Hulme Grammar School brings 'The Addams Family' to life!

Hulme Grammar School have concluded a successful run of their latest musical production, ‘The Addams Family’, which took place over four nights.

A huge team of staff and students transformed the school’s Main Hall into a theatre and welcomed large audiences from across the Hulme community.

‘The Addams Family’ musical is based on the timeless classic, in which the family invite grown-up Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents to their house for dinner, during which antics are bound to ensue.

The production showcased the talent and dedication of the school's students, who brought the iconic characters of the Addams Family to life on stage.

Led by the guidance of the school's staff, the Year 9 to Year 13 students delivered performances that captivated audiences.

Duncan Robertson, Head of Music, led a live band on keys, as a full team of staff and students worked backstage to create the mysterious mayhem of the chorus of Addams’ ancestors, which were three times as many as the original production.

Lighting was designed and operated by a Year 11 GCSE Drama student using new moving lights which were kindly donated by Alumni.

Another notable aspect of the production was the involvement of students from the UCEN Manchester's dA and Ba(Hons) Make-up Artistry and Special Effects Courses, who were on hand to assist the cast with their transformation into the characters of the Addams Family, including both makeup and hair.

Additionally, the production featured professional-grade costumes and a set which completely transformed the Main Hall, enhancing the overall theatrical experience for both the cast and the audience.

Sixth Formers Ben Shackleton-Waller and Acacia Seward led as Gomez and Morticia with hilarious comic timing, and they dazzled audiences with a passionate tango choreographed by professional ballroom stars from Jagers Dance, in what will be the students’ last school show at Hulme.

"We are proud of the hard work and commitment demonstrated by our students throughout the production of 'The Addams Family,'" said Steph Eckhardt, Head of Drama at Hulme and Co-Director of the production.

"Their dedication to the craft and attention to detail truly shone through in every aspect of the performance."

The success of ‘The Addams Family’ production underscores the importance of the arts in the school's curriculum and the positive impact it has on the students' personal and artistic development.

The production provided an opportunity for students to showcase their talents, build confidence, and collaborate with their peers in a creative and supportive environment.

Sonny, who played Lucas, echoes this thought, adding: “It’s undeniable that the show helps with an array of things other than acting skills.

"It helps to boost your confidence as you get older, it’s a great way to make new friends and have new experiences and finally, it's an opportunity to have fun no matter who you are or where you come from.”

Lucy, who played Lucas’ mother Alice, said: “It's a chance to think creatively, learn new skills, and have a lot of fun in the process!”

Audience members were keen to share their thoughts on social media, with one saying, “Bravo! It was so enjoyable to watch. Quite clear how much effort had gone into rehearsals.”

Another commented: “The talent on that stage tonight was unbelievable.

"It’s clear how much work has gone into it from everybody involved, it was absolutely brilliant”, with one member celebrating that the show “gets better every year!”

‘The Addams Family’ is the latest in a long line of productions by Hulme Grammar School, dating back to Oliver in 1996.

The Senior School Production is a highlight of the Hulme calendar each year, with previous shows including Billy Elliot in 2023 and Beauty and the Beast in 2022.

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