From the opening clicks of the familiar theme tune, the ghosts, ghouls, freaks and fools of the Addams Family start to emerge from the mists of the graveyard.

The mysterious Gomez and his captivating, vampyric wife Morticia emerge, followed by their dark, brooding and menacing daughter Wednesday, the destructive Puggsley, the crazed Uncle Fester and their tall, lumbering, monosyllabic butler, Lurch, gradually emerge, before exploding into a visually energetic song and dance routine which introduces all the famous characters of the TV comedy horror show.

The Centre Stage production of the musical version of the Addams Family, which runs at the Gaiety Theatre until this Saturday (October 19) is a feast for the eyes, from the wonderfully-realised set, brought to life by the terrific stage, sound and lighting effects, to the brilliant performers from the local cast.

The lead pairing of David Dawson and Kate Stobart, do not hold back, with David giving a blistering, whirlwind performance as Gomez, full of lusty, leering glances and a gleefully-unhinged madcap energy, and Kate is a perfect foil, positively smouldering with gothic glamour as Morticia.

The demonic couple are forced to confront the real world when the princess of darkness herself, Wednesday, played by Shay Marsden, inexplicably falls in love with a perfectly normal Lucas Bieneke.

The story follows the family as they try to host a normal night, entertaining Lucas’ parents, Mal and Alice, which is a near-impossible task, given the fact that house is haunted by a vast host of singing and dancing relatives.

Mark Britton, Gary Corkill and Jude Fullerton all put in great supporting roles, and help bring this truly spooky family drama to life.