Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Regent – Review
Jump on board the factory tour of your dreams with Stage Productions this week, as
the classic story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory takes to the stage at the Regent
Theatre Hanley… Review by Mel Osborne
Directed and choreographed by Joel Montague and Musical Director Johnathon Cliffe, the cast is bursting with Stoke on Trent talent both young and old.
Roald Dahls Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a modern time classic and is often the first ‘proper’ book young readers delve into.
Charlie lives with his parents and grandparents in an overcrowded house. When eccentric Willy Wonka opens up the secret doors of his factory to the public everyone is desperate to win a ticket.
Young Charlie is the last child to win the ticket and accompanies a group of entitled
and badly behaved children on the magical tour of a lifetime.
(Images courtesy of The Regent)
Willy Wonka is played by Sean Clark-Wilkinson who gives a triumphant performance
as the sardonic factory owner, delivering dry wit fast and furiously as the tour takes
place.
Charlie Bucket is played by child actor Shay Wright who performs with admiral confidence and captures the charming innocence and kindness that this character
possess.
Frank Mcgregor as Grandpa Joe was an absolute delight as the loyal and dedicated grandpa who jumps out of his bed at lightening speed as soon as Charlie wins the
Golden ticket.
The entire cast work together effortlessly to pull of a fastpaced, jam packed show full of classic songs such as ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination.’
Of course no production of Charlie and the chocolate factory would be complete without the Ommpa loopas, dressed head to toe in sparkling suits, and were a joy
to watch as the slightly menacing but loyal factory workers.
The staging and effects are convincing and certainly capture the imagination. It
does not disappoint with several show stopping moments that I won’t spoil…
What is really notable is that the first night was performed on the hottest day of the
year, yet the Regent had ensured it was safe for the audience.
With temperatures continuing all week please be reassured that you will have a comfortable evening.
Charlie and the Chocolate factory is a must see for all of the family as it explores a wondrous world but shows the consequences of bad behaviour in the most creative and hilarious ways.
The script had been gently tweaked to reflect more up to date popular culture which carries well and keeps the narrative, fresh, vibrant and relatable.
This is one dazzling, spectacular show that is as astonishing as Willy Wonka’s amazing sweets.
The show received a well-deserved standing ovation with big cheers in particular for Charlie and Willy Wonka.
Stage productions is an absolute credit to Stoke-on-Trent to continuously produce
such stunning productions and offer opportunities for children of all backgrounds.
5 Stars
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is at The Regent until Saturday 27 June. For more information please visit The Regent here
