Review: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY - THE MUSICAL, Leeds Playhouse
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Roald Dahl’s classic story will be familiar to everyone, whether you read the book as a child or have seen either of the two iconic films. This fun-filled musical borrows elements from all three classic versions to create a unique version of the well-loved story.
Most notably in this version, the role of Charlie is shared between two boys and two girls, meaning that the character's gender changes with the actors. We saw Amelia Minto play Charlie beautifully as a creative and kind-hearted little girl. She is perfect for the role and shines throughout the show, particularly in the first half leading up to finding the golden ticket.
The first half of the musical is a beautiful, often humorous story of hope and family love as we follow Charlie, an ambitious and resourceful child, and their struggling family. When the golden ticket competition is announced, the whole family are excited by the possibility of winning the grand prize, but as each golden ticket is won by the bizarre characters we all know and love, they slowly lose hope. Charlie and their beloved Grandpa Joe refuse to give up dreaming until Charlie finds the last ticket just before the competition ends. Throughout this act we meet the golden ticket winners with the help of the hilarious news duo Jerry and Cherry who keep you entertained with their brilliant comedic timing. At the end of this act, we meet Willy Wonka played by Gareth Snook. This version of the celebrated chocolatier is rather sinister, at times bringing to mind the Child Catcher, but he still manages to tread the line between threatening and charming.
The second half of the musical is wildly different to the first as we enter the chocolate factory. As the doors of the factory open, it is surprising to see an empty stage after the detail of Charlie's house in the first half, but the lack of set is soon explained as the ever-changing factory is projected onto the stage. The story ensues in well-choreographed chaos as we explore the factory and the other four children meet their untimely demise. From giant squirrels to the sci-fi style TV room, there are lots of fun special effects that are often comedic. Making the Oompa Loompas robots is an interesting choice and they provide fun dances and songs throughout. The other four golden ticket winners and their parents (who double up as Charlie’s family in the first half) are all hilarious and each larger-than-life character is portrayed wonderfully.
This show has brilliant choreography, particularly the Oompa Loompas whose energetic dances are performed with precise synchronisation as is appropriate for robots! The costumes are beautiful. Charlie and their family's outfit show off how poor they are, whilst still being whimsical and fun with lovely detail; whereas each of the golden ticket winners and their families' costumes perfectly demonstrate their wildly contrasting lives and personalities.
This production is also unique in its incorporation of sign language too. Not only was there a sign language interpreter, but Leonie Spilsbury (who herself is hard of hearing) uses sign language alongside her dialogue whilst playing Charlie's mum. Others on stage also used BSL when talking to Mrs Bucket, which is a lovely touch.
A fun filled family show with just the right amount of edginess that will surely be a hit with all ages.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Romy Morgan
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical plays at Leeds Playhouse until 28 January 2023 before touring, with tickets for select touring venues available to book here.