Charlie and the Chocolate Factory made its Scottish Premiere as its first stop on the UK and Ireland Tour in Aberdeen this week in colourful style and dazzling spectacle. Anyone familiar with Roald Dahl’s story will know the story of Charlie Bucket. A young boy from an impoverished family and four other children win a tour of the amazing chocolate factory run by an imaginative and mysterious Willy Wonka, and his staff of Oompa-Loompas.
Gareth Snook hypnotises as the one and only Willy Wonka. With near perfect breath control and a cheeky glint in his eye, Snook commands the stage from the minute he appears. Providing an enchanting and slightly sinister performance, creating a nice mix between Gene Wilder’s dopey and Johnny Depp’s creepy interpretations.
We were pleased with the superbly clear vocals of Isaac Sugden as our Charlie Bucket. Having luminous stage presence throughout the show, he brings the audience along with him to savour the experience of Wonkaland.
Michael D’Cruze brings us with the heart of the show, Grandpa Joe. He gives us warm laughs and beautiful support for our Charlie to thrive on.
Joined by D’Cruze are the rest of Charlie’s grandparents, Christoper Howell, Kate Milner Evans and Emily Winter as George, Josephine and Georgina. This quartet settles us into the production with some stunning vocals and lovely chemistry, but these elderly bed-ridden pensioners are not the only roles these actors play.
A personal highlight has to be Leonie Spilsbury as Mrs Bucket and Mrs Teavee. Playing two very contrasting mothers, one a drunken, troubled Mrs Teavee and the other a loving, cosy Mrs Bucket. Spilsbury adds great laughs with her puppetry skills and it’s beautiful to see BSL represented onstage as she signs with the Bucket family.
Robin Simoes Da Silva as Augustus Gloop gives us the energy that Act 1 needs with marvellous tone and the magical tricks of eating an incomprehensible amount of bratwurst. His little dip into the chocolate river allows us to hear the astonishing pipes of Kate Milner Evans as Mrs Gloop.
Kazmin Borrer’s Veruca Salt is definitely a bad nut, but this prima donna ballerina moves elegantly during both her introduction and her exit. Borrer has some hilarious moments with her father Mr Salt, played by Christopher Howell, as he attempts to appease his spoiled brat to no avail.
Marisha Morgan serves us with our TV star Violet Beauregarde. With fun energy and glorious facial expressions, the transformation into a bouncing blueberry is silly and brilliant. Emily Winter matches Morgan’s energy with fantastic momager flair.
Mike Teavee is played by Teddy Hinde. Offering us a violent, binge-watching TV fanatic. Hinde plays around on stage, stomping and nudging other characters creating some fun interactions with the cast.
The ensemble has some utterly delicious numbers throughout the show, furnishing this production with a charming chorus without seeming too crowded. As the Oompa Loompas, the dance numbers are intense and wondrous. The Oompa Loompas are silly and ominous as reimagined machinal clones of Willy Wonka.
James Brining heads this production as Director, having created a delightful show full of pure imagination and honest fun. Choreography by Emily Jane Boyle excites and decorates the show with sparkling variations and distinct form. The music team of this production shines throughout, with David Shrubsole and Ellen Campbell steering this company with gorgeous harmonies and lavish dynamics.
Simon Higlett astonishes with Set and Costume Design. Act 1’s faded and perfectly moth eaten scenes with the Bucket Family are the perfect contrast to Act 2’s delectably vibrant factory. The set pieces are immense, granting the audience a huge sense of scale to this production.
Simon Wainwright’s video design paired with Chris Fisher’s illusion design allows some tremendous moments in the show. From exploding bon bons to our access to the chocolate room, it’s an excellent design choice to bring this enchanting world to life. Lighting only boosts this production with Tim Mitchell luminating scenes making them feel only more whimsical.
With boundless energy and electrifying personality, this production exudes creativity and inventiveness. A sweet treat for the eyes and ears, this fantastic family show will delight and captivate all ages. Grab your golden tickets and step into a world of pure imagination!
Click below for a link to tickets –
https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory/
Theatre Scotland 
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