Roald Dahl’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory At The Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Kings Theatre.
Reviewed by Lily D.
Battling the winds and torrential rain last night, audience members eagerly made their way to the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth for the opening night of the hugely anticipated Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The latest spectacular production running at the much-loved theatre. The audience were wowed with dazzling sets, note-perfect musical numbers and special effects on par with any west end show.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a musical adaptation based on the best-loved novel by Roald Dahl with music by Marc Shaiman as well as original numbers from the Motion Picture such as Candy Man and Pure Imagination.
As a huge fan of the 1971 classic masterpiece starring Gene Wilder, I was apprehensive about how the show could be transformed on the stage but I needn’t have worried. We were transported to a magical world of pure imagination, much like I was as a child when first watching the film.
We follow the story of Charlie Bucket, a little boy who is living an impoverished life alongside his mother and four grandparents, dreaming of more. He longs for a life of excitement, adventure and full of imagination. Against all the odds, he wins a golden tickets but it is his pure heart which wins him a prize beyond his wildest dreams.
Charlie and his Grandpa Joe join the small group of competition winners and embark on the tour of the factory.
The bold, bright and dramatic way we are introduced to the 4 other children had us in stitches – particularly when we were introduced to Augustus Gloop, played hilariously by Jacob Bailey. We found ourselves drawn to him whenever he was on the stage!
Megan Parkes was superb as the obnoxious, spoilt Veruca Salt and Sarah Partridge played her character Violet Beauragarde with a hilarious enthusiasm, you couldn’t fail to enjoy her performance. I particularly enjoyed the new take on Mike Teevee played by Callum Tickner on his ever search for good Wi-Fi!
Flynn Hughes as Charlie Bucket, burst out on to the stage with a contagious enthusiasm that remained the entire show with his note perfect vocals and confidence that filled the stage, even during solo performances.
Timothy Quinlan as Wonka was absolutely superb. Playing him as an eccentric yet lovable character, he captured the heart of Wonka and we all loved him!
The show came to life with the use of the hybrid set – a clever stage design; a mix of technology and good old set pieces captivated audiences. It helped transport us into the chocolate factory through the famous wooden doors and we never wanted to leave.
The robotic Oompa-Loompas were a brilliant take on the original and they captivated audience with clever choreography and costume designs. The standing ovation received was well deserved and I couldn’t clap loudly enough. Kings Theatre should be proud of this production, it was a masterpiece for all senses; Sugary sweet, delightfully delicious and totally addictive! Grab your golden tickets whilst you still can.
Rating: 5/5
https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events/bbloc-charlie-chocolate-factory-2025?gad_source=
Show running from Tuesday 8th October to Sunday 13th October.
Tickets start from £10.50
Tickets can be purchased at www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk