Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Wednesday 19th June 7:30pm
Stalls: B24-B25
Just when you thought the west end couldn't get any better...along comes Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The theatre that was once home to Shrek the Musical has now been transferred from the former swamp to the delights of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Emporium.
This musical adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic has caused an excited buzz online with many teasers and trailers, and I must admit upon entering the auditorium my excitement for this production was like a 'kid in a sweet shop!' Among the full house were many other school parties and families eagerly waiting with their golden tickets ready to view this theatrical spectacle.
This production is still in its preview stages and therefore not received any critical acclaim so I will try not to spoil too much on this review. However from start to finish this production is a delight!
As the musical starts we enter a grey and dreary 'junk yard' with Charlie Bucket (at this performance Tom Klenerman) scouring for 'Almost Nearly Perfect' pieces of treasure. Unlike other musicals, this opening number is no ensemble clad toe tapper - it is simple and enchanting and no showy affair. Swiftly moving into the home of the Bucket family we are introduced into a lovely set containing the infamous double bed shared by Charlie's four grandparents - Grandpa Jo and Josephine (Nigel Planer and Roni Page) and Grandpa George and Georgina (Billy Boyle and Myra Sands). The four grandparents are humorous and share some lovely scenes particularly in the first half with Charlie and Mr and Mrs Bucket (Jack Shalloo and Alex Clatworthy).
However the real action begins as we are introduced to the other four golden ticket winners. Each of the child actors alternate in the leading roles and at this performance we had the pleasure of seeing: Augustus Gloop (Harrison Slater), Veruca Salt (Ellie Simons), Violet Beauragade (Mya Olaye) and Mike Teavee (Luca Toomey). As each of the characters appear on a gigantic television screen there are some great comedy numbers - my favourites being 'When Veruca Says' with some brilliant ballet performed by Simons and 'The Double Bubble Duchess' with a fantastic rap and musical performance by Olaye supported by Paul J Medford as Mr Beauragade.
On entrance to the chocolate factory we are introduced to Douglas Hodge who stars as the incredible Mr Willy Wonka. An acclaimed Olivier-nominated Actor and Director this part is made for Mr Hodge and he gives a sparkling performance in the leading role. Unlike those before him who have played the iconic character, Hodge is no Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp and effectively puts his own spin on the
eccentric chocolatier.
He is joined by the ensemble who star as the Oompa lumpas and for me the hilarious performances really steal the show. Using puppetry and illusions the Oompa Lumpas are brought to life with some extremely clever choreography (Peter Darling) and costumes (Mark Thompson) that make the performers appear as half their original size and comical as the 'Mini men.'
As you would expect from the original book and film all of Willy Wonka's inventions are extraordinarily brought to life by Director Sam Mendes and this production is really too good to be true. Before your eyes, Mike Teevee is shrunken to polly pocket size, Violet Beauregade turns into a giant Blueberry and Augustus Gloop is sucked into the Chocolate pipe! You really have to see it to believe it!
Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman have created a contemporary original musical score and David Greig has provided an excellent script that transforms the original page to stage. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory really is the hottest golden ticket in town and I predict will be a Smash Hit for the West End. A thoroughly enjoyable theatrical production that I could watch again and again!
