An uplifting family show based on Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes to the stage in a bright and colourful new production by a 136-year-old Birmingham musical theatre company.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
Roald Dahl’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was published in 1964, and it went on to become one of the best-loved children’s books in the world and it remains popular to the present day as a new legion of fans dive into the magical world created by an author who knew how to make children laugh.
Dahl’s classic book has spawned a number of radio, film and stage adaptations over the years.
This joyous new production at The Alexandra Theatre in the heart of Birmingham is inspired by the 1971 Hollywood musical which starred Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka.
The family musical, with a book by David Grieg, is staged by Birmingham and Midland Operatic Society which has been entertaining audiences since 1927 when two companies – the Birmingham Opera Society (formed in 1886) and the Midland Opera Society (formed in 1916) – merged together.
Throughout World War II members of the group entertained the troops in barracks and hospitals to boost morale and give people a beacon of light during a time of darkness by using the magical power of music to lift and inspire the human spirit.
Likewise, the new show sets out to dazzle and seduce the audience with a story that is packed with infectious melodies, wacky comedy and an abundance of theatrical magic.
Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse’s memorable songs from the Hollywood film mingle with the music of Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Scott Wittman. Songs such as Pure Imagination, Candy Man, I’ve Got a Golden Ticket, and the toe-tapping and finger-clicking Oompa Loompa song are presented with some amazing choreography.
Most Mums and Dads, and children, will be familiar with Dahl’s story. The warmhearted show tells the story of little Charlie and his family who are living on the breadline.
Charlie’s parents work long and hard toiling away to make enough money to feed the family and pay the rent. The elderly grandparents also live in the same household and even sleep in the same bed so as to keep warm and save on the heating bills.
Food is simple and meagre, clothing is basic, and there is zero luxury around the house as the family try to make ends meet every day.
The theme of poverty, which Dahl's novel highlighted way back in 1964, still haunts modern Britain in 2024, and the show shines a topical spotlight on the plight of the poor and vulnerable.
However, the story is not all about a drab and cold existence, it’s full of immense warmth and tenderness as Charlie’s family share a love and a bond that brings them joy.
When Charlie finds a golden ticket inside a Wonka chocolate bar it unlocks a world of wonder that awaits the lucky ticket holder who will gain entrance to Willy Wonka’s world famous chocolate factory where confectionery magic is created.
Dahl contrasts the good nature of Charlie with the atrocious and obnoxious behaviour of the other golden ticket holders who display greed, selfishness and arrogance in their mean spirited outlooks.
The message at the heart of this family show is that kindness, love and generosity are the qualities that bring joy, purpose and healing to the human soul.
The cast of this spellbinding show work hard to flesh out Dahl’s memorable characters. All of the roles are performed with real dedication and passion by each member of the cast. Everyone deserves the thunderous clapping when the curtain falls at the climax of this inventive musical.
The exceptional Robbie Love is flamboyant as Wonka, while the ensemble work witty wonders with the Oompa Loompas.
Aaron Gibson’s choreography really lifts up the show with some zesty dance routines that are guaranteed to have the audience tapping their feet with melodious joy.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is full of joy, sparkle and dreamy delights.
Verdict: ★★★★★
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 15 June
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