Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Audiences were treated to a wonderful display of young talent in this musical version of Roald Dahl’s famous tale of the chocolate factory owner selling chocolate with lucky tickets to tour his magical workplace. The unnerving opening with the solo Candyman by Willie Wonka was the precursor to a polished and credible performance by all. Ryan Carlyle ably characterised Willie Wonka as a seemingly innocent sweetshop owner who turned into an astute and knowledgeable businessman with a keen eye for human nature. With his costume and hat, expressions and calm demeanour he developed a charismatic presence - and showed he was able to hit some grand top notes. He was followed by Eviee Milne, as Charlie Bucket, who neatly caught the yearning and pragmatism of a young lad whose impoverished family circumstances of single mum and aged dependants nearly swamped him. The lucky ticket gave him hope. His rapport with the audience was impressive as they willed him to succeed. Blair Hamilton as Grandpa Joe created an old man whose self esteem was low but who was rejuvenated when Charlie won the last ticket for the factory tour. He demonstrated a fine singing voice in Pure Imagination and had a great time in the Fisticuffs number. Grandma Josephine, Grandma Georgina and Grandpa George, namely Katy Walsh, Lily McGuire and Alexander Marjoribanks, did well to remain bedridden and still exude personalities, especially the laconic comedic delivery of Grand Pa George’s one liners. Holly McEwan gave Mrs Bucket a practical and loving stance and demonstrated a clear true voice with a poignant Charlie, You and I and equally moving If Your Father Were Here which had a beautifully performed dance by Jorja McFadden interpreting the mood. The Candy Shop scene introductions to the ticket winners were a hoot: Fraser Marjoribanks as Augustus Gloop gave us a greedy sausage loving youngster prompted by an ambitious mum Mrs Gloop, optimistically played by Mia Marsili: Isla Campbell gave us the manipulative and spoilt Veruca Salt who sparkled and snapped as the mood took her while Finlay Hunter gave us the besotted father Mr Salt comfortable in Russian mode; Eva Melville as Violet Beauregarde exuded confidence and demonstrated a fine singing voice beside her proud but cool father Ryan Watson; and Cora Binnie treated us to a selfish teenage boy with attitude as Mike Teavee while his mother Mrs Teavee was superbly played by Keira Strathie exhibiting the confidence and mannerisms of an adult. Minor parts of Mrs Green with her stale veggie cart (Orla Hynes), and of announcers Jerry (Phoebe Williams) and Cherry (Marley Thomson) dealt impressively with their roles. The whole cast were a delight, always together, words clearly enunciated and movements well drilled, clearly defined and energetically delivered. The Oompa Loompas were well coordinated and in the moves, make up and costumes strangely disquieting. Special mention must be made of the Squirrels in super costumes who looked so cuddly but who tore Veruca to shreds in Blueberry Pie. Songs like Pure Imagination took a trick. The staging of scenes like the Invisible Corridors and the Elevator were well executed on this restricted stage. Everyone played their part and together they presented a magical and thoroughly enjoyable performance, wowing the audience with their presence and talent. Congratulations all round.

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