Arts and Entertainment

Swansea amateur group kick off first live performances in Wales

Published

2 years ago

21st July 2021

Editor

Swansea musical theatre group, Gowerton Amateur Productions is kicking off the first live theatre performances in Wales today (21 July) with the smash hit musical comedy ‘The Addams Family’ at the Dylan Thomas Theatre.

The Addams Family was a hugely popular 1960’s US TV show based on New Yorker cartoonist Charles Addam’s 1930s original newspaper cartoons. The show was syndicated around the world and saw an odd, wealthy aristocratic clan delight in the macabre while seemingly unaware or unconcerned that others find them bizarre or frightening.

The show had a successful 1990’s film reimaging starring Anjelica Huston (as Morticia), Raul Julia (as Gomez), Christina Ricci (as Wednesday) and Christopher Lloyd (as Fester).

The musical’s storyline see’s Wednesday Addams grown up and found love in a “normal” boy. The show is based around both families meeting for the first time for dinner with all your favourite quirky characters that we have all grown to love.

Jessica Freeman, from the society said: “Gowerton Amateur Productions is a local community group that was set up five years ago. We have members of all ages, from 6 to 60 and run Junior, Youth and Adult classes. We run weekly rehearsals and confidence building, dance and well-being classes. We are a self-funded group holding fundraisers to help us put on productions.

“We have performed such shows as The Little Shop of Horrors previously in the Dylan Thomas Theatre, as well as Pantomimes like Beauty and the Beast and Alladin, for the family to enjoy.

**Gowerton Amateur Productions theatre group in rehearsals** (Image: Gowerton Amateur Productions)

“We initially were suppose to perform Addams last year but due to lockdown had to postpone. Since the restrictions have started to come in we have been able to start rehearsing in a socially distanced environment.

“It’s been a challenge reblocking the show to be Covid safe but it has worked out beautifully in the end. Everyone is excited to perform in front of the audience again even though the audience numbers are restricted. We have worked closely with the theatre who have been amazing through this process and we’ve worked together to ensure the cast and audience are Covid safe.”

The sold-out production runs until Saturday 24 July.

(Lead Image: Gowerton Amateur Productions)