Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group’s recent production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was a vivid and memorable addition to their repertoire, distinguished by an innovative use of technology. The incredible video wall, featuring custom-made graphics, transformed the set and elevated the visual storytelling to a new level, setting the show apart from other adaptations. The graphics were seamlessly integrated, creating immersive backgrounds that enhanced both the whimsical and dramatic moments of the performance and really set it apart.  It really was a technological leap that made all the difference.  Director Louise Defty, as always inspires the children to do their best and this year was no different.  Supported by daughter Megs and stage manager Liam Etherington, she’s an inspiration to us all.

Technical support was expertly provided by Brightstar Light & Sound, East Durham Audio and Aaron Calder for the superb video wall.  Not a detail was missed with the entirety of the front of house decorated with Wonka Bars, a fully stocked tuckshop and a proscenium arch fully immersing the audience in the world before it.  The smoke bubble machine also really set the effects off.

Amongst a host of great performances, Jayden Nixon’s portrayal of Willy Wonka brought a subtle, take to the character, offering nuance and intrigue. He was charming, had charisma and flair and was every the gentleman on stage. Henry Armstrong charmed audiences as Charlie, delivering an excellent and endearing performance that captured the innocence, imagination and determination of the young hero. Megs Defty’s turn as Mrs Bucket was a highlight, with her beautiful singing voice lending warmth and emotion to that role and a wonderful maternal warmth. Special mention must go to Jonah Raynard, who stepped in at the last minute as Augustus Gloop; his quick adaptation and spirited performance ensured the show went on smoothly, demonstrating admirable professionalism under pressure for one so young and he was an absolute delight on the stage.

Grandpa Joe was dual cast with Alfie Stephenson and Harry Coles taking the role, and I was fortunate enough to see Harry on the night I attended and Harry epitomised the lovable rogue very well indeed.  Accompanying him as the other Bucket grandparents were Nicole Hadju as Grandma Josephine, Scarlett Revell as Grandma Georgina and Isla Craig as Grandpa George.

The golden ticket winners bring the levels of humour, idiocy and of course a reflective look at personality in the story.  Mrs Gloop played by Kassidy Blackburn coupled with Jonah Ranyard as Augustus were the perfect yodelling pair.  Mr Salt played by Naiomi Ritchie coupled with Millie Payne as Veruca Salt were excellent as the ballet dancing spoiled bratty Veruca and her somewhat maltreated father. Mr Beauregarde played by Amy Gatland, who is ever the consistently strong performer, was delightful as the pushy parent and Violet played by Elizabeth Chaney was a mature delight, with her blueberry transformation on stage being very cleverly done and Queen of Pop being a real treat.  Mrs Teavee played by Lily Coles was very good with Lucy Edwards played Mike the spoiled brat with a perchance for technology.

The charisma was bought to us by Harley Mains playing Jerry and Ella-Rose McKenna as a very glamourous Cherry who really were a treat on stage. Mrs Green the vegetable seller who eventually sells Charlie his cherished Golden ticket was also double cast with Roxy Harrison and Ellen Dodds taking the role.  I had the pleasure of seeing Roxy on the night I attended.

Choreography was well executed throughout, with ensemble numbers showing strong coordination and energy. The cast worked cohesively, responding well to direction and the dynamic staging provided by the video wall especially in act 2 dressed as Umpa Lumpas in uniform dungarees and green wigs. I think some scenes including those in the Bucket household may have benefitted from being set a little more downstage, but the overall performance from Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group was excellent as comes to be expected of them. Overall, this production showcased the group’s creativity and commitment, leaving audiences delighted and impressed. Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group should be commended for their bold vision and skilful delivery of a classic tale.

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