Charlie and the chocolate Factory

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Vice Chair Andrew Hodgson and had a discussion with the Director and CO2 Chair Charlotte Turnnidge after the performance. The society had purchased the sets from another society and adapted and redesigned some aspects for this production. Very flexible and moveable, the sets were attractive and allowed for smooth scene changes. There was an interesting gate and entrance to the secret chocolate factory at the back of the stage and a number of props were in use the most obvious being the large communal bed for the grandparents! A realistic chocolate stall was at the front of the stage. Small props were moved on and off stage unobtrusively by the cast and crew as were two TV screens for the reporters. Lighting was well designed and enhanced the sets and sound levels were strong and all the cast could be heard clearly. There were excellent visual effects throughout. Some costumes were hired with Willy Wonka’s outfit very striking and, of course, the Ooompa Loompas costumes were amazing. All the costumes were very colourful with lots of changes for the cast.

Music was to backing tracks and Musical Director Adam Abo Saiz Henriksen had clearly worked hard with the cast and a large ensemble to produce such strong vocal performances. I particularly enjoyed the opening with Willy Wonka and the ensemble singing The Candy Man and also Pure Imagination with Willy Wonka and Charlie but there were a number of powerful songs and good performances here.

Choreography was varied and at times fast ! I especially enjoyed the ballet but all the cast were talented dancers and Choreographer Sarah James had produced some innovative moves and sequences.

Charlie Bucket was played at this performance by Benjamin Spalding.

Benjamin was just the engaging and adventurous actor perfect for this major role, with strong singing and acting ability. He was confident in this and delivered his script with great enthusiasm. Leo Wiggins was a totally believable Willy Wonka, dominating the stage and had great stage presence. He was slightly weird and eccentric but great fun with lots of energy on stage. He also showed a caring and sensitive side in his dealings with Charlie. Noah Bevan took a lovely and comical role as Grandpa Joe helping Charlie to win the Golden Ticket competition. A great pairing and relationship.

The four other winners of the Golden Tickets were a motley crew! Kobe Boyce as the video gaming Mike Teaves and India Hill as the overbearing and neglectful Mrs Teaves with Kobe as introvert and India as strident and forceful gave the audience some very comical moments. I loved the Gloops, Chloe Long as Augustus and Anna Tadman as Mrs Gloop. Dressed in Bavarian costumes, Augustus was gluttonous with much comedy around a string of German sausages!

Bessie Chandler was ballerina Veruca Salt with indulgent father Mr Salt, well played by Frederick Coe. Ella Ball played Violet Beauregarde, very competitive and constantly chewing gum with Harrison Agoro as Mr Beauregarde. There was plenty of comedy from all these “winners” all of whom were eventually eliminated. Well done everyone.

There were important small roles including the grandparents (hilarious), Mrs Green ( selling rotten cabbages) , Mrs Bucket ( earnest and hardworking ) the two TV presenters and of course the Oompa Loompas. In truth all the cast performed very well with some stellar individual performances.

I must congratulate Director Matt Jewson for his innovation and interpretation of this classic story and for his creative casting.

Well done to everyone involved in any way.

 

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