The Addams Family are a bunch who enjoy the morbid and unusual. They live in a spooky mansion and have a dark sense of humour.
In a few weeks, you can enjoy seeing well-loved characters including Morticia, Uncle Fester, and Wednesday be brought to life on stage at Cwmbran’s Congress Theatre.
Buy tickets here from the theatre’s website. The show runs from Thursday 7 November to Saturday 9 November.
Bronwyn Gibbs is a member of Christchurch Music Society. Here she writes about her love of the stage, and why you should get a ticket to the production that runs from Thursday 7 Nov to Saturday 9 November.
“Following the pandemic I found myself with the typical issue of 20-somethings. A general lack of a social life and a dwindling group of friends.
“A friend from high school recommended that I join Christchurch Music Society as they were ‘just up the road’ but I had a list longer than my arm of reasons why amateur dramatics wasn’t for me and the thought of being on stage was terrifying. However, when their production of ‘Calendar Girls’ was set to be at the Congress Theatre I was desperate not to miss a night of socialising, so I agreed to go.
“We treated it as a fancy occasion, got all dressed up and headed to the theatre. I did not expect much from a community group but the performance completely blew me away. The production was beautiful and emotionally wrenching. We cried as hard as we laughed, and got wrapped up in the beautiful way the story was brought to life right in front of our eyes.
“As the show ended and the stage curtain fell, a feeling of want fell over me. The sheer enjoyment that radiated from the cast and the audience was contagious, that was it, I wanted to be involved.
“A few weeks later I gathered my courage and made my way up to their rehearsal space, took a deep breath, and walked sheepishly on in. I was a few steps into the hall before I received the first of many warm welcomes of the night.
“After the bombardment of friendly faces and names I knew it would take me weeks to remember, we were sat down and briefed on the next project the society would be undertaking, a charity pantomime.
“In the year and a half since that evening I have got more and more involved with their variety of shows and performances, alongside those friendly faces and those who have joined us along the way. Christchurch Music Society is made up of a collection of sweethearts and characters, who band together to bring out the best in each other, building on our strengths and supporting each other’s weaknesses.
“We welcome all abilities, which was good news for me and my two left feet! At the moment we are working on my favourite show yet. My kooky bunch of misfits have turned their hand to the ‘Addams Family’. And the radiated enjoyment of the cast I experienced in the audience of ‘Calender Girls’ is electric at rehearsals. If the joy and laughter from the cast and production team are anything to go by, this show will be so much fun for both sides of the curtain.
“With over 85 years of all things Addams it’s a perfect show to extend the spooky season celebrations just a little bit longer. Come and meet Wednesday’s new boyfriend Lucas Beinekie as he brings his pleasantly normal family to dinner!
“Can the Addams’ hold it together for one normal night? Judging by Grandma’s cackle, Fester’s disposition for antics and an influx of Addams’ past, I’m not so sure.
“I cannot wait to perform this terrific musical alongside my ever-growing bunch of friends, and the people who support and encourage me like family. The entire Addams family will be there, so If you are eager to embrace the chaos and find the fun beyond the darkness, we would welcome you to join the family, our family, and take the plunge. Become an Addams.
“Bring your whole family and come watch us at the Congress this November, and if like me, the bug bites you, Christchurch Music Society will be there to welcome you.”
Tickets are available here from the theatre’s website.
