“Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination!”
The West End adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1964 book, and the 1971 film, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical whisks into Edinburgh for a limited run.
I’m sure we all know the familiar story of Charlie Bucket, one of the five youngsters to find a golden ticket hidden inside a chocolate bar, thus winning the opportunity to visit the world-famous chocolate factory of the mysterious Willy Wonka.
Act One is a little slow-paced as it focuses on the impoverished yet loving Bucket family, and the interrupting news reports from around the world as each golden ticket is discovered. Just before the curtain closes on Act One, we finally meet the eccentric Willy Wonka.
Act Two is where the fun and magic happens. Inside the chocolate factory, we meet a giant nut-inspecting squirrel, and the otherworldly Oompa Loompas which have been upgraded to strange silver androids, as they cart off the greedy and disobedient children.
Noah Walton impressively portrays the self-less and ever cheerful optimist, Charlie Bucket. His bright vocals and charming confidence seeped out of every performance.
Stealing scenes as the cheeky and creepy chocolatier is Gareth Snook. He enthrals the audience with his velvety vocals and mesmerising marauding mannerisms. His comedic timing is superb and with a more sinister and bitter flavour to his interpretation of Willy Wonka, there is no competition for the best Candyman.
Musically, the highlight of the show has to be ‘Pure Imagination’. The ensemble boss the stage with their energetically choregraphed routines.
The show is a sweet spectacle due to the ever-evolving set. Starting in Act One as a trash heap, then a corner shop, then Charlie’s home – it’s one optical illusion after another, and in Act Two, the use of digital projections is used to stir up our imagination on the journey through the chocolate factory.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is a delicious show that will have you savouring its sweet and nutty experience.
It’s at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 15th April 2023. Don’t miss out, grab your GOLDEN ticket now!
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📸 Production Images by Persson Photography
EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
Firmly established in the cultural landscape of Edinburgh and Scotland, the Edinburgh Playhouse, owned by Ambassador Theatre Group, is the UK’s largest all seated theatre and plays host to some of the biggest names in live music, comedy and musical theatre.
Read more about Edinburgh Playhouse here.