Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a musical based on the 1964 novel by Roald Dahl. The book is by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Directed by Sam Mendes, the musical premiered  at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in June 2013.

For LOS’s production, the Epsom Playhouse was packed with excited families. The digitised programme was crammed with information and scrumptiously illustrated.

John Harries-Rees, once again, pulled together all the different skills & sections and created something quite magical.

A series of gloriously colourful projections formed the backdrops. Many of these were moving; and some were timed in conjunction with the operation of large set pieces onstage. The co-ordination was perfect and the overall visual effect was stunning. Whether it was individuals or groups, cast members were always beautifully illuminated.

Sound effects were well timed and complemented the visual effects. Cast voices were clear and never distorted. Sam Fisher’s orchestra produced a fine, powerful sound throughout the performance.

Sarah Marr’s choreography was always precise and so attractive. Ensemble moves were lovely to watch. The Oompa Loompas’s routine was both hilarious and creepy; and the Squirrel ballet was beautifully sinister.

Costumes were fabulous ! The ensemble was always dressed immaculately…such as the monochrome, period feel of the opening scene and the attractive Bavarian outfits. The clothing and hair/wigs of the principals were always fun and appropriate to each character.

Props and furniture were also excellent: eye-catching, colourful and always adroitly handled. The giant bed was hilarious and the candy store was a feast…for the eyes only (alas). And the Great Glass Elevator was AWESOME !

The whole cast of principals, dancers and ensemble gave of their best. Acting, dancing and singing were all of a high standard.

The grandparents (Karen Patterson, Jo Pandolfi, Nicholas Cross) were fun and cynical. Michael Lock gave a fine performance as Grandpa Joe and had a very realistic bond with his granddaughter, Charlie. Ellie Claire-King played the exhausted, hard-working Mrs Bucket and sang a beautiful number If Your Father Were Here.

The four golden ticket winners were wonderfully awful, each in their own vivid way: August Gloop (David Harries-Rees) was enthusiastically greedy, Veruca Salt (Aimee Hartnett-Riddle) wanted it all NOW, Violet Beauregarde (Milly Jane Franks) was loud & rude & obsessed with chewing gum and Mike Teavee (Jacob Ogle) was sullen & fixated on television. They were worshipped by their indulgent and equally eccentric parents: Mandy Harris, Oskar Brown Tom Paine and Claire Aston. All of them gave good characterisations.

Phillipa Stone played the world-weary stallholder Mrs Green, whilst Joe Black and Molly Haynes dazzled as Jerry and Cherry, the fast-talking newscasters.

Akhil Gowrinath was firstly the sardonic Candy Man, teasing poor Charlie before transforming into the even more scornful, uncaring Willy Wonka. He revelled in parading his inventions and whittling down the contestants. At the end he softened as he handed over his life’s work to the innocent, unassuming Charlie.

Charlie Bucket was played with such sweetness and intensity by Elkarose Curry. It was an exceptional performance, particularly for one so young. We felt her disappointments and delights. She was utterly believable and never faltered.

Leatherhead Operatic Society never stint in the presentation of their shows; and this production was full of riches.

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