Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I certainly had the golden ticket last night, as I watched RMTC’s latest triumph, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory hit the stage . Directed and Choreographed by theatre legend, Dee Bennie- Marshall, this show was full energy, colour, heart and pure imagination. As we have come to expect from a Bennie - Marshall production, the choreography was first class, expertly executed by wonderful performers. I couldn’t take my eyes off Dance Captain, Charlotte Wall, who danced all the way through to her finger tips.

Musical Director, Matthew Symonds, has worked hard with this cast of talented performers and produced great sounds. I must mention that the orchestra for this production was the best I’ve heard at the Civic for a long time.Stage Manager, Matt Roberts, and his team must be applauded. A big set, with shops, beds and a glass elevator to manoeuvre, but this team did this with so much ease. The technical element of this show was first class, with chocolate appearing on TV screens, cast members turning into blueberries, and excellent video wall footage. Congratulations to Matt Roberts and Rob Bennie, who created the content.

Dan Fenwick was a wonderful Willy Wonka. Fenwick had the just the right amount of craziness that the role requires and has a lovely relationship with Charlie, that made my heart soar. His vocals were first class, with his ‘A View From Here’ being one of those magical theatre moments. As Mrs Bucket (yes, Bucket not Bouquet) Claire Best’s rendition of ‘If Your Father Were Here’ was emotionally charged and wonderfully performed. As the constantly in bed Grandparents, Jo Sykes, Holly Strawson and Paul Biltcliffe provided some wonderful comedy moments, with Sykes in particularly being amusing even whilst being asleep.

Adam Argent and Libby Fenwick, were a great father/daughter duo as the Beauregardes. They had a great connection, with Fenwick displaying great vocals. Jonathan Cannon and Sally Smith as Mr and Veruca Salt were delightfully dastardly. Smith’s interpretation of the spoilt brat was hysterical and I loved their song and dance number, ‘When Veruca Says’. The pairing of Rachel Hirst Marshall and Josh Roberts is a match made in heaven. As Mrs and Augustus Gloop, these two powerhouse performers made their way through the production with a comedic brilliance, sausage flinging, and a fabulous facial expressions. Claire Hookham Williams, Mrs Teavee, and William Openshaw as Mike Teavee, were a great double act. Hookham Williams was brilliant as the secret drinking, American mum. With this production Hookham Williams truly showed us that she is a versatile performer, who can sing, dance and act. Openshaw perfectly captured the stroppy teenager with some great acrobatic moves. It would be amiss of me not to mention, how the amateur theatre community came together when Openshaw unfortunately fell ill. With less than 24 hours notice, Oliver Hornby stepped up and played the role of Mike Teavee on Wednesday and Thursday evening, to which he received high praise and quite rightly so. 

I fell in love a little more last night with David Hookham. Hookham is one of my favourite performers and his portrayal of Grandpa Joe was both funny and moving. His love for life and Charlie was tangible for all to feel. I never knew my Grandfather, but I really hope he was just like Hookham's, Grandpa Joe.

However, quite righty, the night belonged to Joshua Kavanagh as Charlie Bucket. This young performer managed to capture the naivety and sensitivity of the character perfectly, which made the audience truly believe in Charlie’s dreams. Kavanagh managed to hold his own amongst this very experienced cast. I’ve also heard great things about Rafe Newton, who shares the role of Charlie with Kavanagh.

The principals were well supported by a great ensemble; Bethany Broughton (Cherry), William Pawson (Jerry), Anna Scarth ( a fabulously funny Mrs Green), Louise Burrows, Emma Emmerson, Lauren Gouldsbrough, Jemma Bennie, Karen Andre, Stuart Ogden and Charlotte Wall.

A great set, colourful costumes and perfect props added to the overall presentation. Well done RMTC,
I’m so glad that I got a golden ticket and the chance to view paradise

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