Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton is set to swap the sequins and ball gowns for a more gothic look when she plays the role of Morticia Addams in The Addams Family at Hull New Theatre next spring – because as the character says, “Black is such a happy colour”.
She will move into the neighbourhood with the rest of everyone’s favourite supernatural family in this spectacular musical comedy from 15 – 19 March 2022.
Joanne is perhaps best known for her time on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. After winning the World Professional Showdance Champion and the European Professional Ballroom Championship, she joined the show as a professional dancer. During her time on the show she performed in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, was an expert presenter on the programme’s backstage show It Takes Two, won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd, and went on to win the Glitterball Trophy as the 2016 champion with her partner Ore Oduba
She was most recently seen playing the roles of Bertha and Fastrada in Pippin, at The Garden Theatre. Prior to this, she has starred as Janet in the No. 1 UK Tour of The Rocky Horror Show, Alex Owens in the No. 1 UK Tour of Flashdance, and Dale Tremont in Top Hat, where she received her second Offie nomination. Her first was for her acting debut as the Streetwalker in Iriving Berlin’s Face the Music.
Joanne will be joining the previously announced, Cameron Blakely (Gomez Addams), Scott Paige (Uncle Fester), Kingsley Morton (Wednesday Addams), Grant McIntyre (Pugsley Addams), Valda Aviks (Grandma), Sean Kingsley (Mal Beineke), Kara Lane (Alice Beineke), Ahmed Hamad (Lucas Beineke), Dickon Gough and Ryan Bennett (sharing the role of Lurch), Abigail Brodie, Sophie Hutchinson, Matthew Ives and Sean Lopeman. Also new to the cast and joining the ensemble is Castell Parker, with further casting to be announced.
The show follows the story of Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, who has grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she’s fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family.
Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. All the usual clan are present – Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley and ready for a party with a decidedly spooky twist.
Featuring a live orchestra and extraordinary original score The Addams Family is sure to entertain everyone from 12 or 312.