Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical at Birmingham Hippodrome Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde
Last night, the Birmingham Hippodrome transformed into a realm of pure imagination as Roald Dahl’s timeless classic, ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,’ came to life on the stage. This gloriously spectacular theatrical performance took us on a sweet and surreal journey through a world where dreams are made of candy, and the only limit is the bounds of our imagination.
This musical adaptation, following the footsteps of its successful West End and Broadway predecessors, not only retained the charm of the original 1970’s film, and the zaniness of the recent adaptations, but also infused it with fresh energy. It was clear from the moment the curtain rose that the audience was in for a phizz-whizzing treat.
The show beautifully blended nostalgia with novelty, featuring classic tunes such as ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’ while introducing us to brand new numbers courtesy of the award-winning songwriters behind ‘Hairspray.’ The result was a musical score that struck a perfect balance between honouring Roald’s rhymes and surprising us with perfect compositions that captured the essence of his whimsical world, making our ears tingle with delight.
Isaac Sugden, portraying the young and endearing Charlie Bucket, delivered a heartfelt performance that captured the titular character’s spirit wonderfully. His transformation from a humble boy to a wide-eyed explorer was a testament to his remarkable talent. Charlie’s discovery of one of the coveted golden tickets to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory marked the beginning of a magical journey, shared with four other (more odious) children and their equally fascinating guardians.
Gareth Snook, in the role of the eccentric Willy Wonka, was a highlight of the show. More Gene Wilder than Johnny Depp, his quirkiness and mysterious demeanour added a layer of complexity to the character, which, in turn, heightened the sense of wonder that permeated the factory. The chemistry between Wonka and Charlie, was palpable, their interactions serving as the emotional heart of the story, making our hearts race with excitement.
Grandpa Joe, played by Michael D’Cruze, added depth and genuine warmth to the narrative. His character embodied the joy of rediscovering one’s youth, and D’Cruze brought a warm and endearing quality to the role. The interplay between Grandpa Joe and Charlie was a poignant and heart-warming aspect of the show.
A special mention to Robin SimÕes Da Silva, Marisha Morgan, Kazmin Borrer and Teddy Hinde, the four young stars revelling in their roles and delightfully capturing the unscrupulous ways of the other Golden Ticket winners to perfection. Their antics and eventual fates underscored the importance of aligning one’s aspirations with a moral compass. Augustus Gloop, played with gluttonous glee, Violet Beauregarde, portrayed with obnoxious competitiveness, Veruca Salt, delivered with entitled disdain, and Mike Teavee, brought to life with digital obsession – all served as hilarious reminders of the pitfalls of straying from our values in the pursuit of our desires.
One further unique performance was Leonie Spilsbury’s portrayal of Mrs. Bucket, who not only delivered a captivating performance but also made the show inclusive by BSL signing her role. Spilsbury’s commitment to inclusivity added an extra layer of depth to her character and made the experience more enriching for all members of the audience.
As the children and their guardians embarked on a tour through Wonka’s marvellous mind, we were treated to a series of unbelievable and at times perilous adventures.
From the sailing on the Chocolate River to the Nut Room, each set piece was a testament to the creative genius of the production team. The choreography and special effects were nothing short of spectacular, adding to the immersive experience and causing our pulses to quicken with anticipation. Ingenious stagecraft played a pivotal role in creating the magical atmosphere of the Chocolate Factory. Clever rear projection was employed in all fantastical stops, transporting us seamlessly from one enchanting location to another. This innovative use of technology added a layer of enchantment, making the audience feel like they were truly part of the adventure. All perfectly scored by a masterful orchestra!
This production included an imaginative take on the Oompa-Loompas, reimagined as androids. These mechanical marvels added a futuristic twist to Dahl’s classic tale and left us in awe of their precision and wit. A number of the excellent ensemble, some making their professional theatre debuts, played these roles with incredible skill and charisma, contributing to the show’s overall magic.
As the curtain fell and the standing ovation echoed throughout the Birmingham Hippodrome, it was clear that ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical’ had achieved something gloriumptiously remarkable. It had managed to capture the essence of Roald Dahl’s timeless tale while infusing it with contemporary flair, all within the confines of a stunning production.
‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical’ is a golden ticket not to be missed, and every theatre lover should seize the opportunity to witness this magical journey. It’s a show that transcends generations, reminding us that, deep down, we’re all children who long to explore a fantastical world where every dream is attainable. It’s a whopper of a show!
The splendorous Birmingham Hippodrome stands within a clean, well-lit, and popular cultural heart of the city. The historic area and venue has benefited from extensive regeneration and considered transport links over the last two decades. The Theatre is surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for a great night out in the bustling city. Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking was plentiful. The Bullring and Grand Central train station are a short walk away.
The main foyer is modern and spacious, leading to all accessible levels. We were greeted warmly on entering and felt a buzz in the air. We found the bars/concession stands to be well manned, stocked with a wide range of hot/cold drinks and treats; all of standard prices for theatres. I have sat in both stall and dress circle seats; both are very comfortable and provide excellent views of the stage.
Five Whipple-Scrumptious Stars!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £22.
On Stage from 18 October to 5 November 2023, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory/ or call the box office on 0844 338 5000
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB