Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (Theatre for Young Audiences)

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (Theatre for Young Audiences)

Hornsea Amateur Theatre Society

 

Director Mollie Swinden, Producer Ian Thompson. Choreographer Jule Long and Musical Director Caroline Newman

20thth February 2026

A stage full to the brim of shining stars showcased the future actors and actresses as Hornsea Amateur Theatre Society’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Junior burst into life before a packed-out audience who cheered and laughed from start to finish. Under the guidance of director Mollie Swinden, producer Ian Thompson, musical director Caroline Newman and choreographer Julie Tong, the production radiated confidence, organisation and a genuine love of theatre. It was wonderful to see such a vast range of young performers of different ages working together so naturally — the sense of teamwork was evident from the opening moment.

The set and staging were fantastic. Two built-out wings cleverly depicted different scenes across the two acts, and the brightly painted sets and flats glowed with the vivacity and colour you expect from this magical story. The design allowed smooth transitions and gave the young cast every opportunity to shine.

Energy poured from the stage. The cast filled every moment with smiles and enthusiasm and genuinely looked like they were enjoying being there — which in turn lifted the audience throughout. The singing performances were equally lovely, confidently delivered alongside backing tracks and carefully overseen by Musical Director Caroline Newman, ensuring clarity, timing and strong ensemble harmony across the show.

Martha’s Mrs Green was instantly funny whenever she appeared, and the lovely reporting duo of Zach and Jess A showed such confidence they may well have futures in journalism as well as acting.

The Bucket family worked beautifully as a unit, often finishing each other’s sentences and showing touching empathy. Frankie (Grandma Josephine), Olivia (Grandma Georgina), Rylie (Grandpa George) and Ruby R (Mrs Bucket) formed a warm and believable household. Ralph’s hilarious Grandpa Joe earned many laughs, while Fergus as Charlie delivered clear projection and excellent enunciation, guiding the audience warmly through the story.

Each golden ticket winner brought their exaggerated personality to life, alongside their wonderfully exhausted parents. Edward’s Augustus Gloop and Jeffrey’s Mrs Gloop were a comic pair, especially during their introduction number More of Him to Love. Iris gave Veruca Salt just the right balance of sass and sweetness, perfectly matched by Oscar’s ever-patient father. Maisy W as Violet and Harry Bu as Mr Beauregarde sparkled with ambition, and Joseph’s obnoxious Mike Teevee alongside Georgia A’s oblivious mother completed the quintet with great comic timing.

Ralph as Wonka was a standout performance — a delightful mixture of strong singing and confident characterisation. Definitely one to watch for the future.

The dance ensemble impressed throughout, particularly as the Gum Divas and Ballet Squirrels, showing precision and enthusiasm. The Oompa Loompas and reporters also threw themselves wholeheartedly into their multiple roles, adding colour, humour and pace.

Overall, this production was filled with joy, confidence and developing talent. Hornsea Amateur Theatre Society should be incredibly proud — there is clearly a lot of theatrical promise here, and audiences will no doubt be watching many of these young performers for years to come.

 

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