, with catchy tunes and impressive choreography – specific shout out to the talented tap dancers, ballet dancers and contemporary dancers – this show had it all! The talented ensemble cast delivered powerful performances, showcasing their range and skill. The audience couldn't help but tap their feet and sing along to the infectious melodies. Overall, St James's production of "The Addams Family" was a resounding success. The dedication and hard work of the cast and crew were evident in every aspect of the production. The audience was thoroughly entertained and left the theatre with smiles on their faces, having experienced a truly enjoyable evening of theatre.

In conclusion, St James's "The Addams Family" was a triumph. It showcased the talent and creativity of the students involved, bringing the iconic characters to life in a way that was both faithful to the original and infused with their unique flair. The production was a testament to the power of the arts in fostering creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.

Special shout out to Joseph Hibbert THEE BEST Lurch!

 *Click Click*

Reviewer - Catherine Bleakley
on - 12.7.23


1 comment:

  1. Did you review tge Thursday or Friday performance too?

    ReplyDelete