Last night we enjoyed an evening of pure indulgence and imagination with the Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Uk Tour at the Liverpool Empire.
For us, this a much-loved book and film that we have always treasured as a family and the stage production didn’t disappoint.
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What is Charlie And The Chocolate Factory About?
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a beloved children’s book penned by Roald Dahl and initially released in 1964. It chronicles the escapades of a young boy named Charlie Bucket, who experiences a stroke of luck by obtaining a golden ticket to explore Willy Wonka’s enchanting chocolate factory.
Set in a modest town, Charlie lives with his family, who are poor and struggle even for the basics in life. The charismatic Willy Wonka, the proprietor of the renowned chocolate factory, announces a remarkable competition wherein he conceals five golden tickets within his chocolate bars. The finders of the tickets are granted the opportunity to embark on a factory tour and receive a lifetime supply of chocolate.
A Little History of the Story
The beloved tale, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” has been brought to life through various adaptations, including a movie and a stage musical.
The initial film adaptation, titled “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” premiered in 1971 under the direction of Mel Stuart. It starred Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket. Although not an instant success at the box office, the movie has become a cherished classic.
In 2005, another film adaptation called “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was released, helmed by Tim Burton. Johnny Depp portrayed Willy Wonka, while Freddie Highmore played the role of Charlie Bucket. This rendition took on a slightly darker and more eccentric tone, reflecting Tim Burton’s distinct artistic style.
Then Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was transformed into a stage musical. The Musical featuring music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman debuted in London’s West End in 2013 before making its way to Broadway in 2017. The stage adaptation seamlessly blends beloved story elements with new songs and intricate set designs, delivering a mesmerising live experience for theatregoers.
The films and the stage musical have played pivotal roles in perpetuating the enduring popularity of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” across multiple generations. Through their distinct interpretations, they have breathed life into the magical world of Willy Wonka and his marvellous chocolate factory, enchanting audiences in diverse and captivating ways.
Our Review Of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
Simply glorious, everything about the productions breathes life and magic; it’s a magical extravaganza. The cast put a slightly different spin on the much-loved characters. Not to change them so they are unrecognisable but to bring them into the modern age.
Charlie (Harmony Raine Riley) was adorable and played Charlie’s innocence and vulnerability perfectly, my three also got over a girl playing Charlie very quickly. Gareth Snook played the perfect Willy Wonka with a comedy element but a more lovable angle than his predecessors on the big screen. Willy Wonka felt a little less cold; I feel disloyal saying that about the mighty Gene Wilder. However, this newly built-in humanisation makes him much more relatable for the stage.
The cast was wonderful, the vibe was electric, and every scene was incredible. It was coupled with a genius set and score that gelled everything together to make just the right amount of magic to create this unforgettable production. Would we recommend it? Yes, in a heartbeat.
Where can I see the Show?
Charlie And Chocolate Factory is playing at the Liverpool Empire, Wed 8 Nov – Sun 26 Nov 2023 you can then see it at…
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 23 Jan – Sun 4 Feb 2024
Please note I was gifted tickets in return for an honest review, but all opinions are my own, and you can’t argue with a little pure imagination and magic. Check out more theatre reviews.
Sarah Christie is a craft, food, cruise, and family travel blogger Extraordinary Chaos, Cruising For All and Mini Travellers. Known for her unique perspective and ability to find beauty in chaos, Sarah designs and creates craft projects as well as creating recipes for people who want to cook from scratch the easy way. Whilst also exploring family travel and how to navigate it.