“It hits its mark bang on, from the very first finger click of that iconic introduction”
AllEdinburgh Reviewer, Thom Dibdin
For a brief week this April, EMT was proud to open the gates to the Addams Family Mansion for one and all to join us at the dinner of a lifetime. As the Spring 2024 production of The Addams Family has drawn to a close, and the gates to the mansion have been securely shut, we would like to take a moment to look back on our time as family members of the kookiest clan in town.
Beginning our rehearsal process in October (quite aptly, we might add), this production started with some harmony drilling and line dancing in our regular rehearsal space at Barclay Viewforth Church. With tape on the ground marking what would materialise as stairs on the stage of the Churchill, and the solo keys serving as a temporary replacement for a full band, our cast and crew embarked on a journey to bring the well-known and much-loved characters of the Addams Family to life. Week by week, the company involved in this production worked tirelessly to delve into their characters, polish their dance moves and nail their vocals in a collaborative endeavour to create a show which would transcend reality and suspend time for the Edinburgh audience – and boy did they succeed!
On the week of April 8th, with anticipation for opening night rippling through the wings of the Churchill Stage, the company of EMT leave behind the rainy Scottish weather for the storms brewing stateside. With white foundation already making marks on dressing room tables, the smell of hairspray wafting through the air as it sticks to grey wigs, and the laughs of horror at the sight of themselves in full deathly costume for the first time, the thrill of show week is alive (ironically) and before you can say ‘boo’, the bustle of the audience can be heard for opening night. With a simple *click click*, EMT’s The Addams Family unfolds for six thrilling shows, creating an unforgettable experience for our audience and countless memories for the cast and crew involved.
But don’t take our word for the levels of extraordinary delivered by this years company members! EMT are delighted to have had some excellent reviews published, in addition to some wonderful statements from audience members who were thrilled by their stay with the Addams’. With multiple four star reviews rolling in, this show was “perfect night of musical theatre fun”. “[The Addams Family] was one of, if not the, best amateur show I’ve ever seen”, states one audience member in praise of the production, with another audience member stating it was so professional EMT should take it on tour. With a creative approach that “consistently [plays] to the whole company’s strengths” and a “talented cast who rise to any occasion”, this was one visit to the theatre not to be missed!
EMT are delighted to have received such dazzling reviews from many who visited the Churchill Theatre during our ghostly residence and are even more thrilled to have had such incredibly engaged and supportive audience, including two full houses for our Friday and Saturday evening performances. The electric atmosphere in the auditorium for each show was incredibly special, but no more so than the additional honour of our very own ‘meet and greet’ post-show. As multiple cast members haunted the foyer of the theatre, from Wednesday Addams greeting some young superfans to Shining Twins peering through doors, the joy of live theatre was very much alive and well, reminding us as members of the amateur drama community what theatre is about at it’s very core.
As cast return to the life of the living, and the company face the reality of days without random outbursts of song and choreographed movement, EMT would like to take an opportunity to thank all those involved in the production of The Addams Family. From on stage roles to backstage management, front of house to audience support and everything in between, each and every contribution makes a difference and allows the company to continue bringing theatre to the local Edinburgh community year after year. We look forward to our future endeavours, including our 2024 Fringe productions, Magic of the Movies and Best of Broadway and our 2025 spring production of Beauty and the Beast, for which we hope to see many of you come be our guest.
