Review: The Addams Family, by Stowmarket Musical Theatre Company, is a stunning debut production bursting with talent
The Addams Family – A Musical Comedy, Stowmarket Musical Theatre Company, performances at The Regal Stowmarket, until Saturday.
A new amateur theatre company is in town, with its debut production on stage this week.
Stowmarket Musical Theatre Company is the brainchild of experienced director Meryl Bunce, who is keen to direct and stage the type of shows she enjoys – with the aim of audiences enoying them too.
The Addams Family – A Musical Comedy is the first such show and it is a belter of a debut.
My eight-year-old daughter and I arrived at yesterday evening’s opening night completely fresh to the musical, having never seen it before.
But one thing we were already familiar with was the famous characters of the Addams Family. And these were immediately brought to vibrant life in a slick, stylish and very funny production.
From Marc Kerr’s devilishly charismatic Gomez, Nyiesha Austin’s mesmerising Morticia, Craig Fisher’s spirited Fester and Anna Damigella’s whimsical (and tipsy) Alice Beineke to Paul Gort’s morbidly hilarious Lurch, nobody put a foot wrong (although how Lurch managed this in his towering wedge shoes I don’t know).
In fact, I scrutinised the entire company throughout looking for the weak link – that cast member who loses focus or is a step behind the rest – and I just could not find one.
But the performances are only one winning aspect of this production, which includes stylish and visually effective choreography (Lauren Bunce) performed with aplomb.
Meanwhile, I must say bravo to the costume team for their brilliant work. The muted tones and detailed outfits (with marvellous wigs) of the Ancestors provided a constant source of fascination throughout the show – as well as a stark contrast to the dark costumes worn by the Addams family themselves.
The story itself – no spoilers here – builds to a satisfyingly (and perhaps unexpectedly) warm finale, which is topped off by Lurch finally getting his moment… and the chance to showcase his impressive vocal talent.
Claps, cheers and a well deserved standing ovation greeted the performers as they returned for their bows, the audience having enoyed a fantastic evening’s entertainment.
What a debut production for Stowmarket Musical Theatre Company, whose members are not only creepy and kooky, but bristling with talent.
And my daughter’s verdict? She said: “I give it five stars. No, I give it ALL the stars.”
Catch it while you can – a few tickets are available for the remaining performances (tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm, followed by noon and 5pm on Saturday).
Tickets cost £18 for adults and £15 concessions. To book, click here.
The company’s 2026 production will be Jekyll and Hyde. An information evening is on March 2, 2026, and auditions on March 8.
