Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

This was just the sort of classy, professional show that we have come to expect of the Upstagers. A brilliant cast, great band, magnificent set, fabulous costumes, wonderful technical effects. It must have taken an immense amount of hard work to make it all look so effortless. Congratulations first to John Clark and Andrew Hewitt yet again for achieving this performance standard.

The enormous part of Charlie Bucket was played by Kitty Moore. She brought star quality to the stage and was constantly believable and likeable in this key role. Mike Riley joined Upstagers to take on the Willy Wonka character. Again, singing and dancing appeared effortless and Mike got a great handle on this complex part- played before him by Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp. Roald Dahl writes strange characters in his books and Wonka is probably one of the weirdest, but despite his seeming cruelty and bizarre behaviour during the show, we could all love Mike by the end.

All the Grandparents were delightful, with some lovely harmony singing, but I was pleased that they mostly got to step out of their bed for some of the show. John Kitching found his legs in time to accompany Charlie to the factory and made a lovely, sympathetic companion. Sophie Holdsworth and Alex Wright stepped up to double as parents of two horrible children.

There were great performances from all the ticket winners, but if I were to admit to a favourite, I really loved the Oompah section with Augustus and Mrs Gloop. Such an energetic scene with amazing costumes and wigs. Sophie Holdsworth and Landon Crowther maintained these whacky characters throughout, so well done to them.

Charlie’s Mum also doubled as Mrs Teavee. Two very contrasting parts, but in each case, Bethany Gregory sang most beautifully. But all the major roles were beautifully portrayed. However, in all shows, the real quality is marked by strength in the small roles. All the cameo parts were beautifully cast and portrayed. Matthew Disney’s flamboyant Mrs Green embodied the saying ‘there are no small parts, only small actors.’

Choreography for the show was in the capable hands of Laura Williams, assisted by Bea Whiteley. All dancers were very well drilled, making the inventive choreography slick and stunning. Well done to all these performers who smiled and committed fully to their very varied roles and rapid costume changes. Phil Walsh was a wonderful Musical Director.

There was an enormous team behind this show. So many that it impossible to name them all, but suffice it to say that everyone’s work counted and was crucial to make the whole a piece with the highest of production values. Well, well done. Thanks for the invitation and I look forward to witnessing your next adventure.

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