Roald Dalh's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

This was the first time for me seeing the show being performed by a NODA club and I was excited to see APOS’s version. Based on the Broadway version of the show, this was a joy of a performance packed with colourful characters both in the principal cast and fuller ensemble, vibrant set and costumes, and impressive vocals throughout all musical numbers. It must have taken an immense amount of hard work to make it all look so effortless, and big congratulations are due to the entire production team and club.

The key part of Charlie Bucket was played on the Friday evening by Archie Mirfin (Kayla Hunter on alternate shows). Archie lit up the stage with his star quality, creating a very likeable character that the audience engaged with allowing him to drive the story throughout. Ron Swanson used his comedy and charm to bring the quirky role of Willy Wonka to life. My favourite characters from reading the book when I was younger were the Grandparents and this cast of four were just delightful. With great harmony singing, characterisation and facial expressions, they delivered the great humour of them being stuck in the bed very well. Thankfully Colin McDonald found the strength in his legs to join Charlie to the Chocolate Factory and made a lovely, compassionate companion for him. The relationship between the two was just wonderful. Charlie’s Mum played by Sharon McDonald added more warmth and compassion to the show and scenes with the Bucket family. Her rendition of “If Your Father Was Here” was just beautiful.

There were fantastic performances from all the ticket winners and their parents; Mike Teavee and Mrs Teavee (Marshall Gillam and Amy Sheddon), Veruca Salt and Mr Salt (Harriet Harper / Iona Proctor and Robin Kendall), Violet and Mr Beauregarde Emma Graham / Lily Scott and Michael Gallagher), Augustus Gloop and Mrs Gloop (Cameron Lindsay and Mari McCrindle). Each portrayed their characters impeccably with humour and vibrance. The kids delivered their characterisation brilliantly and really brought these well-known roles to life with their own touches. All the parent characters contrasted each other well with different accents and eccentricities as they delivered their individual musical numbers to boost the pace of the story.

This show would not be complete without the Oompa Loompas! The ensemble did so well to bring these iconic characters to life with confidence, comedy, strong vocals and excellent movement. There was also a variety of featured characters throughout the story and all executed very well with Mrs Green (Vicki Green), Cherry Sunday (Jessica McAllister) and Jerry Jubillee (Lisa Stewart) making their mark through strong and witty line delivery.

A great show to showcase the full teamwork of a great ensemble piece with everyone on stage holding up their end and delivering a great performance that the audience loved. Congrats to APOS for bringing their wonderful world of ‘Pure Imagination’ to life. 

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