Neil Speight reviews 'The Addams Family'. Performed by TOPS on Stage at the Thameside Theatre.

ONE could reasonably think that an ancient hack with 40 years of amateur theatrical notches on his belt would have seen it all.

Think again.

2020 has been a memorable year for the Thameside Theatre in Grays. It was thought it might be its last year and that fear still hangs like a dark cloud emitted from the moribund, morally corrupt and cash-strapped Thurrock Council that owns the place.

The council has done its best to run the Thameside down but the spirit of culture and love of the theatre shown by local groups Thurrock Courts Players and TOPS on Stage means it remains a place where magic really does happen.

In March I watched a thoroughly joyous performance of the musical 'Legally Blond', a covid-delayed production put on by TOPS and it was a triumph.

I returned to the theatre in June for the Players' production of 'The Audience', directed by Luke Coldham. It was an extraordinary night and one of the best productions I have ever enjoyed on an amateur stage.

I was back just a couple of weeks ago to see the Players return with 'A Bunch of Amateurs' – another thoroughly enjoyable production.

So the bar was set high tonight (Wednesday, 5 October) for TOPS' second production of the year, the musical version of the Addams Family.

But not only did the show match expectations, it smashed them out of the stalls! So good, in fact, that I have booked to see it again on Friday….

It's not a musical I was acquainted with and I didn't know a single number from the show. In truth that made it so much the better. Delightful surprises followed one after the other.

Luke Coldham once again took on the responsibility of directorship and yet again he delivered. The attention to detail in this show is amazing. From the opening scene, when 'Thing' fingertipped across the stage (you have to see it to believe it!) it was of the highest theatrical standard. The stage sets are superb, the lighting was magnificent, the special effects spectacular and the performances memorable.

Seeing is believing: Thing takes to the stage. Picture by Wild Bears Photography.

I got ticked off when reviewing a 'Bunch of Amateurs' for not mentioning the backstage crew and the technicians. Well let's put them to the fore here. Top drawer. And the orchestra under the musical direction of Clare Penfold delivers effervescent tune after sparkling melody with panache and immaculate timing. It was a joy to see local talent James Green a part of the ensemble. The former St Clere's student and outstanding Kings College, London, graduate was on percussion and literally delivered a banging performance. Pun intended!

And so to centre stage. The centrepiece and iconic deathly duo Gomez and Morticia Addams were characterised immaculately by TOPS chairman Simon Lambert (truly leading from the front) and the glamourous Natalie Hills. Barely a note and certainly not a foot out of place, they delivered in spades – again a not inappropriate pun for a script played out in its opening stages in a graveyard.

Michael Lambert's Fester literally set the stage aglow and, as plot pivotal young lovers, Wednesday Addams and Lucas Beineke were brought to life by Eve Glenister and Josh Handley. Of the very young talent, Harry Lewin did his very best to steal the show as a wonderful Pugsley. And, with barely a word through much of the plot, Chris Foale's Lurch was a triumph.

Mary Bloss is becoming a force majeure for the Players, she is a tremendous vocal talent and a great actress and was well supported by on stage husband Marty Doyle. And if characterisation is your thing, give up a round of applause for Grandma Lisa Povey.

But this is a production not just of stars, but of a big cast who play the living dead and they truly brought the stage to life. Everywhere you looked in the ensemble pieces there was not just great joy, but great commitment.

No bit part players here – this production truly is the sum of all its parts and a key to that is choreographer Victoria Purton who once again marshalled her forces to make use of every inch of space. Instead of the Thameside, think TARDIS. In her hands, this stage truly is bigger on the inside than it looks.

TOPS on Stage will be back (council permitting) in 2023 with 'Betty Blue eyes' and 'Elf The Musical'. Before that we have the joys of the annual panto put on by professional company Polka Dot.

This festive season it's 'Beauty and The Beast (book your tickets here). It stars, again, none other than the multi-talented Mr Coldham as the Dame. He may just have created a rod for his own back – he's set a very high standard off stage this season, now he's got to match it on stage. Somehow, I'm sure he'll pull it off! (I look forward to Slipinella).

The Addams Family runs at the Thameside until Saturday (8 October) with performances tomorrow, Friday and a matinee and evening show on Saturday. Tickets are still available. Book here.