Charlie and the Choco-Lotta Factory

When it comes to thinking outside the box, Nunthorpe Players consistently strive to offer their members something exciting to get their teeth into and their audiences something refreshingly different to experience. Their 2026 pantomime, Charlie and the Choco Lotta Factory, was no exception. Written by their very own Julie Hobson, who also directed the production alongside co-director Nicola Fox, this show demonstrated once again Julie’s exceptional ability to put pen to paper and deliver something both imaginative and engaging. She is no stranger to crafting inventive scripts, and here she once again brought her unique creativity to the forefront, adding a wonderfully original slant on the classic tale.

This group is incredibly fortunate to have such a wealth of experience and commitment within its membership, and this shines through in the production team and in the way they engage especially with their youth performers. The young cast members were enthusiastic, confident, and clearly proud to be part of such a dedicated and supportive society, something that was evident in every moment of their time on stage. A special mention must go to Katie Legg and Nicola Fox, who used their considerable skills to ensure that the movement and choreography for both the adult and youth performers were polished, cohesive, and full of energy. Their work brought vibrancy and momentum to the production, helping every performer shine while contributing to the overall storytelling with creativity and flair. This impact was made even more visible thanks to the work of the wardrobe department, who brought each character to life with an impressive array of costumes and props. Led by Nicola Fox and Tracy Legg, the team delivered a colourful and imaginative wardrobe that complemented the pantomime perfectly as I would have expected from this production. I especially loved the TV reporter costume complete with a wearable television frame which looked fantastic on stage. Turning to the set, this society is renowned for its ambition and creativity in design, and this production was no exception.

Thanks to the combined efforts of Katie Legg, Tracy Legg, Nicola Fox, and Julie Hobson, the set was inventive, engaging, and perfectly suited to the story. A special mention must also go to Michael Wilkinson and Paul Crosby for their contributions, which further elevated the overall look and feel of the show. A well-deserved thank you goes to Paul and Marc Crosby for their excellent technical support throughout the production. Their work ensured that the technical elements ran seamlessly from start to finish. A special mention must also go to the Stage Manager and the entire backstage crew, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to guarantee that every scene change, cue, and transition happened smoothly. Their commitment and hard work were evident in the overall professionalism of the show. Well done to Michael Wilkinson, Steve Patterson, Eva Henman, and Hollie Johnson for their dedication and efficiency in keeping the production running like clockwork.

Playing the lead role of Charlie Bucket was Libby Bulman, who proved herself to be a talented young actor and a confident performer. Libby is no stranger to the stage, and this experience showed in her portrayal of Charlie. It is a demanding role, requiring energy, warmth, and emotional range, and Libby delivered a truly standout performance. Willy Wonka is an iconic character, and Tom Bailey, taking on his debut role on stage, did the character full justice with his larger-than-life interpretation of this much-loved and renowned figure. Tom brought charisma, confidence, and a wonderful sense of fun to the role, capturing the magic and eccentricity that makes Wonka so memorable. Well done, Tom you should be incredibly proud of your performance, and I hope this experience has given you the theatre bug to take part in many more productions in the future.

Every pantomime needs its iconic Dame, and this production was no exception. Playing Charlie’s mum, Helen Bucket, was Andrew Howard, who delivered a fantastic performance filled with all the classic characteristics audiences love. Andrew’s interaction with the audience was spot-on, his stage presence was strong, and his costumes added wonderfully to the humour and charm of the role. It was a thoroughly enjoyable portrayal and a highlight of the show. Playing Charlie’s grandparents were Daisy Wall, Lily Dixon, Ava Neal, and Faye Dixon, and what a performance they delivered. These young performers approached their roles with maturity, commitment, and a clear understanding of character. Their acting, stage presence, and ability to work as a cohesive group were excellent, and they each brought something special to the production.

Playing the evil Arthur Trumpsworth was Tracy Legg, who delivered a standout performance. I absolutely loved this character, Tracy’s mannerisms, costume choices, and overall presence were superb. Even the tone and style of her delivery cleverly echoed elements of Donald Trump, adding a humorous and brilliantly exaggerated twist to the villain. It was an excellent performance throughout.

