Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory .... a musical staged and performed by Waterloo & Crosby Theatre Company at the Liverpool Lighthouse Theatre, Oakfield Road, Anfield, Liverpool on Friday, 3rd July 2026

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory... a musical based on the book penned by Roald Dahl of the same name, which has been made into a film twice and which featured Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp taking on the role of the eccentric chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka. ‘Wonka’ is opening the gates to his mysterious factory to five lucky winners of the ‘Golden Tickets’. The story follows Charlie Bucket, a young lad from a really poor family who is infatuated by Wonka’s chocolate factory and is desperate to find one of the Golden Tickets. He becomes increasingly disappointed as each of the other four Golden Tickets are found all over the world. But Charlie finds himself in possession of the final Golden Ticket and takes Grandpa Joe along for the tour of Wonka’s factory which includes chocolate waterfalls, nut sorting squirrels, a glass elevator and the Oompa-Loompas to name a few. Charlie learns a valuable lesson throughout his tour, winning the top prize, Wonka’s chocolate factory.  

The Creatives ... there are few musical stories that capture the imagination quite like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the people chosen to take us on this journey to find that ’Golden Ticket’ were Les Gomersall and Nicci Henshaw (Directors); Sarah Henchskelt (Musical Director /Choreographer) and Kate Archer (Assistant Musical Director) ... and what a great job they made of it all!  This was Waterloo & Crosby’s first adventure into the terrific surroundings of the Liverpool Lighthouse Theatre in Anfield, Liverpool situated just a few hundred yards from the World-famous Anfield Football Stadium, home of Liverpool FC. Les and Nicci had gathered some talented actors all of whom looked well-rehearsed and ready for the many challenges that this musical throws up! Sarah, was not only Musical Director (assisted by Kate) she Choreographed it whilst taking on the role of Mrs Bucket – Charlie’s mother ... busy, busy, busy I would suggest... but you would never have guessed!  Sarah created some imaginative choreography which helped capture the individuality of the characters whilst creating a strong ensemble presence... playing to the strengths of all.... congrats folks... great production!   

The Cast... we had a cast of thirty-nine ....they included
John King played ‘Willy Wonka’; Jess Travers – ‘Charlie Bucket’; Sarah Henchskelt – ‘Mrs Bucket’; Ian Robinson – ‘Grandpa Joe’; Sam Thomas – ‘Grandma Georgina’; Kevin Ruane – ‘Grandpa George’; Gemma Mulligan – ‘Grandma Josephine’;
Andrew McLeod – ‘Mr Salt’; Izzy Robinson – ‘Veruca Salt’; Will Martin – ‘Mr Beauregard’; Evie Baird – ‘Violet Beauregard’; Jenna Watkinson – ‘Mrs Gloop’; Wilfred Archer – Augustus Gloop; Kate Archer – ‘Mrs Teavee; Isaac Arnold – ‘Mike Teavee’;
Siobhan King – ‘Cherry Sundae’; Stuart Gray – ‘Jerry’ and Liz Kewley – ‘Mrs Green’. 
Glum Chompin Divas/Dancers: Emily Wall, Chloe Kewley, Amelie Porter & Chloe Todd.  Dancers: Jessica & Alice Dearden, Georgie Wilson, Annabel De Venter, Grace Pearce & Olivia Houseley.
Ensemble: Scarlett Roberts, Poppy Grant, Nieve Marshall, Myla Byrne, Alex Faulkner, Libby Wilson, Zachery Kewley, Eleanor Housely, Isabella Jones, Nancy Dickman and Rhys Owen.
So, it’s that time ... when I stick the old neck out and select MY ‘Show Stealer(s)’ and ‘favourite characters’... these are MY suggestions, you’ll know doubt have your own, but these are mine! I’m not sure I should but I just can’t separate John King and Jess Travers (aka Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket) ... for the accolade of ‘Show Stealer’! The role of ‘Willy’ requires both charm and mystery and dressed in the most ‘flamboyant of attire’, John gave us that and more! Confident, assured, great stage presence, John just did it his way and Jess, aged just twelve ... produced this heartfelt, engaging character, another with great stage presence, she dealt with her plethora of lines with maturity beyond her years whilst working ever so with John and all the cast! ‘Favourite characters’ ... OMG... there were so many to choose from, but I’m narrowing it down to just two... first was Sarah Henchskelt and her portrayal of ‘Mrs Bucket’ Charlie’s Mum. Not the biggest of parts, but was played with warmth and charm, providing us with the backstory to Charlie’s father. Loved her rendition of ‘If Your Father Were Here’, full body chills, congrats Sarah for everything!  Final selection... Ian Robinson’s as ‘Grandpa Joe’. Here’s a bloke who’s getting better and better with every show! Ian not only looked the part but looked again like he was having the time of his life! Ian, totally embodied the character, worked ever so well with Jess and just did a wonderful job! If I haven’t mentioned you directly, please don’t think you weren’t noticed, this was a great team effort, something that each and all should be so proud of!

Stage /Tech ... as is the norm ... Waterloo & Crosby’s Set Building Team had created another wonderful set that they should be very proud of! Everything worked a treat... I particularly loved the ‘upstairs bedroom truck’ which was impressive and heavy I’m told, especially when it had to convey four adult cast members to the stage. Loved all the projection, which was impressive and used throughout to help create/depict locations and tell the story! Led as always by Colin Wilson (Stage Manager/Back Stage Leader) and
Niall Quigley (DSM). Their Back Stage Team included Sandra Quigley, Nikki Wilson, Nicci Henshaw, Georgie Wilson, Jason Sinclair and Robin Leyland. Again folks, be very proud of what you helped achieve on stage, it really was impressive! 
Lighting, and Sound was good, although we did have a few slow mikes, which didn’t detract from overall the enjoyment... created and overseen by members of the Lighthouse Team.

Costume Design & Creation ... really liked the costumes, they were apt, appropriate for the period and enhanced the production oh so much. Creators and watch keeper on all things costume were: Lisa Wall, Nicci Henshaw, Lisa Feeney, Kate Archer and Sarah Henchskelt.  Congrats ladies... the costumes added so much to the enhancement of this production!

Matrons... I never fail to mention these ‘selfless people’ who give up of their time to ensure ‘young people’ can perform on stage in a safe and secure environment. To Matron Co-ordinator Lisa Wall, and her team... Louise Dearden, Lisa Feeney, Kate Archer, Sam Marshall, Clare Hyams, Anne Pennington, Sarah Arnold, Chris Arnold, Emma De Venter, Nicki Dickman, Elaine Birch, Alison Jones, Sam Travers and Rob Travers.... thank you so much for caring and giving of your time!

Thanks for inviting Susan and I, for your welcome, your hospitality and allowing me to meet and speak with the cast post production. I know the problems you have with locations but nothing /nowhere seems to phase you... already looking forward to panto... Oh No You’re Not, Oh Yes, I Am!

Stay safe, keep well ....
‘Stronger Together’
Jim Briscoe
NODA NW District 6 Rep

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