Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical is based on the popular book by Roald Dahl, and the popular film as well. It’s a great family-friendly musical, with plenty for adults to enjoy as well. Here’s my Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical theatre review.
Overview of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical is based on the famous book by Roald Dahl. There are also several well-known films of the story as well. So my Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical: Theatre Review won’t give any spoilers if you already know the story!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical follows the story of Charlie, a young boy from a poor family. He learns that the famous chocolate maker, Willy Wonka, has created a new competition. There are 5 golden tickets hidden inside Willy Wonka chocolate bars – and the children who find a golden ticket can win a tour of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
At first, Charlie doesn’t win a golden ticket when he gets a bar of chocolate for his birthday. His family can’t afford to buy more, and he hears the news about other children winning the golden tickets. However, at the last moment, Charlie is able to win the final golden ticket.
In the chocolate factory, Charlie sees all the amazing inventions and meets the eccentric Willy Wonka. He also meets the famous Oompa Loompas. One by one, all the other children break the rules and give into temptation, and in various ways get sucked into the chocolate factory. Eventually, Charlie is the only child left. And Willy Wonka’s final gift is to give the chocolate factory to Charlie.
Check out the UK tour dates here.
What I liked about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical
I really enjoyed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical. One of my favourite things was the depictions of the chocolate factory in the second half. The projections were amazing, and really clever – especially the way the cast interacted with the projections. The costumes and props were great as well – especially the squirrels!
The acting, singing and dancing were all great as well. Willy Wonka played the role perfectly – he was just like the character I imagined when reading the books. He was weird and eccentric and fun, but also had a subtle caring side. The children were also brilliant – especially the boy who played Charlie, who had loads of lines and songs and delivered them all perfectly.
The whole musical was fun, a real feel-good evening. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this musical – but I definitely enjoyed it as much as enjoyed Matilda.
What I wasn’t so sure about
There wasn’t really anything I didn’t like about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical. It was definitely suitable for children, but also had enough interest for adults as well. It definitely wasn’t just a kids show – it was fun for all ages. I guess my only criticism is that a lot of the songs didn’t particularly stand out. There weren’t many that I was desperate to listen to again afterwards. I enjoyed the songs in the show, but few of them were very memorable. But I still enjoyed watching the show a lot.
Would I recommend Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical?
I’d definitely recommend Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical. It’s a great musical, for children (probably aged from around 7 upwards) and also adults. It really transports you into the magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.