They're creepy and they're cooky, mysterious and spooky - and they're taking centre stage at The Alex this week. 

The Addams Family, The Musical Comedy, is back in Birmingham for the first time since 2017, and where could be a more fitting venue for this strange and deranged family than the most haunted place in Brum? 

But ghosts and ghouls aside, this brilliant family show, which earned its hard working cast a standing ovation on opening night, is scarily good fun. 

The plot is simple, telling the story of a matured Wednesday Addams, who has confided in her dad Gomez about her secret love interest, but with both of them keeping Morticia in the dark.

Wednesday's boyfriend and his family are invited to dinner, Morticia discovers their secret,  and chaos naturally ensues! 

Strictly star turned musical theatre favourite Joanne Clifton is simply fabulous as Morticia, turning up the camp factor and clearly relishing the role as one of the most iconic females in pop culture. 

Previously starring as Janet in the Rocky Horror Show tour to wide acclaim, she is carving a niche for herself starring as weird and quirky characters, and it's one that suits her. 

She has Morticia's mannerisms down to a fine art, sashaying across the stage so lightly her feet don't seem to touch the floor - but of course she is a celebrated award-winning dancer.

So it's no surprise then that she nearly brings the house down with her fancy footwork during the Tango De Amor scene with Gomez, played by the ever solid Cameron Blakey. 

There some brilliant solo numbers throughout the night, most notably Pulled, with rising star Kingsley Morton excelling in the role of Wednesday Adams, and the beautiful Wednesday's Growing Up with Gomez.

The costumes are as extravagant as you would expect, the sets are full of gothic splendour and there are some stunning special effects throughout.

A plethora of belly laughs are provided by Uncle Fester (Scott Paige) Pugsley (Grant McIntyre) Grandma (Valda Aviks) and the hilarious grunting Lurch ( Dickson Gough).

The catchy Full Disclosure, which closes the first half of the show is a stand-out ensemble piece, most notably for the breathtaking performance of Alice Beineke (Kara Lane) who really brings her characters spritual awakening to life through song. 

A frighteningly feel-good show like this is surely what we need to get through this cold January. 

So 'Click, Click' to buy a ticket...

Five stars. Reviewed by Fiona McCartney at The Alexandra, Birmingham, on Tuesday 18 January, 2022.

The Addams Family, The Musical Comedy runs at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tuesday 29 March - Saturday 2 April 2022 - tickets available at atgtickets.com.