Playing two of the lucky winners of the Golden Tickets were Phoebe George as Desgustus Gloop and Julie Fenton as his mother, Gloria Gloop (shared with Andre Byron on alternate performances). This was excellent casting, as both performers brought their characters to life with humour, enthusiasm, and strong stage presence. Their scenes together provided some genuinely funny moments, and they captured the exaggerated, larger-than-lifestyle that this pair of characters is known for.

The second winning pair were Veruca Pepper, played by Olivia Kennedy, and her father Pip Pepper, played by Sean Iley. Both performers delivered excellent portrayals, fully embracing their “chavvy Teessider” characters and bringing them to life with humour, boldness, and great confidence on stage. Their chemistry was strong throughout, and they worked exceptionally well together, creating memorable and entertaining moments every time they appeared.

The third winning pair were Viola Beautiful, played by Charlotte Bailey, and her father Vinny Beautiful, played by Claire Byron-Stonehouse. This was a very different role for Claire, who is more commonly seen playing the villain; however, her performance here showcased her versatility and strong acting ability. Charlotte, appearing in her first pantomime and taking on her first principal role, also delivered a lovely performance with confident stage presence. Together, they created a charming and engaging duo who worked beautifully on stage.

And finally, the fourth winning pair were Nikee Teevee, played by Emily Couhig, as the ultimate techno nerd who was reluctant to give up his device, and his mum Tina, played by Katie Legg. Both performers delivered excellent portrayals, bringing their characters to life with confidence, humour, and great energy. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Nikee was transported into the TV, Emily captured the moment brilliantly, and Katie’s reaction (or rather, over-reaction) was hilarious and perfectly suited to the pantomime style. Great performances from both actors, rounding off the Golden Ticket winners with real pantomime sparkle.

I absolutely loved how Julie incorporated the roles of Charlie’s Angels, who accompanied Charlie throughout the production with beautifully delivered vocal arrangements. This was a clever and engaging addition to the show, adding both humour and musical charm. Well done to Chloe Ann Hamill, Kayleigh Thompson, Leila Henman, and Annabelle Dailey for their excellent performances in these roles. Playing the roles of the henchmen, Benny and Bjorn, were Benjamin Whitehead and Bex Robertson, who both delivered lovely character portrayals with strong stage presence and great comedic timing. Their partnership on stage worked very well and added humour and charm to the production. Equally enjoyable was Katie Legg as Miss Turpentine, the strict and expressive teacher, and Arran Williams as the Shopkeeper, both of whom brought individuality and confidence to their roles. Each performer contributed to the overall energy of the show, helping create a lively and engaging ensemble. Playing the narrator and TV reporter was Jake Legg, and what a great performance this young man delivered. He guided the audience clearly through the story, maintaining strong stage presence and excellent vocal delivery throughout. Jake’s confidence, timing, and ability to engage the audience made his role both enjoyable and effective, ensuring the narrative was easy to follow from start to finish, well done Jake on a first-class performance.

A huge congratulations must go to the youth performers, who made this production so engaging and enjoyable. Their talent, enthusiasm, and confidence shone through in every scene, adding charm, colour, and energy to the entire show. A special well done to the “Sweet Ensemble” played by Frances Alexander, Emilia Bulman, Kobe Byron, Amy Chapman, Jess Dixon, Emily Dixon, Heidi Edwards, Jessica Fenton, Lucy Grimley, Ruby Grimley, Emilia Grimley, Trudy Hawkins, Eva McLoughlin, Abigail Marsden, Gracie Patterson, Gabriella Sanson, and Nova Wall. Well done to each and every one of you, you should be incredibly proud of your achievements. Well done to everyone at Nunthorpe Players, both on stage and behind the curtain. You delivered an enjoyable and memorable pantomime run, and your hard work and dedication were clear for all to see. I cannot wait to return in the new year for your production of Ladies’ Day, as well as your 2026 pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

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