There’s more than a few reasons to look forward to the arrival of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY next week at the Wales Millennium Centre. Firstly, it’s brilliant, the musical, the film and of course the original book are always entertaining. And it’s the book which gives us our second reason to welcome the show with open arms. The writer, ROALD DAHL is ours- he was born (1916) at Villa Marie on Fairwater Road, in Llandaff in Cardiff.
Much like the original book and movies, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical tells the story of ‘golden ticket’ winner Charlie Bucket and mysterious confectionery maker Willy Wonka. This dazzling new production of the successful West End and Broadway musical will take us to a world of pure imagination.
This spectacular stage show combines the memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture (‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’) with all new numbers from the multi award-winning songwriters of Hairspray.
When Charlie Bucket finds one of the five golden tickets to the Wonka Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the other winners can’t wait to feast on the sweets of their dreams. But beyond the gates, they discover more than just remarkable edible delights. As they embark on an extraordinary journey through Willy Wonka’s marvellous mind, they soon learn that nobody leaves the same way that they arrived…
GARETH SNOOK (The Phantom of the Opera) will lead the cast as ‘Willy Wonka’. Playing the famous golden ticket winners are Kazmin Borrer (Veruca Salt), Teddy Hinde (Mike Teavee), Marisha Morgan (Violet Beauregarde) and Robin Simoes da Silva (Augustus Gloop).
They’ll be joined by Michael D’Cruze (Grandpa Joe), Christopher Howell (Grandpa George), Kate Milner Evans (Grandma Josephine), Julie Mullins (Grandma Georgina) and Leonie Spilsbury (Mrs Bucket)
Completing the adult company are Lydia Bradd, Darcie Brown, Josh Donovan, Ewan Gillies, Lucy Hutchinson, Patrick King, Jodie Knight, Jonathan Macdonald, Victoria Nicol, Katherine Picar, Lewis Rae, Emma Robotham-Hunt, Ty-Reece Stewart and Natasha Volley.
The role of Charlie Bucket will be shared by Amelia Minto; Isaac Sugden; Jessie-Lou Harvie; and Noah Walton.
This production is by Leeds Playhouse, their Artistic Director James Brining said……
“We’re thrilled to have assembled such a fantastic cast and creative team for this new version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical for the UK tour. They are an exciting company that includes some brilliant fresh faces and rising stars with some hugely talented and experienced artists.
I am really looking forward to working with them all in creating the world of this production. It is such a special story, loved by many generations, and we’re seeking to create a joyful, spectacular production for all. It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to revisit the successful West End and Broadway versions and create a new production for audiences on tour.”
Roald Dahl’s timeless story has been adapted for the stage by David Greig who made certain all the greatest elements of the book are still present in a way that works on the stage.
You can see for yourself when CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY gets to the Wales Millennium Centre from next Wednesday the 3rd through to Saturday 20th May. Performances are at 7pm with a 2pm matinee on both Thursday’s and Saturday’s. Tickets start at £19.50 and you can get yours HERE.
