One of the most eagerly awaited events in the New Vic calendar has come around as the Eric series makes another visit to Newcastle.
The twice-yearly show is one of the highlights of the season for many of the New Vic regulars and is a must-see for many as it approaches the Silver anniversary of the first time it hit the stage.
This edition has the title Eric’s Monster Mash and, as with many in the series, it does not take much imagination for the potential audience-goer to work out the probable plot.
As expected, the action takes place in a ruined castle in Transylvania. Eric’s long-suffering wife Bev had expected a romantic break in the sun for a belated honeymoon but the chances of that were scuppered when Eric’s mate Gordon tags along and matters get worse when she sees the dilapidated castle which will be home for the next seven days.
The immediate reaction is to leave but they meet the other holidaymakers – the Addams family – and despite Fester seeming rather odd and the menu far from edifying, Eric and Bev decide to stay. The main reason for the change of opinion is that Bev immediately falls for the suave Gomez while Eric’s roving eye soon alights on Morticia’s shapely form.
It transpires that Eric has been scammed into a time-share agreement and the main plotline sees the castle residents devising a plan that will not only repay Eric but return money to all the other families that have been cheated out of their money.
As ever, the storyline is merely a vehicle to provide two and a half hours of fun for the audience. There are a series of gags – some old, some new but all extremely well-timed – and these are interspersed with a selection of hits from the 1960s that gradually crank up the atmosphere to the point where everyone who is able is on their feet singing and dancing along with the cast. An Eric show is like a twice-annual pantomime with plenty of audience interaction. But beware the fact that you may be one of the “gargoyles” who may be dragged centre stage into the action.
A number of the cast were new to the whole experience but such is the appeal of David Graham’s creativity that he is always able to draw on a talented group of performers who are able to enhance the show’s reputation. Monster Mash is no exception with Gomez and Morticia having a sparkling chemistry between them that allows for some believable duets, Gordon playing the perfect idiot – and that is a compliment!! – and Fester being his scary but lovable self.
Each actor is in turn given the opportunity to showcase their vocal and comedic talents in a script that generously allows each character to play a significant part in the entertainment and this was very warmly received by a large audience at the play’s end.
Eric may not provide the most sophisticated theatre that will appear at the New Vic this season but he does ensure a fabulously fun night out and his devotees – young and old – just love him. It would be a hard-hearted person not to go home with a smile on their face and their toes tapping. I would highly recommend anyone who is yet to see one of the shows to pop along to this one and getting hooked on the experience. A Monster slice of happiness and I cannot wait for the next portion at Christmas.
