The ghastly, timeless classic The Addams Family has spawned a series of films and an animated TV series – and now it is coming to the stage, writes Amy Briggs.

Every father’s worst nightmare comes alive in this musical comedy when Gomez Addams’ only daughter, Wednesday, falls into the clutches of teenage romance.

Disaster strikes when Wednesday, the “charming little bundle of malice”, has changed her tune.

“She’s lost her taste for death, darkness and torture – and is behaving like a fairytale princess,” bemoan her parents. The reason for this behaviour? The usually morbid girl has fallen in love with a normal sweet boy. Will the rest of the Addams be able to keep up appearances over dinner with the boy and his parents?

Director, Jeffery Chinappen describes the production as “your typical ‘girl-meets-boy, boy-is-normal, boy-introduces-his-family-to-the-girl’s family... chaos.

“This musical tells of what happens when a single event rocks each character to the very core, exposing unexpected depths to their personalities. Combine that with song and dance and you have this brilliantly clever and wonderfully crafted gem of musical theatre – a family show”

Chinappen was inspired by his own family, and found he could relate to The Addams Family.

He says: “As a kid I remember watching The Addams Family on the TV and thinking, ‘Hey they're not that weird’. Of course, I grew up with a Spanish mum and Mauritian dad, so I guess we’re not what people might think is your average family. But that’s my point. No family is quite typical. Everyone has their own idiosyncrasies and personalities – yet family is still family. I think that’s what I love about the script and what Addams originally had in mind with his illustrations. We might all look different but deep down we’re all the same.”

The story has changed slightly in terms of ages and the introduction of new characters. The musical element is also completely original. Chinappen says: “The most significant change in this piece is that the character of Wednesday, who has been written as a young lady in her late teens/early 20s. Also, we have the introduction of new principal roles, the Beinekes, and the Addams’ Ancestors rounding off the ensemble.

“I think this musical gives each character more dimension and, through song and dance, allows audiences to connect with their inner dialogue and feelings as never before.”

Chinappen also compliments the cast: “The Lyric Players have a wonderful reputation over many years for bringing top-class theatre to the local community. In fact, the most difficult thing so far was the audition day with so many talented local performers rocking up. It made it a very hard job indeed – we could have cast it several times over.

“The team we did finally cast are exceptional and I am very excited for audiences to come and meet them. We haven’t stopped laughing since rehearsals began.”