Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Arguably the most well-known of all Roald Dahls novels, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is being performed at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse this week. Directed by Joseph Meighan, it is also a story with very popular film versions and so is a brave undertaking for any theatre to perform.

For those few who have never heard of the story it is essentially about young Charlie Bucket and a winning golden ticket that entitles the holder to a rare entry into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Wonka, the eccentric and largely unseen owner of the factory, meets Charlie and the rest of the winners and the story ensues with much surrealism, a lot of sugar and some strange ‘umpa lumpa’ people along the way!

Charlie Bucket is performed by Rui Yang Lau. He performs as Dahl described Charlie in his novels. With a healthy balance of kindness and curiosity he is the perfect Charlie Bucket. Great stage presence, strong vocals and an entirely engaging performance particularly with his mother (Dawn Flint) and Grandpa Jo (Ivor Farley) he was great to watch.

Conor Collins is Willy Wonka. Camp, eccentric yet mysterious and with dark humour, Collins pulled off a very fitting and energetic Wonka. He led the children effortlessly through the factory at a pace, engaging with them at times in a curious manner, typical of Wonka’s character.

All the main characters were appropriately exaggerated and could have been lifted directly from the novel itself.  Lauren Brown as Veruca Salt was the perfect ‘spoilt brat’, and whilst demonstrating her consistent ballet skills, she was amusing to watch on stage. Violet Beauregarde was performed by Nandi Nhariwa and was the all singing all dancing American dream- her becoming a blueberry on stage was well executed and popular with the audience.

The larger-than-life Augustus Gloop was performed by Alex Day and was hilarious on stage with his constant desire to eat all that there was in the factory. Mike Teavee was performed well by Max Lawrence, the TV obsessed kid who didn’t seem to speak, merely shout. A special mention must go to Mrs Teavee, his mother (Laura Aremia), with a penchant for a tipple, she was outstanding, with excellent comedic timing she was consistent throughout and hard to take your eyes off on stage.

The set was visually a masterpiece – and it can be assumed that massive effort has gone into the execution of such a set. The grandparent’s bed was very reminiscent of the original film version. as were the gates to the factory. The way that the entire visual effect had on the story was quite astonishing and added a richness to the entire production. Video footage as a backdrop to the ticket winners around the world winning the golden tickets was well executed. The colourful scenes from inside the factory were spectacular, again with film footage as a backdrop, the audience were transported to the factory tour themselves. With gasps from the audience in disbelief, the magical final scene with Wonka and Charlie in the great glass elevator was an unforgettable moment on stage.

The Garrick’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is quite simply, pure escapism and is a must for all ages. It exudes a sense of magic from start to finish and it was a delight to be in the audience. It encapsulates the essential Dahl humour alongside a smattering of slightly dark moments mainly in Wonka’s parts. With a well-deserved standing ovation, this show is a must for any musical theatre lover.

Playing until November 2nd, tickets are available from www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk

Reviewer: Angela Kelly
Reviewed: 23rd October 2025
North West End UK Rating: