Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Reviewed on Friday 18th April 2014
In an ever changing West End world, where shows seem to be coming and going faster than you can blink, many continue to question what makes an audience return to a show over and over again – what is that special ingredient?
A love story? A quest for a brighter tomorrow? A surprise ending? Or is it a celebrity performer in a leading role? For me, there is one show that doesn’t need any of these features – as it already has one special ingredient of its own.
MAGIC.
Believe me when I say, no matter how old or young you are, when you step through the doors of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane you will be transported to a world beyond your wildest dreams. From dancing squirrels, flying paper aeroplanes, to TV transport and grass that you can eat – all run by an eccentric, yet charming Chocolatier.
Welcome to the world of Sam Mendes’ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The stunning production, which will soon celebrate its first birthday in the West End, brings Roald Dahl’s classic novel, about the kind hearted Charlie Bucket and his quest to meet the mysterious Mr Willy Wonka, to the stage in spectacular fashion. And one of the most ingenious features about such a bright, bold, large scale production is how it grabs your attention with pure simplicity.
On arrival to my seat, I was greeted by a very simple image - a single chocolate bean, presented in a golden box – and that was it! Nothing was given away about what, as an audience member, you were about to experience.
What happened in the two and a half hours that followed was truly one of the most magical, uplifting, enchanting journeys I have ever been on! This show was definitely a case of unlocking your inner child, sitting back and just enjoying the ride!
For me, part of the magic of the evening was not knowing precisely what I was going to see or how these amazing visuals would be portrayed on stage. For me to sit here now and tell you about every single moment of the show would totally ruin the joy and uplifting nature of the proudction for anyone who may not have seen it!
There are a couple of thingsI CAN tell you though that won't ruin a single thing!
The sets that bring this timeless story to life are visually stunning and truly make you feel that you are right in the middle of Charlie’s world. From the opening scene, at the rubbish dump next to Wonka’s factory, to the Bucket household – with a special mention for the Grandparents’ rather clever bed – all the way to the TV which introduces us to the Golden Ticket winners and the glorious nature of each Chocolate Factory room, you are greeted with one visual delight after another.
The score is also extremely refreshing with an array of original classics that not only fit the warmth and joy that the show delivers perfectly, but that you will also be humming for days on end, I guarantee! Despite only featuring one, rather amazing song from the original film (more on that later!), every single song fits the story like a glove – sheer perfection.
I must also mention the extremely talented cast. As I have already said, for me, when I was imagining how these famous characters would be brought to life on stage, I never even contemplated that the interpretations I saw before me would be so accurate! Yes, there are some modern updates for several of the characters – Mike TeeVee in particular – but, with so much energy and exuberance on show, you can’t help but grow to love every single personality that graces the stage, whether it be the outstanding younger cast members, Charlie’s lively grandparents or a member of the phenomenal ensemble.
There is one stand-out cast member, however, who I must mention. Douglas Hodge (who has now left the production) is the most brilliant part of the show as he has Willy Wonka down to a tee! He is just the right balance of his film predecessors Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp and commands the stage every time he steps on to it - I guess what I simply want to say is he is just phenomenal!
His first appearance just before the interval during 'It Must Be Believed to be Seen' is absolutely captivating and from then on you just can't take your eyes off him until his "magical" disappearance at the end of the show!
A particular highlight for me was the super speedy 'Strike That! Reverse It!' where Hodge, along with fellow stand out Nigel Planer (as Grandpa Joe) more than keep up with their younger counterparts as they are introduced to the ways of the factory in a very fast manner! Hodge’s on-stage relationship with all of the Ticket winners, especially Charlie, played at this performance by Troy Tipple, is also so wonderful to watch – and I defy you not to have a tear in your eye when the two perform the enchanting classic “Pure Imagination” with such grace, beauty and charm.
Quite simply, this show is one that has to be seen. No matter if you are a young fan of the book making your first ever theatre visit or an adult wanting to relive your youth just for one night (I know this certainly applied to me!) I guarantee this will be one of the most unique, magical nights out you will ever experience.
Don’t believe me? Just listen to Mr Wonka... “Come with me and you’ll be in a world of Pure Imagination!”
Reviewed by Olivia Edmonds
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is currently booking at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane until 30th May 2015. Click here to book tickets (no booking fee offer at selected performances).
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