Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Few stories capture the imagination quite like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and this production at Lancaster Grand brought Roald Dahl’s world to life with creativity, strong performances, and an impressive use of technical elements.

As the enigmatic chocolatier, Willy Wonka , Matt Boardman gave us a solid performance throughout-the role requires both charm and mystery, which Matt gave us with aplomb though a touch more eccentricity or unpredictability might have given the character that extra spark. This said, his musical numbers were well delivered, and he maintained a strong presence throughout.

Prior to seeing this production, my thoughts had always been that the children’s roles should be played by children, and whilst creating issues for companies in doing so, should find a way to. How wrong I was, and I'm quite happy to admit it! Children played through adult eyes gave all of the characters another, deeper layer- the brattishness of a child is probably harder to express when the performer either has never been a brat (ahem) or witnessed anyone being one. Whereas every adult has seen and can relate to when they've seen the actions of a child acting like a brat or when they remember a time they were, which really added to the child roles, which have always been seen as a metaphor for the human condition, but none more so than these times.

The "child" performers were a real highlight of the show, with each of the golden ticket winners bringing their own unique personality to the stage.

The pivotal role of Charlie was played by a child performer- though only in age, not performance level. This was particularly well cast, with Thea Parsons delivering a heartfelt and engaging performance that really carried the story throughout- Charlie's virtuosity is the antithesis of the traits of the other children, and this came across incredibly well- I'm reliably informed that Ben Brevitt (Charlie on alternate performances) was equally as engaging- two talents to watch out for no doubt!

Caeragh McCloy came across well as the competitive, arrogant, gum obsessed Violet Beauregarde. 

Veruca Salt, played by Charlotte Mason was everything you expected her to be- spoiled, ungrateful, thankless and entitled. In fact, you could (quite literally) say, Charlotte's performance was on point.

Andrew Thompson's Mike Teavee gave us every parent's nightmare when a child becomes a teen- think Kevin and Perry on speed times ten, and you may be somewhere near the mark.

However, it was Augustus Gloop (James Shields) who stole the show—his comic timing, commitment to character, and sheer presence made him a standout in every scene he appeared in.

The parents of the children- Steve Johnson (Mr Beauregard), Mike Zorab (Mr Salt), Holly Brown (Mrs Teavee) and Jenny Gilpin (Mrs Gloop) all played their roles with confidence- totally believable in their roles, you really did feel sorry for them and how their children treated them (even though it was probably down to them as to how their children behaved).

Charlie's mum, Mrs Bucket (Francesca Warren), was played with love and warmth- a total contrast to all the other parents. Sometimes this can be hard to portray without it coming across like a sickly sweet Wonka fudge bar, but Francesca got it Goldilocks style- just right. No doubt Vanessa Whittle managed the same on the alternative nights.

You wouldn't  believe that Grandpa Joe (Neil Townsend) had spent most of his time in bed. As soon as Charlie won the Golden Ticket he was leaping and dancing here, there and everywhere- wouldn't surprise me if his neighbours reported him to the DWP! There were some lovely moments between Neil and Thea during their journey through the factory, and the love between them shone through.

Of course, Grandpa Joe shared the bed with Grandma Josephine, Grandma Georgina and Grandpa George- played with a youthful giddiness by Kerry Hartin, Lynne Nolan and John Savage. I've not seen that many people in a bed since...... well, let's not get into that!

Hannah Stevenson created a delightful Mrs Green.

Charlotte McCaffrey and Matthew Hodkin made a fine pair of anchors as the reporters, Cherry and Jerry

One of the things with this show is how much fun the well-drilled chorus looked as though they were having- this shone through every scene- moving and sounding great, and always with a smile (and possibly sore knees)

The production made good use of digital screens, which allowed for smooth transitions and visually interesting scene changes. The screens were particularly effective during the news segments-this added a fun and unique touch, showing digital animation and technical skills that really enhanced the storytelling- although if the Bucket family really were starving, they could have eaten the sixty-seven animated rats that ran across their floor.

Musically, the show was in safe hands under Anna Scott, with the orchestra delivering a good performance that kept the energy high and the pacing smooth. Anna had kneaded her Oompa Loompas into shape well. The balance between live music and vocals was well-handled, ensuring that the songs remained clear and engaging throughout.

Holly Brown must have had a lot of fun choreographing this show- with so many dance styles to play with, I can wager that she was in her element.

Suzanne Ward as Producer, brought us a well-thought-out staging of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with plenty of memorable moments and a cast that clearly put their all into it. 

The creative technical elements, good performances from the cast, and some  standout comedic moments made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. 

Great effort from all involved!

Thank you LADOS, for your invite

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