Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

The genius and dark humour of the writer Roald Dahl created these famous characters for his iconic book of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Roald Dahl brought a make believe world loved by children everywhere and even adults reading the bedtime story, to famous films and then it was adapted for the stage with a musical.

Mayhem Youth Theatre brought us this exciting, lively production full of many interesting characters and a cast of 32 young people giving us a night to remember. The enthusiasm from this cast shone, this is a demanding show and is very challenging, needing high energy to make it work and Mayhem rose to the challenge and took us to the authors world of ‘Pure Imagination’ !!

Special performances were given by Harry Thomas with his perfect diction and very good stage presence, in the title role of Charlie, that is Charlie Bucket, who succeeds in getting the golden ticket for a tour of The Factory. and meets the famous Willy Wonka the very talented Laurence Regan who is a natural on stage, so confident, a rising star, and great to watch in action!

A good duo were Mr Salt, Elis Phillips and feisty Veruca Salt, Polly James who also created the imaginative choreography for the ballet sequence. Queen of Pop choreography was also fabulous by their team.

Other characters well played were Mrs Gloop, Amelia Bartlett-Smith, gave a spirited performance, and the gum chewing Divas / Squirrels were fabulous fun! Beatrice Barratt, Florence Barratt, and Olivia Erikson. All the cast gave very good performances.

This Production had many stars none so cute as the Oopa Loompas, they were amazing in their costumes, so tiny and yet self confident, and the soloists sang so sweetly, Bonnie Handley- Jenkins Seth Perry and Megan Jenkins.

Great scenery effects and lighting/sound and costumes made this production special.

Congratulations to Stage Director Andrew Griffiths, credit is due to Andrew and team for bringing all these young people to the stage safely with decipline and so well directed. Musical Director Bethany Piper did well, this was her debut with the excellent band and also thanks to band coordinator Ben Richards.

Thank you for inviting us and for your kind welcome and hospitality it was a wonderful evening

See you again for your seniors Grease in the Autumn.

 

THIS REVIEW IS THE SOLE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR DEE McILROY NODA

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.