Step into the delightfully dark world of The Addams Family, a wickedly funny musical comedy that celebrates love, family, and everything gloriously unusual. Based on the iconic characters created by Charles Addams, this hit stage musical blends spooky charm with heartfelt humour, brought to life through a vibrant score and laugh-out-loud storytelling. It’s creepy, it’s kooky, and it’s packed with songs that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

Meet the Addams — a close-knit clan who revel in the macabre and wouldn’t be seen dead behaving normally. When Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, falls in love with a perfectly “normal” young man from a very ordinary family, chaos ensues. As the two families come together for a fateful dinner, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and the Addams’ unique view of love and life is put under the spotlight. With its blend of big musical numbers, sharp wit, and surprising warmth, The Addams Family is a fun-filled, spooky spectacular for the whole family — proving that being different is something to celebrate.

If you are unfamiliar with the show you can check out videos for the UK tour and Broadway versions in the YouTube videos below….

Upstagers is a long-established Ilkley-based theatre group known for producing ambitious, high-quality musical theatre in a supportive, friendly and well-organised environment. We pride ourselves on strong storytelling, bold design, live performance energy and creating shows that feel bigger than you might expect from a community theatre group.

Our approach is not just to stage a show, but to delve into the story. We look beneath the surface comedy to uncover the emotional truth, ensuring our productions have depth as well as spectacle. Character relationships matter. Intent matters. Storytelling matters.

We rehearse with energy, pace and purpose. We expect commitment, collaboration and generosity from our company and in return, we aim to create something ambitious, cohesive and exciting to be part of.

Auditions are planned to take place on 8th March 2026 from 10:00 am. Exact timings will depend on the number of auditionees, applicants will be emailed with specific timings approximately one week before the audition date. Any audition recalls will be communicated with the individuals involved and are likely to take place during the week after the audition date.

Our auditions and rehearsals take place at our home, The Upstagers Barn which is next door to The King's Hall & Winter Garden and opposite Ilkley Railway Station.

Address - The Upstagers Barn, Rear Midland Hotel, Station Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8HA.

what3words - sulky.playfully.protester

Our auditions are open auditions, you do not have to be an existing member of Upstagers or Upstagers Academy in order to audition and we do not charge audition fees. We will consider auditonees of all ages and ethnicities and genders. The show is a full licence with no age restrictions at the upper end or the lower end and whilst the characters in the show may favour certain age ranges and genders, we audition with an open mind and are happy to consider anyone for any role. There are certain practical matters that mean we expect the majority of successful cast members to be 13+, unless the specifics of a role suggest otherwise. Please see the character descriptions for further details.

If you are unsure please feel free to email Show Producers Andrew Hewitt & John Clark at show@upstagers.org.uk

We tend to rehearse on Tuesday evenings (from 7:00 pm), Thursday evenings (from 7:00 pm) and on Sundays (typically from 1:00 pm). The focus tends to be on Principals on weekdays and Ensemble on Sundays, but there is obvious cross-over due to the nature of the show so cast are asked to avoid other commitments at rehearsal times.

Rehearsals are expected to begin in early April 2026.

If you wish to audition, we ask that you register using the online form at the link on this web page. Once you have submitted your audition registration you will be sent a link to an online vault of audition materials. We do not share your email or phone information outside of Upstagers, unless required by law. We will email you around a week before the audition date with a reminder and any further details about the auditions. If you register but then change your mind (or cannot make the audition) we would be grateful if you could let us know by emailing Show Producers Andrew Hewitt & John Clark at show@upstagers.org.uk

On the day, the audition will take the form of two or three sections, depending on your preferred role.

The first part will be a group dance/movement audition. This will be taught on the day and there is nothing to prepare in advance. Please ensure that you wear comfortable clothing to the audition so that you can move freely. Please also bring a bottle of water with you.

For the second part, you will be asked to individually perform a song (or an excerpt of a song) for the Creative Team. If you are particularly keen on playing a specific role then please prepare a song from the suggested material for the audition. Resources will be available in the audition pack that you will have access to once you have submitted your audition registration form. When singing in the audition you will be expected to do so using a backing track supplied on your own device. No matter what you perform at the audition you will still be considered for all parts.

The third part is some script work to demonstrate your acting prowess. Script excerpts will made available in the audition pack and there may be additional excerpts on the day should they be required. If you wish only to be considered as a member of The Ancestors then the script work is not required in your audition. When delivering your scene, remember to think about your character, who they may be talking to and what they are feeling. How can you get this information over to your audience through your audition?

Please be aware that being involved in this production is a definite commitment. Each cast member must be present for ALL rehearsals when they are required. The only exception to this is if we have been notified if/when you accept the role.

Full scripts for the show will be provided following the completion of a successful audition. If you are successful and gain a part in the production, we ask each participant to pay a small membership fee to cover the performer insurance.

We will contact ALL auditionees by email, typically within a week of the auditions, to let you know if you have been successful (or if we need to arrange recalls).

Although widely known, The Addams Family requires a cast of strong actors who not only sing confidently, but are also comfortable creating character through physicality and movement. Below is a brief description of each role, along with vocal ranges (if you have no idea what those numbers and letters mean, don’t worry!) and playing ages. The playing ages listed are simply a guide to the characters in the story. You don’t need to match these ages in real life — we’re looking for performers who can convincingly embody the role on stage.

Our casting process will not necessarily follow character traits from the films, television series, or previous stage productions. We encourage auditionees to bring their own interpretation to the roles, and the descriptions below should be viewed as guidelines rather than limitations.

Upstagers is committed to diverse and inclusive casting for every role. We seek the best performers for our productions without regard to disability, race, age, colour, national origin, ethnic origin, or any other protected characteristic, unless otherwise specifically indicated by the material.

