Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: ‘It was a wonky wait for my golden ticket’

I approached the opening night performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with some trepidation not having been a huge admirer of the original movie nor having seen the more recent version. However, on arrival at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney it was resplendent with every conceivable kind of candy on display in the foyers and looking very much like the Candyman’s store, which was a nice introduction into the world of Willy Wonka.

This is the third incarnation of the show, which first opened in London, United Kingdom in 2013 before commencing on Broadway, New York City, United States in 2017. This production is a replica of the American production of Roald Dahl’s delicious tale, produced by John Frost, Craig Donnell, Warner Bros Theatre Ventures, Langley Park Productions and Neal Street Productions with guidance from the original Broadway creative team including director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Joshua Bergasse.

I found the first act a little slow as the five children are introduced to the audience one by one — all vying for a much-prized Golden Ticket. We first meet Charlie Bucket — played with much aplomb by 13-year-old Ryan Yeates — and his grandfather Joe (local theatre legend Tony Sheldon). Lucy Maunder as Charlie’s mother Mrs Bucket had a sadly small role.

American actor Paul Slade Smith steps into the role of Willy Wonka, which was truly inspired casting. His tall and lean body insinuates itself into every scene with sometimes great playfulness and at other times a slightly sinister sense. He also has the most wonderful voice, which he used to great effect.

The other four ‘children’ with their parents were perfectly cast and introduced cleverly as they each won a ticket into Willy Wonka’s magical kingdom. The curtain falls just as they are all about to enter the Chocolate Factory.

In the second act, I found the pace to be far more exciting. The musical follows the story as closely as one might expect. The songs included ‘Pure Imagination’, ‘The Candy Man and ‘I’ve got a Golden Ticket’.

The audience really seemed to relish the ‘events’ that befell each child, which were cleverly staged and quite hilarious! This is the first show I have seen where computer generated effects, generated by Japhy Weideman, were used to such a degree and they worked beautifully together with some very colourful ‘comic book’ sets, designed by Mark Thompson. The orchestra conducted by Kellie Dickerson sounded wonderful and every single member of the audience left the theatre beaming – including me.

It wouldn’t be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory without the wonderful Oompa Loompas and when they appeared on stage there was a huge round of applause from the packed theatre. The ending will delight children of every age. At 74 years of age, I was enchanted.

I can unreservedly recommend this production to people of all ages, but especially families and children! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is currently delighting audiences at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney and will run until May 19. Tickets start at $59.

Have you seen Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Do you prefer the movie or the musical production?

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