I WAS proud to be a guest at the opening night of the Addams Family musical held at Victoria Hall and performed by the legendary Keighley Musical Theatre Company.

For over 100 years, this band of fantastic, local artists has provided joy and wonder to countless audiences. They have made us laugh, cry, cheer and boo and have earned a unique, powerful reputation. And their recent performance of the beloved kooky, creepy family was one of the finest I have ever seen.

The make-up and costumes were so simple yet effective. The acting, definitive and sharp. The humour, quick-witted and thoughtful and every note was an angelic ring on the eardrums.

The performers not only acted but defined their characters. Such a performance could easily descend into farce and cliche but none of that applied here. The characterisations I saw were perfect, they couldn't have been better.

In particular, Dennis Maher who played Gomez was outstanding. I met him afterwards and it was unbelievable how different he is to the patriarch he played. How he sang pitch perfect with an unnatural accent for him is unbelievable and the same goes for Harvey Dewhurst’s Pugsley and Johnny Tate who personified Fester in an acting feat like no other.

Beyond that, the orchestra demonstrated nothing but sheer talent whilst the quirky, impressive and believable props added to the escapism we all wish to feel at the theatre.

Furthermore, the backing performers enhanced every scene and acted with every fibre of their being. They became not merely an addition to the excellence otherwise on display but integral components in their own right.

Their talent, as with the show at large, vastly exceeded the confides of their stage and that of Victoria Hall itself.

Now, if I am being honest, theatre criticism isn't really my forte. I am more capable of writing reviews for TV and film. Saying that, good theatre is like good films and TV – it's something which draws you in, makes you forget your worries and is deeply enjoyable and technically sound.

It goes without saying that the Addams Family musical meets all of this and a lot more. From the start, I felt like I was watching a West End show; Keighley Musical Theatre Company you have done yourself and this town proud.

I look forward to the next one!

Councillor Luke Maunsell, Keighley town mayor

WHAT a pleasure to see the Addams Family musical comedy at Victoria Hall. This wonderful production by Keighley Musical Theatre Company was perfectly cast, with great music and dancing.

I feel we are very fortunate to have this kind of entertainment in our area. Well done to all for your hard work and passion.

Chris Lee, Haworth