Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Having seen this show professionally in London around 10 years ago, I was fascinated how the technical aspects involved in this production would be achieved in a venue with such limited space, in particular the wings, which, Director Martin Rodwell informed me, are extremely tight to move anything on and off the stage. Therefore, it is remarkable how the Bucket family home, featuring a lower segment where Charlie and his Mother resided, and a large wrought iron double bed above containing both sets of Charlie’s Grandparents, were wheeled on and off again for their scenes by the stage crew. Martin said it was akin to being choreographed with every move and was highly impressive. The candy store, chocolate fountain and other very colourful props were enhanced by some impressive rear scenic projections including that of the Wonka Factory.

The large orchestra, under MD Mark Raison-Sharp, sounded magnificent throughout.

Opening the show, the impressive Ryan Davenport, as Willy Wonka, led “The Candy Man,” with choreography (Georgie Galloway), excellent throughout, in particular that of the Oompa Loompa’s in act two, who were like marionettes attached to the dancers.

There were two boys appearing as Charlie Bucket, Fyfe Hall, and Orson Knights, each taking the role on alternative nights. For this performance it was Orson who played the role and was perfectly cast as the demure boy who dreams of winning a golden ticket. Well done Orson I look forward to seeing you in future roles. Charlies Mother, Mrs Bucket, and Charlies Grandpa Joe, played by Emma Galley and Peter Howell, were both excellently portrayed and alongside Orson the three were fantastic. Emma’s singing of “If Your Father Were Here”, was beautifully delivered and a very touching moment. Peter Howell’s acting and dead pan humour, along with the key relationship with Charlie, was outstanding. Grandma Josephine (Gail Green), Grandpa George (Mike Quenby) and Grandma Georgina (Kathy Canty-Diggins), added further humorous moments to complete the Bucket family.

The remaining 4 Golden Ticket winners were introduced by Cherry Sundae (Amanda Howell), in a clever sequence of TV broadcasts introducing each character. I loved the “More Of Him To Love” number featuring Kat Tindall as Mrs Gloop and Lee Chapman as her son Augustus, Kat was hilarious throughout and Lee having his source of food removed by Wonka was very funny as Augustus fell into the chocolate. Daisy Wilson showed us what a very versatile actress she is, as the very posh and demanding Veruca Salt, Andrew Payne as Mr Salt finding his daughter very hard to control. The scene with the squirrels as Veruca met her fate was very well choreographed and delivered.

The shrinking scene where Glen Hall, as Mike Teavee, was transposed into miniature size on a TV screen, was a further very cleverly and thought-out scene. Andrea Wilson as Mother Mrs Teavee, and the number “That Little Man Of Mine,” was another very nicely delivered number. Finally, diva Violet Beauregarde, played by Charlotte Drewell, led us to the hilarious moment as she expands into a huge blueberry, to eventually explode, as Father Mr Beauregarde (Nick Bird) looked on in horror.

Ryan Davenport was excellent as Wonka, very rarely off stage and beautiful vocals, in particular that of the best-known song “Pure Imagination.” The darker side of the story and Wonka, which is throughout Roald Dahl’s script, was well balanced by Ryan as well as the wackiness of the character.

My congratulations to Director Martin Rodwell and all involved at CSODS for such a fantastic evening and another excellent production.

 

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