"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" - the Delightfully Sweet Musical Full of Pure Imagination

PAUL SLADE SMITH AS WILLY WONKA

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is a wonderful sweet musical that has just opened in Sydney. It is full of fun filled moments that will appeal to people of all ages.

The Roald Dahl children's book classic has been brought to life on the stage of the Capitol Theatre in Sydney. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is Dahl's best known story. It has proven to be one of the most enduring children's books of all time. It was first published in 1964, with sales of the book exceeding 20 million copies world-wide. The book has now been published in more than 60 languages.

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was made into a movie in 1971 with Gene Wilder playing Willy Wonka. Another movie was made in 2005 this time starring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.

This reimagined stage version brings the imagination of Dahl's book to life on the stage, retelling the story of Charlie Bucket, the 5 Golden Tickets, the Oompa-Loompas and Willy Wonka.

PAUL SLADE SMITH (WILLY WONKA),

 XION JARVIS (CHARLIE),

 TONY SHELDON (GRANDPA JOE) AND CAST

This is a lavish production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The costumes, sets. lighting and special effects transport the audience into a world of pure imagination and fun. The sets are rather minimalistic, with great use made of video projections on the rear wall. The musical features incredible inventions, the great glass elevator and much more to delight audience members of all ages.

Some well know songs from the original movie are in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", including The Candy Man, Pure Imagination and I've Got the Golden Ticket, as well as new songs written for the stage musical.

Paul Slade Smith plays Willy Wonka, the most amazing chocolate lover the world has ever seen. He plays the dual role of the Chocolate Shop owner, and the Chocolate Factory owner. This is Paul's first production in Australia, having appeared in the original Broadway production in America. He brings the mysterious, inventive, chocolate loving, eccentric Willy Wonka to life on stage.

TOMMY BLAIR, RYAN YEATES, LUCY MAUNDER, 

OLIVER ALKHAIR, XION JARVIS

Charlie Bucket is played by 4 young actors - Ryan Yeates, Xion Jarvis, Tommy Blair, and Oliver Alkhair. On Opening Night I saw 13 year old Ryan as Charlie. His dancing, acting and singing impressed me in the way he brought the emotions of sweet young Charlie to life.

Lucy Maunder plays Charlie's mother, Mrs Bucket. She portrays a caring but busy single mother trying to do the best for her boy Charlie. She has a sense of loving warmth as she sings and dances on stage. I saw her previously play Miss Honey in Matilda: The Musical.

LUCY MAUNDER, TONY SHELDON, DANIELLE O’MALLEY, 

JOHANNA ALLEN, KANEN BREEN, TOMMY BLAIR 

Four of Charlie's grandparents are featured in the first half as they awkwardly lay in bed. Tony Sheldon plays Grandpa Joe, who later escorts Charlie to the Wonka Chocolate Factory. His sense of cheeky humor and timing brings out many laughs in the audience. Tony is best known for starring in the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Of his many previous shows. I have seen him in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Producers.

The other 4 Golden Ticket winning obnoxious children and their parents are played by Jake Fehily (Augusts Gloop), Octavia Martin (Mrs Gloop), Karina Russell (Veruca Salt), Stephen Anderson (Mr Salt), Monette McKay (Violet Beauregard), Madison Mckoy (Mr Beauregard), Harrison Riley (Mike Teavee) and Jayde Westaby (Mr Teaves). Unlike the movies, these children have aged from young children into teenagers with upbeat songs to suit their older ages.

STEPHEN ANDERSON (MR SALT) 

AND KARINA RUSSELL (VERUCA SALT)

The highlight of the show is the hilarious performances of the Oompa- Loompas. They would be the winning act in Australia's Got Talent if they entered it as contestants.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is brought to the stage in Australia by producers John Frost, Craig Donnell, Warner Bros Theatre Ventures, Langley park Productions and Neal Street Productions. The original Broadway creative team of director Jack O'Brien and choreographer Joshua Bergasse have helped put this reimagined musical together in Australia.

Anyone intending to step into a world of pure imagination by seeing "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" need to be quick off the mark to book their seats. Many January performances are already sold out. Book for mid week in February for the cheapest seats, and weekends in March or May for best ones. Performance times of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vary, with tickets starting at $59.90.  "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" ends its Sydney run on 19 May.

RYAN YEATES AS CHARLIE AND 

PAUL SLADE SMITH AS WILLY WONKA

Come along with your sense of fun and imagination and eat your chocolate and lollies during the performance, but leave your chewing gum at home.

Tickets: CALL 1300 558 878 TO BOOK BY PHONE

OR FIND AN OUTLET

Website: charliethemusical.com.au