Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

It is always a joy to see a NODA North premiere, even more so if you’ve never seen the show before (or even the film or read the book) – that’s correct this was totally new to me although I admit I had heard various snippets as to what might be involved and knew of other works by Roald Dahl.

Being two juvenile leads I attended on two separate consecutive evenings to see both young gentlemen.

A brief mention of the ‘pre-show’ if I’m permitted to call it that, Entering the auditorium there were two couples ’asleep’ on a small thrust to the stage where it was obvious their proximity to each other was not conducive to deep sleep and various shuffling, scratching of posteriors, and ‘old age grunts’ were in plentiful supply. The four it turns out were ‘Charlies’ grand-parents – Grandpa’s ‘Joe and George’ (Michael Dignen and Ronnie Monaghan) and Grandma’s ‘Josephine and Georgina’ (Janet Cooper and Norma Ord) – the grandparents remained in bed for the whole of the first Act – a nice touch (and a feat of endurance for the couples I’d guess). Making the family unit was widowed mum to Charlie, ‘Mrs Bucket’ (Aimee Irwin) – although a minor role Aimee excelled in her role with a lovely voice and a compassionate nature – the whole family were poor as the proverbial church mouse, hence the reason why ‘Charlie’ was so ‘accepting’ of his ‘lot’ and subsequently humble and genuine.

The story revolved around the reclusive, and secretive, chocolate factory owner ‘Willy Wonka’ (Liam Olsen) who is getting disillusioned with his ‘lot’ and is seeking to hand the reigns over to someone fresh and forward thinking.

He, in a wonderful marketing scheme, hides five ‘golden tickets’ in his bars of chocolate for the winners to be given a grand tour of the factory – this causes a ‘chocolate frenzy’ and soon winners from around the globe are found and interviewed on ‘chocolate TV’ by anchorman ‘Jerry Jubilee’ (Emily Harrison) and interviewer ‘Cherry Sundae’ (Lucy Hill) – these two characters caused humorous interludes by their combined antics and facial expressions.

First golden ticket winner was ‘Augustus Gloop’ (Connor Sinclair) and his accompanying mum ‘Frau Gloop’ (Laura Dollimore) – Augustus’ gluttony was legendary and both mother and son were ideal in their roles.

Second ticket winner was ‘Veruca Salt’ (Helen Downey) and her Russian billionaire father ‘Mr Salt’ (Adam Potter) – Veruca in ballerina dress throughout was spoilt and used to getting her own way – always! – The father daughter combo was a treat to watch especially in the second act when Willy Wonka says ‘no’ to her.

Third golden ticket winner was ‘Violet Beauregarde’ (Hannah Stothard) from California – a gum chewing social media sensation – accompanied by her equally extrovert dad ‘Mr Beauregarde’ (Shaun Crosby) – these two remained in character throughout – well done.

Fourth ticket claimed was ‘Mike Teavee’ (Cheiron Bates) who had hacked into the Wonka computer to claim his prize – accompanied by his doting mum and throwback to the 50’s ‘Mrs Teavee’ (Clair Taylor) – once again this couple was well cast together.

Leaving one ticket still to claim ‘Charlie’ gets his yearly bar of Wonka chocolate on his birthday but is disappointed not to find a ticket. Despondent, but accepting, ‘Charlie’ spends, a dollar he found on the floor, from ‘Mrs Green’ (Pam Monaghan) – a cut back entrepreneur seeing mouldy vegetables from a shopping trolley; who had one chocolate bar left from when she ‘dabbled in chocolate’ – ‘Charlie’ is ecstatic to find the remaining golden ticket – his, erstwhile bed bound, ‘Grandpa Joe’ to accompany him on his visit.

As the five golden ticket winners tour the factory one by one, they each meet a terrible fate appropriate to their demeanour leaving ‘Charlie’ as the last remaining winner and claiming the factory to run and own as his prize.

A word on the main principals of ‘Grandpa Joe’, ‘Willy Wonka’ and ‘Charlie’ – simply astounding. Michael as ‘Joe’ was the epitome of a doting grandpa but fiercely protective with his movement belying his apparent elderly nature. Liam, as ‘Wonka’ was ‘class’ and his stage presence, acting and singing simply outstanding. ‘Charlie’ was played by two youngsters in consecutive performances (Jack Wright and Harrison Baughan). Each were allowed by the director, Steph Corbett, to express their own interpretation into their role with subtle differences throughout – what was not up for interpretation was their ‘cuteness’, fine singing voices and strong stage presences – well done boys.

This was my first (and second) time of seeing this show and it was brought to life by the fine ensemble of ‘workers’ and Oompa Loompas (including a fine chorus of children). Music in the safe hands of Thomas Hindmarch and choreography in the safe ‘feet’ of Nicola Hindmarch made this a show to remember.

One final mention to James Monaghan as ‘Jeremy the Squirrel’ whose facial expressions and stage movement had me in stiches in his brief (but memorable scene). I must also mention the set, as the ‘factory’ in particular, was intricate and appropriate and moved from scene to scene at pace. Well done to all stage crew under the Stage Managership of Helen Abraham.

An enjoyable show – looking forward to catch ‘The Good Life’ in October.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.