Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Review

I use phrases from Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory (the 70′s classic, NOT that 2004, dark, awful version with Johnny Depp- sorry Mr Depp, it was awful!) in my daily life without even noticing it. From teasing Princess that she looks like an oompa loompa when she’s been in the sun for too long, or saying that I feel like Augustus Gloop when I’ve over done it after a meal or trip to Humming Bird’s Bakery, it seems that Roald Dahl’s 1964 classic, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory was and still is ingrained in my life.

Getting the opportunity to watch the musical version of Mr Dahl’s classic children’s story in London’s very own Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, was such a treat. I wondered how they would make such a childhood classic stay true to its roots whilst adapt it enough to work well on stage. I needn’t have worried as they accomplished both feats. The story stayed true to the original with enough modern twists and one liners to help attract a whole new audience of theatre goers who would be too young to remember the original film or who hadn’t yet read the book.

I take my hat off to the stage and prop designers for a job well done. It must be one of the nicest set designs I’ve seen in a musical for some time. It’s such a shame you can’t take pictures inside the theatre, but you’ll have to go and see it so you can see what I’m talking about! Everything from the lighting, backdrops and special effects were amazing, as was the performances of the cast.

My only bug bear, which was picked up by other theatre goers whom I overheard was that they joked about death A LOT. So if you have a sensitive young child or you’re not ready to have a discussion about dying in your sleep, you may want to give this a miss or get ready to distract them continuously throughout the production. The recommended age for Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is 7+ and I think they are right. There were children much younger in the audience but I’m happy I didn’t take Princess (aged 4) to watch it as some parts were a little dark and of course, being a musical, it lasts a few hours so her attention span may have been tested to its limits!

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory should be a Theatre Land staple. I would love to take Princess to watch it in a few years time and I hope it is still there for me to do so. Great songs, amazing cast and brilliant performances, I think this musical will weather the test of time! Make sure you book a ticket and give it a go.

For more information about the show, check out the official website here.

Tin x