Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Roleystone Theatre's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory seems a delicious end of year treat for families.

While I love the source material, I am not a fan of Richard George's adaptation of Roald Dahl's story (although it does have some lovely moments). Director Lys Tickner has worked hard to add life to this script which is over-laden with exposition and is written flat.

The winners of the Golden tickets are delightful. Patrick Butler is a gorgeously gluttonous Augustus Gloop, newcomer Elise Maidment exudes pre-teen contempt as Violet Beurogard, Stephanie Shaw has lovely comic timing and facial expression as spoilt brat Veruca Salt and Leo Rimmer is beautifully focused with deadpan delivery as Mike Teevee. Seamus Harrison is an excellent Charlie who gives life, charm and personality to an underwritten leading role.

Bradley Towton was dynamic as unpredictable, slightly unhinged Willy Wonka while Oliver Kaiser was an amiable narrator who interacted well with the audience.

An octet of Oompa Loompas added colour to the show, featuring young performers aged from 6 to 11 years of age - with Lucy Wolfe, Rhys Cairns-Hoare, Georgie Slaughter and Melissa Melissa Meyer delivering the sage but cynical oomph-lumpa commentary. Poppy Rose, Tatum Hand and Zane and Taj Patterson were very cute as the remainder of the squad.

The plethora of prize-winning parents were played with enthusiasm with Patrick Meyer making his stage debut and Natalie Cox as Mrs Beurogard and veteran performer Kim Fletcher as Grandpa Jo standing out.

Linda Bickley's costumes are bright and well-crafted with the Oompa Loompas, flamboyant Willy Wonka and Violet's magical expanding dress particularly memorable.

Lovely to see family-friendly entertainment receiving capacity audiences who were having a lovely time.

Kimberley Shaw