THE ADDAMS FAMILY A Ghoulishly Good Time on the Horizon

If you’ve been missing that slightly macabre yet irresistibly charming family, fret no more—THE ADDAMS FAMILY musical is making a triumphant return this coming summer! Yes, you heard right. The spine-chilling clan originally created by Charles Addams is preparing to tour four UK venues in 2025, bringing their signature blend of kooky antics and heartfelt storytelling to a theatre near you. With a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (Jersey Boys) and a score by Andrew Lippa (Big Fish), this production has already delighted audiences worldwide. Now, it’s gearing up for a short but sweet run that promises to be as darkly humorous as it is entertaining. Whether you’re a longstanding fan of the black-clad family or simply looking for a fresh theatrical fix, you won’t want to miss this brand-new chapter.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY has undertaken two successful UK and Ireland tours in the past, even headlining a concert version at The London Palladium last year. This time around, the show is once again demonstrating its staying power by returning to the British stage, armed with all-new staging and a creative team ready to surprise and captivate. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the forthcoming tour, from its star-studded production team to the intriguing possibility of success in Australian theatres.

A Whirlwind Of Quirk

Fans of the original cartoons or the beloved film adaptations will likely need no introduction to the eccentric Addams Family clan. But for the uninitiated, here’s the lowdown: the central storyline focuses on the morbidly witty family as they navigate everyday life in a delightfully twisted manner. The musical zeroes in on Wednesday Addams, who has fallen deeply in love with a “normal” boy from a respectable family. In a gloriously comedic twist, the couple’s parents agree to meet for dinner, setting the stage for an evening of culture clashes and supernatural surprises.

In a nod to its roots, the musical preserves the distinct personalities of each family member: from the lovestruck Wednesday, to the forever-scheming Uncle Fester, and the matriarch and patriarch, Morticia and Gomez, whose relationship constantly balances between affectionate and bizarre. The tension ramps up when Wednesday’s new beau and his conservative parents step into the Addams mansion, leading to inevitable chaos that’s both hilarious and oddly heart-warming. After all, at its core, THE ADDAMS FAMILY is about acceptance—proving that even the weirdest of families can connect with more conventional ones when love and mutual respect are on the line.

Venues And Dates

For its 2025 outing, the show is slated to visit four key UK venues across July and August. It kicks off at Birmingham Hippodrome from 10 to 12 July, followed by an extended stay at Curve Leicester from 15 July to 10 August, then moves north to The Lowry in Salford from 12 to 16 August, and finally wraps up at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from 19 to 23 August. This scheduling implies a blend of short stints and slightly longer engagements, a strategy that can keep momentum rolling while allowing certain areas—like Leicester—to host the production for nearly a month.

For those who aren’t too familiar with these venues, each has its own unique vibe. Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the busiest theatres in the UK, hosting a variety of musicals, pantos, and touring West End shows year-round. Curve Leicester has rapidly gained a stellar reputation for producing and hosting top-tier productions, thanks to its modern facilities and innovative programming. The Lowry is known for its striking waterside setting and diverse array of cultural offerings, and the Marlowe Theatre is Canterbury’s leading performance space, boasting state-of-the-art staging capabilities. Put simply, each venue is a cultural jewel in its respective region, ensuring that THE ADDAMS FAMILY will shine in some of the country’s best theatrical settings.

The Creative Brains Behind The Scenes

A show as enduring as THE ADDAMS FAMILY doesn’t just happen by accident; it requires a top-notch team. Stepping up to the helm is director Matthew White, who’s no stranger to musicals. He’s joined by choreographer Alistair David, whose background in staging big numbers will come in handy for the show’s comedic dance sequences. The design is in the expert hands of Diego Pitarch, known for eye-popping aesthetics that still capture deeper thematic currents.

And that’s not all. Orchestrations come courtesy of Richard Beadle, while Ben Cracknell handles lighting design, weaving an atmospheric tapestry that’s equal parts kooky and captivating. Meanwhile, Richard Brooker takes care of sound design—an often overlooked yet vital element for ensuring that every line, note, and ominous door creak resonates perfectly. The synergy of these creative minds looks set to reinvigorate the show with fresh polish, underlining the iconic imagery of the Addams clan—like spooky mansions and bouncy tangos—while preserving the show’s comedic core.

Past Success And Future Promise

This certainly isn’t THE ADDAMS FAMILY’s first rodeo in the UK. The musical has already completed two tours across the region, each time earning favourable responses from longtime Addams devotees and newcomers alike. Moreover, the concert version staged at The London Palladium offered a taste of the show in a stripped-down format, showcasing how robust the songs and script are—even without the bells and whistles of a fully staged production.

It’s worth noting that the source material has endured since the 1930s, when Charles Addams began penning his single-panel cartoons for The New Yorker. Several TV adaptations, film versions, and, of course, stage incarnations have followed. The family’s unique blend of spookiness and charm appeals across generational lines, which bodes well for another successful tour. The recipe is simple yet surprisingly rare: comedic interplay, catchy musical numbers, and relatable moral themes buried beneath gothic aesthetic flourishes.

