The infectious exuberance of a talented Rattonians cast make the musical comedy version of The Addams Family an uplifting experience.

It was a brave choice by producers Mark and Melanie Adams because the show had mixed reviews in America and, while most of Andrew Lippa’s songs are joyful and witty, some are cheesy or forgettable.

But Rattonians do a great job exploiting the ghoulish humour, with charismatic couple James Bell and Heather Bilton excelling in the caricature roles of Gomez and Morticia.

The book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice is based upon cartoons of the macabre family rather than television and film characters.

James Hookway’s Uncle Fester and Melanie Adams’ Grandma have us in stitches with their zany antics, as does Damon Willer’s attempts to make Lurch speak.

The family is horrified when teenager Wednesday falls in love with normal boyfriend Lucas, impressively played by Laura Sivers and Laurence Dengate.

The vocals are excellent, though some have to compete with the drums.

Jane James (Lucas’s mother) gives an electrifying solo, while Ben Williamson (Pugsley) and Melanie Adams milk the laughs with What If.

Director Mark Adams, choreograph Jan Lynton and musical director Carl Greenwood are a winning team.