Ah, the intoxicating smell of the graveyard.

I only saw The Addams Family a few weeks ago and although that production itself was quality, I knew that I would be equally entertained and enthralled by Starcross Theatre Company’s offering.

I think I can honestly say out of the half dozen youth companies that I review and follow, I really don’t have a particular favourite standing above the others because there is outstanding quality in all. And that’s a good thing for theatre. But each have their own individual elements making the occasions special and Starcross’ standards could not get any higher, already being at the top of their game.

The Addams Family is based on the characters of the 1960’s American sitcom and subsequent movies/series. Synopsis briefly. Daughter, Wednesday falls in love, wants to get married with a normal boy and two worlds collide. It’s a basic plot by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice with good music from Andrew Lippa, but one which serves a purpose with a few short sketch-type segments thrown in.

As was the case in their previous shows, Starcross split their cast so that, in this case, twenty of them get a shot at the ten principal roles. This is good for development, experience, and inclusivity and although I only saw one of the two versions, I am certain the other would have been equally as outstanding.

On my viewing I had the amazing Brandon Harrison as Gomez, commanding the stage with great presence and excellent vocals. Brandon totally captured the spirit of Gomez, and it is a shame, due now to age and pursuing a theatrical career, that this was his last show with Starcross. Equally so was the always amazing Christine Cross as Morticia and the chemistry between her and Brandon will be hard to replace. The choreography and performance during Tango De Amor was incredible. Christine has now joined her parents on the production side and is described by them as taking on the mantle.

Playing a fantastic Wednesday Addams was Holly Hunter who totally nailed Pulled while Jack Harley was tremendous with the comic relief offered by Fester, particularly during The Moon and Me. Grandma (who may or not actually be a relative) was Lauren Downes while Lurch was portrayed by Cole Bennett. Both were exceptional in their roles. Lucas was Callum Brothwood, Mal (Tia Rafferty) and Alice (Lily-Grace Palmer). Got to commend Lily-Grace on the execution of the total breakdown of inhibitions at the end of Act One.

Now, I have saved Pugsley for last as although I don’t normally hark back to personal connections, I feel I must in the case of Alfie Jennings. In 2021, aged 8, Alfie took part along with sister Lexie (also in this show) in their debut stage roles during my production of Cinderella, and I have followed their progress ever since. I knew then both were something special and it is no surprise that in September, Alfie starts Year 7 at a leading and prestigious performing arts school. I must admit, my eyes were moist during his solo of What If?

Beginning with When You’re an Addams, The Addams Family is a great show for ensemble because you can create as many parts as you need in the form of the family ancestors, giving much stage time too. These were Scarlett Bennett (Bride), Lexie Jennings (Ballerina), Grace Froggatt (Viking), Lottie Wilkes (Flamenco Dancer), Sophie Spruce (Baseball Player), Ellie Fletcher Brown (Hippy {Loved the hippy costume}), Jay McDonald (Cowboy), Jaime Nutting (Chef) and Zadie Wilson-Smith (Cave Woman). Further ancestors were portrayed by those in the principal roles on alternative performances. These were Lily Cross (Bull Fighter/Gomez), Kelsey Taylor (Flapper/Morticia), Darcy Harman (Stewardess/Wednesday), Noel Jeavons (Monk/Fester), Daisy Lunt (Astronaut/Pugsley), Shayera McDonald (Nurse/Grandma), Dimitri McDonald (Pirate/Lurch), Alex Hill (Sailor/Lucas), River Onions (Nun/Alice) and Lucy Keates (Elizabethan/Mal).

This was an outstanding show, full of colour, energy, and movement throughout. Direction and choreography were perfect, and this was down to the long-standing team of Belinda and Phil Cross MBE who run Starcross. Musical direction was in the safe hands of Ben Batt with vocal support from Ashleigh Foster. I must also highlight the great costumes too.

It is always a struggle for companies like Starcross to survive and hopefully they will continue for a long time. The talent of the future are the kids of today and theatre needs places like Starcross. Here endeth the lesson.

Cheers

Antony N Britt

*Photos taken from social media