Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Northwich Memorial Court

Ever since Gene Wilder invited us into a world of ‘Pure Imagination’ in the 1971 film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been a story for the ages; a morality tale of the honest and good being (eventually) rewarded and the horrid and greedy getting their comeuppance. With the popularity of other children’s fantasies, such as Matilda, being translated to the stage, this was an obvious candidate for adaptation.  

For those who’ve lived in Loompaland for all their lives and haven’t discovered Roald Dahl’s long-adored story, we meet young Charlie Bucket, living in abject poverty with his hardworking mother and four bedridden grandparents. He dreams of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory at the end of the road. Soon Wonka announces a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – those who find one of five golden tickets will get a tour of the factory delivered by Wonka himself and a grand prize of a lifetime’s supply of chocolate. For someone who only gets one bar of chocolate a year for his birthday, will Charlie triumph?

Translating the more incredible elements of Wonka’s factory has been the challenge for even the professional productions and the show has often come in for criticism for its reliance on technology rather than pure theatricality.

But KMTC have used it very well, balancing it with marvellous home-made set pieces, lighting and effects, throwing everything they’ve got into immersing the audience into the chocolate maker’s world, with a candy-decorated auditorium round which they pipe sweet chocolaty scents. The stage crew is to be commended for such creativity.

The onstage efforts are equally a feast for the senses, making full use of the stage and a stunning suite of projections to bring the local candy store, Charlie Bucket’s house and, of course, the factory itself, to vivid life.

The production team of director Ben Ireson, musical director Michael J Scott, and choreographers Naomi Ireland and Aedin Bartlett (who also both appear onstage) should be immensely proud of the show they, and their cast, have created.

Thomas Frith dons the famous top hat of Willy Wonka – he fizzes with energy and his rendition of ‘Pure Imagination’ is goosebump inducing. Perhaps the slightly unpredictable, sinister side that one expects is less realised, but his wanton disregard of the health and safety of his guests is a hoot.

The other golden ticket holders are, in the best possible way, as obnoxious as you’d wish. George Robinson is an excellently greedy Augustus Gloop, Emily Murison a fabulously stroppy Veruca Salt, and Summer Macdonald brings the house down with ‘Queen of Pop’ as the bubblegum-obsessed Violet Beauregard. Charley Green also stands out as Mike Teavee, particularly in some of the physical comedy as Mike navigates one of Wonka’s more challenging rooms.

All are outstanding in their roles, with brilliant supporting turns from the adult cast playing their parents (particularly Clare Moorhouse’s boozy Mrs Teavee).

And we have a great performance from Lucas McNab as the bright-eyed and optimistic Charlie Bucket, with confident vocals and bringing Charlie’s earnest nature to the forefront. 

Further excellent support comes from Andy Dolan as Grandpa Joe and Hannah Young as Mrs Bucket (a particularly good voice from Hannah). And our other bedridden grandparents are hilarious.

There are many highlights – the Oompa Loompahs’ choreography; the technical wizardry of the song ‘Vidiots’ as Mike Teavee heads for his small screen debut; the absolutely stunning finale with the great glass elevator. 

There are a few bumps – a couple of minor technical hiccups; the moment that Charlie secures his ticket feels thrown away faster than the candy bar wrapper; the fact that Willy Wonka looks like The Penguin from 1960s Batman.

The biggest issue is not within KMTC’s control in that the music created for the show by Mark Shaiman pales into comparison against Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley’s original movie score.

However, there is so much wonderful nostalgia, heart and talent as to let these quibbles slip by and instead congratulate the society for their phenomenal efforts in creating a visual spectacular that truly leaves a taste as deliciously sweet as it looks. 

For tickets and what’s on at the Northwich Memorial Court visit What’s on – Brio Entertainment.

Reviewer: Lou Steggals

Reviewed: 23rd October 2024

North West End UK Rating: