Charlie and Chocolate Factory at Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lindsay Burton
Based on the book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, Charlie and the Chocolate factory kicked off last night at the Regent Theatre Stoke. Regardless of the sweltering heat and a short delay in the start time, we were treated to a great opening scene from the outset as we met Willa Wonka (Sean Clark-Wilkinson). The opening number quickly informed the audience of the background story and the audience also got a great introduction to the actor’s superb vocal abilities.
We soon meet Charlie Bucket (Shay Wright) and the rest of the Bucket family – Grandpa Joe (Frank McGregor), Grandpa George (Chris Barker), Grandma Josephine (Sam Lesniak), Grandma Georgina (Rebecca Taylor) and Mrs Bucket, Charlie’s mom, who is played by Phoebe Cooke. I’ve seen Shay Wright before in Oliver by the same production company, Stage Productions, and well aware of this actor’s capabilities and talent – and last night he delivered another smashing act as Charlie Bucket.
The grandparents were fabulous, especially Grandpa Joe, and created a lot of chuckles in the audience. Mrs Bucket is so lovely and has the most stunning voice and her role contributes the loving atmosphere in Charlie’s home life, regardless of their financial position and their limited resources.
We soon meet the other four golden ticket winners – Augustus Gloop (George Broad) and his mother, Mrs Gloop (Natalie Kent). What a jolly pair! They both did a fabulous job of their roles as the Bavarians golden ticket winners. Next on the list was Violet Beauregarde (Harriet Mabe) and Mr Beauregarde (Daniel Jones) – the talented pair delivered a superb performance encapsulating the spoilt nature of this horrid child brilliantly. We also meet Veruca Salt (Libby Robinson) and Mr Salt (Chris Ridge) – The family of POP! Their introduction was a brilliant number filled with lots of lights, a catchy song and plenty of POP! The queen of pop is very talented and very confident and very arrogant! And lastly, we meet Mike Teavee (Elliott Durham) and his mom Mrs Teavee (Hannah Baddeley). The slightly hysterical (and quick to booze) mom delivers a great number about dear old Mike but who can blame her – raising a son clearly addicted to gaming must drive any mom to distraction!
The choreography (by Joel Montague and Grace Forrester) was brilliantly planned – at one point, especially when the Oompa Loompas join the cast, there were plenty of people on stage, and they all danced and moved around fluently – a fabulous production put together incredibly well. Not surprising at all, Stage Productions are a well-known production company and have a special gift with including the number of talented children on stage to create their amazing productions. Big shout out to the musical director Jonathan Cliffe, associate director Luke Dipple, lighting designer Kate Shield and sound designer Tom Maurice.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be running until Saturday the 27th of June. Ticket prices start from £19.38
Another fabulous production by Stage Productions and we rate Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as 5/5. Photo credit to Deborah Frawley.
Rating: 5/5
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/stage-productions-presents-charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory/regent-theatre/