Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Roald Dahl’s story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory first written in 1964 has been made into several films and a musical, the musical differing ever so slightly to the films. It has definitely stood the test of time. There have been spin-offs, multiple merchandise and even a stamp issued by the Royal Mail in 2012.

Walking in to The Coronation Hall in Ulverston we are met with a large screen of the top of the factory. Stage Right is an iron bed in the Bucket household that holds four people. When the show starts, we are taken on a journey seeing the pop-up candy shop Stage Left. A large screen was used to support the scenes. Showing outside the factory, the town, night scene complete with stars. Where this came into its own was the settings for the various demises of the ticket winners that played out, often a violent ending. The flying of the paper aeroplane then transcending on to the large screen was very effective as was the shooting star. Various staging was then brought on and the Mike Teavee scene truck where he has to get smaller. I am aware of the problems the society had with the set and Director and crew having to think on their feet last minute as they were unable to use the lift on the Coronation Hall Stage. So, resetting they used a Mike Teavee truck. The sound and lighting overall supported the action but there were one or two moments that were in darkness. Mrs Teavee’s beginning of her song and Wonka and Charlie’s song at the end. Costumes looked good and the chorus stand out primary colours worked as did the Oompa Loompas. Violet Beauregarde’s inflatable costume was also very effective.

Sally Blake’s choreographer looked great and fresh, each dance having a completely different feel and good use of the stage was made. Each style working within the scene. The cast lapped it up. Emma Richardson was the Musical Director and had a strong handle on proceedings with a live band -the musical numbers were brought to life and filled the hall.

The Director was Graham Barker who brings the show together despite last minute cast changes and as I said before problems with the set on the stage of the Coronation Hall, but hey ho it’s live theatre and we rise to these challenges and still pull off a fun colourful show. This story has stood the test of time as it visits social class, greed and humility with the children winning the golden ticket having different sort of vices. Charlie’s kindness thankfully wins the day. The stage is used well and the story flows. I just want to point out I didn’t mind Charlie miming using a pen in an early scene but later on at the end he uses a pen to make notes in his book. Another note when doing an accent just make sure diction is clear so we can hear at the back of the auditorium what is being said. It was clear the cast worked well together and the parents and child characters had a good connection with each other.

The chorus were strong and playing various characters including Oompa Loompas as well as aggressive squirrels. Laura Thompson played Jerry, Rachel Lucy played Cherry, Sharon Cooper played Granma Josephine, Sally Milmine played Grandma Georgina, Seamus Dorna played Grandpa George, Neil Hastings played Mrs Green, Mrs Bucket was played by Deborah McGuire.

Louise Marshall was the doting Mrs Teavee who like a tipple and her teenage son Mike Teavee was played by Chloe Sparks, who got his comeuppance and ended up being a mummies boy.  Suze Armstrong played Mrs Gloop another doting parent her son was Agustus Gloop played by Bailey Parrington and partial to the odd sausage and chocolate which got him in to trouble in the end. Mr Salt the devoted rich Russian father of the very spoiled Veruca Salt, who could do En pointe while having a tantrum, listening to no one was her mistake and got her ripped apart literally. Mr Beauregarde who saw his daughter Violet as a business. Violet was played by Lexi Marshall and made sure everyone was aware of her. How fitting that this story in 1964 is so relevant today. All these partnerships brought out the comedy.

Laurie Burns takes on the role of Willy Wonka, who after a meeting with Charlie sets up the Golden Ticket, Laurie brought a youthfulness, energy and mystery to the larger-than-life character. Graham Edwards taking over the role last minute as Grandpa Joe was a delight, His championing of his grandson and his delight in him winning the golden ticket really came through, you believed his connection with Charlie played by Ruby Pickup. Ruby also gave a commendable performance as Charlie. A lovely portrayal of the character and the journey Charlie went through. They really did work well together.  Really sending a message that kindness wins through. Great Work.

Thank you for the invite and hospitality to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and it was lovely to see the theatre filled with so many young people engaged in live theatre.

 

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