Hampton Hill Theatre until 23rd March
With a busy programme of shows over a two-week period, Dramacube wrapped up their run at Hampton Hill theatre with a deliciously tasty performance of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from their Youth Theatre. For the matinee I was to witness their A cast and what a talented group they are!
“This was a truly impressive ensemble cast”
This was the first time Dramacube had produced a full-length musical, previously sticking to the one-hour junior versions; this was clearly an ambitious project and at times there were moments which required a little more polishing, however this did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the piece. It was clear the sold-out audience were loving every minute.
Despite being billed as a musical by Music Theatre International with music by Marc Shaiman & lyrics by Scott Wittman, this production felt very much like a play with music. There were many talented singers on stage, accompanied by a live band, however the songs in this show added little to the wonderful story we all know and love.
Directed by Matthew Bunn and assisted by Rory Cubbin, this production focussed, quite rightly, on the story and all those fascinating infamous characters who make it so special.
Poor deprived Charlie Bucket and his family (mainly made of up bed ridden grandparents) was down on his luck and looking forward to yet another ‘surprise’ dinner of cabbage soup when the unthinkable happens. Somehow his dreams come true when he finds one of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets and then the fun really begins!
We soon meet a cacophony of despicable children (Dahl’s speciality) who shout, scream, dance, chew, eat and offend their way into the story and the tour of Wonka’s mysterious factory soon begins. Each of the unpleasant young monsters are soon disposed of by the cunning Wonka and his army of orange, boiler suit clad Oompa Loompas until only Charlie remains and the story, as I’m sure we all know has a very sweet ending.
This was a truly impressive ensemble cast, and whilst it feels unfair to name individuals it would also be wrong of me not to mention Megan Went (Charlie) who lit up the stage and drove the production on from start to finish. She surely has a bright future ahead of her. Abi Eggleton gave a lovely, warm performance as Charlie’s mother and the comic timing of Oliver Musgrave (Grandpa George) and Maddie Oxford (Chocolate / Vegetable Seller) had the audience chuckling throughout. Ramona Sleight (Mrs. Gloop) and her portly son August (Larissa Schaffrik) gave us a toe tapping, knee slapping, hand clapping Bavarian Schuhplattler which certainly upped the tempo, swiftly followed by the impressive Rosa Bruce-Ball’s arrival as the highly demanding and incredibly vile Veruca Salt who screamed her way into the factory. All in all, this colourful mix of Dahl’s characters made for a fun afternoon and was just the ticket for the ideal pre-Easter chocolaty treat.
Timothy Brett
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