A BOROUGH theatre company is getting ready to perform their latest show.
The Sainsbury Singers, an amateur group that has been entertaining local audiences for 85 years, is dusting off, or perhaps putting on the cobwebs, in preparation for performnces of spooky musical comedy, The Addams Family.
Director Nick Brannam said: “This is such a corker of a show to direct.
“I had produced it once before with children, and absolutely loved it.
“So when the Sainsbury Singers asked me to direct it for them, I practically took their arm off.
“I do love a naughty show, and doing this with adults has allowed me to put back all the inuendos.
“It will all go above the children’s heads, but the adults in the audience will be silently chuckling.”
The Addams Family is a feel-good story of love, family and friendship – with a twist.
Wednesday Addams, princess of darkness, and all grown up, hides a shocking secret that leads to a series of family consequences involving weird and wonderful characters; Gomez, Uncle Fester, Lurch, and Pugsley.
“It’s told in hilarious fashion,” Mr Brannam added.
The Addams Family members, all characters viewers in the 1960s may remember, have been around for over 80 years in various guises, from comics and television, to film, video games, and now in Caversham, on the stage.
Bespoke costumes and props have been created for the production, which also boasts a full set design that welcomes audiences to the Addams Family mansion.
It being a spooky show, it could be said that one or two awkward skeletons have rattled rehearsals – causing a few broken bones among the cast.
“We’ve had two cast members with a broken foot, ” said Mr Brennan.
“Both took part in activities outside rehearsals that ended up with injuries, one early on in rehearsals, and the other, just two weeks ago.
“I’m having to adjust the choreography to accommodate changes.
“It’s a little stressful, but the cast are really good, and very supportive.
“And rehearsals are so much fun, we just can’t get through a scene without laughing.
“Especially at Granny and her hilarious ad-libs.”
The Sainsbury Singers say there is plenty to keep everyone entertained, and that the show’s humour is a winning combination for all ages.
However, parents of young children are warned that Wednesday loves to torture her younger brother, and Grandma has a habit of occasionally saying something inappropriate that little ears may not wish to hear.
The show can be seen at Queen Anne’s Performing Arts Centre in Caversham, from Wednesday October 25 until Saturday, October 28.
Performances are at 7.30pm each evening, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pn.
The venue is accessible, and has free parking.
Tickets cost £22 for adults, and £19 for under 18s, over 65s and student.s
For more information, visit: sainsburysingers.org.uk
