A Musical Masterpiece... Great Barr Musical Theatre Co-operative performs 'The Addams Family'

I, along with members of Central Co-op Western Membership and Community Council went along to this year's production from our very own Member Group 'Great Barr Musical Theatre Co-operative'! What a show! What a performance from this talented group of performers!

For the last two years I have been honoured to see their pantomime (award winning, might I add) performances of Snow White and Jack & The Beanstalk. This year their performance took a dark twist in the form of 'The Addams Family'. A new musical comedy, which didn't disappoint, in fact was an utter joy! The three-night (sold out) performance at the Highbury Theatre in Sutton Coldfield took place on 31 October, and 1,2 November. This was the groups biggest performance in years. for an amateur musical theatre company, with a larger set, live band, and more to think about, they knocked it out of the park!

From curtain opening the audience was hooked. This dark, funny story was ultimately about love, and the cast took us on a journey of discovery, laughter, and self-awakening of love. The faultless performers told the story through a mixture of dialog and song, which had my feet tapping along during the whole show.

A stunning performance by Gonzo and Morticia, you could really see they were made for these roles and delivered their on-stage relationship to perfection. Wednesday and Pugsley showed their sibling love through the dastardly cruel things they did to each other, again the on-stage relationship shone through. Grandma, Fester, and Lurch were among the funniest characters in the show for me, the dry humour that shone through complimented the story brilliantly, but I have to give a special mention to Lurch for his control whilst on stilts!

The Beinekes family Mal, Alice, and Lucas portrayed their roles brilliantly that began with that dry upper-class persona for Mal and Alice, with Lucas performing his role of the lovestruck youngster to perfection. The Ancestor of Caveman, Fortune Teller, Maid, Knight, and Medieval Heretic were masterfully performed and complimented the main cast superbly.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole show but must admit 'The Game' scene in the show was the best part for me, not only acted to perfection, funny, and made the whole story come alive to allow the story to change direction and make the final part of the production come together.

A classic theatre love story of twists, shocks, comedy, and a whole lot of fun was great to see. Everyone involved should be very proud of their work in making this show happen! The cast were brilliant, but the people behind the scenes and the musicians deserve as much credit too.

Great Barr Musical Theatre Co-operative are always looking for new members they rehearse and meet at the Co-op Rooms in Great Barr most Tuesdays, for more information on our Central Co-op Member Groups please visit https://membership.centralengland.coop/community/membership-community-council

Pictures courtesy of members of GBMTC and Western MCC members