Charlie & The Chocolate Factory

NODA
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I was only available to attend the school’s performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and what a delightful experience it was, especially through the eyes and imaginations of the children in the audience. As the first amateur company to take on such a huge task, LODS truly did the show justice. From the moment the lights dimmed, the atmosphere in the theatre was electric, with everyone eagerly anticipating the performance.

As soon as Act 1 began, I was in awe. The minimal yet remarkable “in-house” set design was nothing short of West End quality. The sound was crisp from the start, perfectly balanced, and while there was a minor issue with backstage mics being left on briefly, it didn’t detract from the experience. Every line of dialogue was clear and well-delivered.

The lighting was another triumph—effectively used throughout, with only a brief moment where one actor wasn’t fully lit, but it was so minor that it didn’t affect the overall spectacle. The vibrant costumes were brilliantly thought out, defining each character wonderfully.

The creativity in the props was commendable, particularly considering the complexity of the show. While the Act 2 scenery didn’t entirely match the visuals of Act 1, it was still impressive.

The standout scene for me was the entire Mike Teavee number, which truly impressed me from both a technical and choreographic perspective. Another highlight was the glass elevator scene, which was executed brilliantly, despite a couple of minor technical hitches during the setup.

There were some enchanting touches, such as bubbles travelling into the audience, that truly immersed us in the wonder of the factory, making my inner child very happy.

Andrew Seals’ direction was spot-on, with some brave casting choices that truly paid off. The decision to cast adults as the children was bold but effective. The children around me were genuinely concerned for the naughty characters’ fates, proving that imagination is still alive and well in young audiences.

Louise Brown as Augustus Gloop, Nadezhda Beaumont as Veruca Salt, Eleanor Warner-Lathe as Violet Beauregarde, and Monty Irving as Mike Teavee brought their characters to life with fantastic vocals and true-to-form characterisation. Equally impressive were Suzanne Walters, Peter Brown, Nathan Gray, and Lianne Larthe as the children’s parents, offering believable and strong performances.

The Oompa Loompas brought incredible energy to the stage, enhancing the lively atmosphere of the show. The choreography by Laura Seymour and Danielle Griggs was slick and elevated the entire production, transforming it into a true visual feast. Choreographing and executing the complex routines for the Oompa Loompas, who performed much of their dancing on their knees, must have been no small feat. Although the visibility of legs from behind was occasionally distracting, the overall effect was both impressive and entertaining.

Paul Berry’s portrayal of Grandpa Joe was heartwarming and funny—his bond with Charlie was instantly loveable, and he brought warmth to the stage. Kathy Ward, as Charlie’s mum, delivered a standout song, “If your father were here”, with beautiful vocals that left a lasting impression.

Michael Rideout as Willy Wonka was superb, capturing the enigmatic nature of the character. His vocals during ‘The View from Here’ and ‘Pure Imagination’ were mesmerising. Rideout expertly balanced Wonka’s charm and underlying menace, keeping the audience both intrigued and on edge.

Undoubtedly, the star of the show was Leo Taylor as Charlie Bucket. His portrayal was captivating, bringing both believability and an endearing charm to the role. His strong vocals and ability to balance vulnerability with a sense of wonder drew the audience in. Leo’s natural stage presence hints at a bright future in theatre. I understand that the alternate Charlie, played by Max Lippe has also received rave reviews and is equally a star in the making.

The entire cast sounded incredible under Rachael Plunketts musical direction who really brought the best out of every performer.

In all, it was a magical afternoon that showcased a tremendous amount of talent, both on and off the stage. This production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one that I’ll remember fondly for years to come.