A link to the audition pack will be sent once an audition registration has been submitted.

The Addams Family blends sharp comedy with genuine emotional depth. The score ranges from big ensemble numbers to character-driven solos, requiring confident vocalists and strong character actors. Physical comedy, precision timing, and bold character choices are essential throughout.

The Ancestors are not background figures. They are the engine of the show, appearing frequently and driving both the atmosphere and movement. Ensemble members sing, dance, and create the world of the piece, often carrying the energy of major numbers. Commitment, stamina, and strong storytelling through movement are key.

This is a high-energy, character-led musical where every role, principal and ensemble, contributes meaningfully to the storytelling.

A suave, passionate, and flamboyant man who takes immense pride in his family and his identity as an Addams. Gomez adores his wife and children wholeheartedly and lives life with enthusiasm, romance, and flair. When forced to keep a secret from Morticia, whom he loves more than death itself, he finds himself torn between devotion and honesty. Requires a strong comedic actor with excellent timing, confident physicality, tenor vocals, and good movement skills.

Vocal range: BB2-G4

Playing age guide: 35-55

The elegant and commanding heart of the Addams family, Morticia believes deeply in family tradition and unity. Confident, composed, and effortlessly seductive, she possesses a sharp, dry wit beneath her calm exterior. Morticia senses that Gomez is hiding something from her and will use charm, intelligence, and emotional insight to uncover the truth. A strong comedic performer with confident movement and dance ability, and rich alto/mezzo-soprano vocals.

Vocal range: G3-BB5

Playing age guide: 35-55

Intelligent, dry-humoured, and fiercely independent, Wednesday has her father’s passion and her mother’s composure. When she falls in love with a perfectly “normal” boy, she begins to question how to balance loyalty to her unconventional family with her desire for a future of her own. Beneath her deadpan exterior lies compassion, determination, and emotional depth. Requires a strong comedic actor with excellent timing, confident movement, and a powerful pop belt (alto/mezzo-soprano).

Vocal range: A3-E5

Playing age guide: 18-22

The younger Addams sibling who delights in the family’s dark traditions — especially being tortured by Wednesday. As family dynamics begin to change, Pugsley struggles with feelings of insecurity and fears losing his sister’s attention. Mischievous, heartfelt, and determined, he takes matters into his own hands to restore balance. Requires a strong comedic actor with good movement skills and confident singing ability.

Vocal range: A3-F5

Playing age guide: 10-14

Serving as the narrator and guide through the story, Uncle Fester is larger than life, lovable, enthusiastic, and joyfully unpredictable. With a child-like sense of wonder and boundless energy, he brings warmth and humour to the world of the Addams family. A vaudeville-style comedic role requiring excellent audience engagement, strong physical comedy, confident movement, and tenor vocals.

Vocal range: C3-G4 (Optional C5)

Playing age guide: 30-50

Wise, wacky, and wonderfully unpredictable, Grandma always has a potion, spell, or sharp remark at the ready. Fiercely independent and unapologetically blunt, she combines old-world knowledge with mischievous humour. Don’t mess with Grandma. Requires a strong comedic actor with confident singing ability and a bold stage presence. Alto/mezzo-soprano vocals.

Vocal range: G4-F5

Playing age guide: 70+

The iconic Addams family butler — tall, imposing, and a man of very few words. Lurch communicates almost entirely through moans, groans, facial expression, and deliberate movement, never tipping into caricature. His presence is commanding, controlled, and oddly touching. Requires strong non-verbal storytelling skills, excellent physical control, and a rich bass voice for solo singing.

Vocal range: EB2 - E4

Playing age guide: 30-60

Uptight, cynical, and deeply uncomfortable outside his comfort zone, Mal is the father of Lucas and the husband of Alice. He meets the Addams family with suspicion and disbelief, struggling to reconcile their macabre lifestyle with his own rigid expectations of normality. Beneath his stiff exterior lies a man who genuinely wants the best for his family. Requires a strong actor with high baritone/tenor vocals and solid comedic instincts.

Vocal range: C3-A4

Playing age guide: 40-60

Lucas’s mother and Mal’s wife, Alice is devoted, polite, and carefully composed — even when speaking entirely in rhyme. She has spent years suppressing her own desires in favour of keeping the peace, until an evening with the Addams family unlocks her hidden wild side. A standout comedic role requiring strong character work, confident movement, and soprano vocals with personality and flair.

Vocal range: AB3-G#5

Playing age guide: 35-55

A hopeful romantic who has fallen deeply in love with Wednesday Addams. Optimistic, earnest, and open-hearted, Lucas struggles to bridge the gap between his conventional upbringing and the wonderfully strange world of the Addams family. Requires a strong comedic actor with warmth and sincerity, confident movement, and contemporary pop tenor vocals.

Vocal range: C3-C5

Playing age guide: 18-22

The Addams ancestors from various eras rise from the family crypt to serve as the ensemble and chorus of the show. They help narrate the story, support the action, and bring the Addams world to life through singing, dancing, and bold character work. They are a huge part of the show. Performers should embrace physicality, characterisation, and the gothic-comic style of the show. Seeking strong singer-movers across all vocal ranges. There will be some roles here for younger performers.

Vocal range: Varied

Playing age guide: Varied

The show will be performed at Ilkley's beautiful King's Hall & Winter Garden. The venue is in the heart of Ilkley town centre, directly opposite the railway station.

Wednesday 8th July 2026, 7:00 pm (pun unintended)
Thursday 9th July 2025, 7:00 pm
Friday 10th July 2025, 7:00 pm
Saturday 11th July 2025, 1:30 pm
Saturday 11th July 2025, 6:30 pm

Tickets are available at our online box office.