The Addams Family has long held a special place in the hearts of British audiences, blending dark humour, wit and eccentricity. This year, their unmistakable presence is stronger than ever across the UK. From packed theatres to Netflix’s top ten, the Addamses have once again become Britain’s favourite “creepy and kooky” family—showing lasting appeal across generations.
A Spooky Legacy: From Charles Addams to Global Fame
First dreamed up by American cartoonist Charles Addams in 1938, The Addams Family quickly became a cult phenomenon. The original single-panel cartoons in The New Yorker offered a satirical twist on the wholesome family, recasting them as mysterious, gothic, yet weirdly wholesome themselves. This concept grew through the years, sparking a beloved 1960s TV series, cult-favourite films in the 1990s, hit animated movies, and now, major musicals and streaming successes.
In the UK, the Addams Family’s appeal has been consistent. They reflect a witty, tongue-in-cheek attitude that chimes with British humour, all while challenging ideas about family and identity. Over the decades, every generation has claimed its own Addams era—from the iconic black-and-white TV episodes to Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday.
The Addams Family Musical Comedy: 2025 UK Tour
One of the biggest entertainment stories of 2025 is the new UK tour of The Addams Family – The Musical Comedy. The show debuted to sold-out crowds at the Birmingham Hippodrome in July and now travels to major venues including Curve Leicester, The Lowry in Salford, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, and Blackpool Opera House throughout August. This new production features pop favourite Alexandra Burke as Morticia Addams, bringing Broadway glitz to the British stage.
Early reviews highlight the tour’s imaginative staging, bold set and lighting design, and strong ensemble cast. Lauren Jones’s Wednesday Addams steals scenes with her mix of deadpan delivery and musical intensity. Critics and fans alike praise the warmth, quirkiness, and sly social commentary woven into Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice’s script, with Andrew Lippa’s catchy score. The story revolves around the Addamses meeting the “normal” Beineke family, igniting hilarious chaos and unexpected emotional moments.
The UK theatre world has embraced the show. It is the third British tour since 2017, reflecting enduring affection for the ghoulish tribe. Many performances are already sold out, and anticipation for the starred cast—featuring Lesley Joseph as Grandma and Clive Rowe as Uncle Fester—is sky high. The production reinforces the Addamses’ legacy as rebellious, lovable outsiders.
Wednesday: Streaming Smash and Changing the Addams Narrative
Equally influential is Netflix’s Wednesday, which has transformed Wednesday Addams into a pop culture phenomenon all over again. Starring Jenna Ortega, the series explores Wednesday’s years at Nevermore Academy, mixing supernatural mystery, school drama and gothic flair. The second season, released this summer in two parts, cements the show’s runaway success and has sparked another wave of Addams Family fever across social media and pop culture discussions.
Viewers can’t get enough of Ortega’s razor-sharp wit and deadpan delivery. Wednesday has attracted a diverse, younger audience, introducing the Addams mythos to millions who may never have watched the 1990s films or earlier TV versions. Executive producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar promise that this season expands the Addams world, diving deeper into Nevermore’s lore and introducing new characters like Grandmama Hester Frump (played by Joanna Lumley in this season).
The series has not only revitalised interest in the family, it has won awards for Ortega and inspired everything from TikTok trends to new comic books and merchandise. BBC News recently featured an interview with Ortega, in which she described the overwhelming but exciting response to the show’s British following.
The Movies and Potential New Developments
Fans also wonder if there’s more to come on the big screen. The Addams Family animated movies in 2019 and 2021 introduced the clan to a fresh audience, with speculation about a third film ongoing. Despite mixed box office returns for the sequel, there’s chatter about a possible new film, though nothing is officially confirmed as of August 2025. Tim Burton’s involvement with the Netflix series speaks to Hollywood’s ongoing fascination with the iconic family.
Cultural Influence and Social Impact
In the UK, The Addams Family continues to spark conversation beyond entertainment. Their approach to identity, outsider status, and family loyalty resonates in an age concerned with inclusivity and self-expression. The current musical’s creative team often describe the Addamses as “proudly different,” a message that endears them to audiences young and old.
Expert reviewers agree: the Addams Family’s legacy is about embracing the odd, satirising the ordinary, and finding community among the unconventional. Their gothic charm and wit serve as a playful riposte to the idea that families must look or behave a certain way.
Looking Ahead: The Addamses in British Life
This summer’s UK tour, streaming buzz around Wednesday, and continued speculation about new films all point to enduring Addams Family popularity. Alexandra Burke and her castmates tour the country with packed houses expected at venues like The Lowry, while Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday keeps dominating streaming lists across Britain.
As autumn approaches, expect the Addamses to be an evergreen topic—perfect for school holidays, Halloween plans, and discussions about the charms of the odd. For British fans, the Addams Family are more than just “creepy and kooky.” They symbolise the fun and defiance in being yourself—whatever the world thinks.
So, as the curtain rises or the latest episode drops, it is clear: the Addams Family is alive and well in British culture. Whether you are drawn by Broadway-worthy musicals or Netflix mysteries, there is never a dull moment with the world’s most endearingly macabre family.
Read more: salzburg