Could Australia Fall Under The Addams Spell?

Australia is no stranger to big-name musicals—just consider the rapturous reception that shows like WICKED, THE LION KING, or ALADDIN have enjoyed over the years. When it comes to quirkier fare, Aussie audiences have also proven they can embrace it wholeheartedly, as evidenced by the success of ROCKY HORROR SHOW. So, is there space in the Australian theatre landscape for THE ADDAMS FAMILY to make waves?

Going purely by track record, the show did experience international tours in years gone by, though it’s not as widely performed in Australia as one might expect. However, Australian theatregoers have a strong appetite for musicals brimming with humour and memorable tunes—there’s a reason THE BOOK OF MORMON soared down under. Add in the fact that the Addams brand is globally recognised, and you have the makings of a potential hit. If it’s well marketed and lands in the right venues (perhaps the Regent Theatre in Melbourne or the Capitol Theatre in Sydney), there’s no reason the Aussie public wouldn’t take to the ghoulishly fun premise.

Australian theatre scene watchers might recall that star-led musicals or reimaginings of classic IPs—be it a Disney favourite or a nostalgic cartoon adaptation—often fare well. So if a well-timed Australian run can align with a local appetite for comedic, family-friendly musicals, THE ADDAMS FAMILY might just slip seamlessly into the circuit. Casting big local talents, or even an international star known to Aussie audiences, could be the final ingredient to ensure big box office numbers.

A Glimpse Of What’s To Come (With Casting Yet To Reveal)

Right now, we’re still waiting on the official casting announcement from Jane Deitch, which should drop in the coming months. For fans, half the fun is speculating: who will be the next Gomez or Morticia? Will the show tap into some West End veterans, or might we see fresh faces step into these delightfully creepy roles? Historically, the production has struck a balance between featuring big names and nurturing emerging talent. That approach often works wonders, leading to a strong ensemble vibe that further underscores the show’s comedic timing.

This summer tour also benefits from support by a robust group of producers, including Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, John Stalker Productions, and the legendary Bill Kenwright Ltd. With co-producers ADAMA Entertainment and Guy James on board, it seems the production is in good hands, financially and creatively. If success patterns from the past hold true, tickets could move fast once the cast is unveiled. For the best seats, keep an eye on official announcements—particularly if you’re aiming to catch the show at a smaller venue like the Marlowe Theatre.

When Spooks And Songs Collide

Part of what makes THE ADDAMS FAMILY so appealing—beyond its comedic bent—is the unique tonal blend. It’s a musical that dabbles in the gothic, but it’s also brimming with warmth and comedic set-pieces. Andrew Lippa’s songs strike a balance between heartfelt ballads (like Pulled, sung by a love-stricken Wednesday) and campy show-stoppers (When You’re an Addams, for example). Meanwhile, the script by Brickman and Elice spins comedic gold out of ordinary family dilemmas—just amplified by the fact that “ordinary” to the Addams clan isn’t very normal at all.

This is precisely why the show resonates with a broad spectrum. Families can bond over the comedic mishaps, while more seasoned theatre enthusiasts will appreciate the skilful musical compositions and the nods to classic Broadway. Add in the possibility of cameo-level star turns, and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

An Invitation To Embrace The Quirk

As the days get longer and warmer next summer, the dark comedic charms of THE ADDAMS FAMILY might just offer the perfect contrast. If you find typical, sunny-day musicals lacking a certain eccentric edge, this production has you covered. The tour’s short but sweet schedule ensures a concentrated burst of excitement—a few weeks here, a few weeks there—enough to keep the buzz alive without letting the production overstay its welcome.

Could we see expansions or additional dates if ticket sales skyrocket? It’s certainly not out of the question. Given the production’s proven draw and the general cultural affection for all things Addams, an extended run wouldn’t be surprising. Plus, there’s always that tantalising possibility of a subsequent Australian tour, which would continue the show’s global journey.

One Final Tango With The Addams

In a world awash with large-scale musical productions, it’s refreshing to see a show that embraces its weirdness, wry humour, and deep-seated affection for the bizarre. THE ADDAMS FAMILY is an anthem to individuality—wrapped in a toe-tapping, witty, and ghoulish package. If you’re even remotely curious about how a mismatched set of oddballs can tackle everyday crises (like meeting the in-laws), then you owe it to yourself to check this out.

As the black curtains ready to open once more, THE ADDAMS FAMILY beckons you into their off-kilter world. Will you join them for a few hours of haunted hilarity and melodic mayhem? Mark those calendars for next July and August, because the spookiest, quirkiest family in musical theatre is on the move again—and you don’t want to be the only one left in the dark. Sometimes, after all, it’s good to indulge your creepier side—especially when it’s set to irresistibly catchy show tunes.