Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Opening up a world of pure imagination

With less than one month to go until the curtain rises on the first of this year’s Senior School productions, pupils from Shells to Fourths are preparing to transform the Vanbrugh Theatre into a world of pure imagination with their version of the musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is based on the famous book by Roald Dahl and follows the story of young Charlie Bucket who, against all odds, wins a golden ticket to enter the mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Beyond the magical gates, he – and the other four golden ticket winners – discover much more than the edible treats they had imagined and they soon learn that nobody leaves the factory the same way they arrived.

The production is directed by Drama teacher, Julia Williams, who explained why she chose this musical, and why audiences will be treated to two Senior School productions this year.

She said: “We made the unusual decision this year to put on two productions in Senior School, one for a younger cast of Shells – Fourths, and a second for students in Fourths and above. 

“The reason for this was quite simple; we have such an array of talent in our younger years that we wanted to give them the opportunity to really shine on stage. And Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the perfect show for this age group.

“It’s a really fun show that really does have a bit of everything; there are some great musical numbers, there’s a lot of comedy, but it also has its fair share of moving moments. It also has a big main cast, which meant that we can give so many of our talented young actors their moment in the spotlight.”

However, despite a large main cast, Mrs Williams was so bowled over by the talent on display in the auditions, the decision was quickly made to double cast the show. 

Mrs Williams continues: “It was impossible to choose just one Wonka or one Charlie so double-casting was the only option that made sense. We even have four Charlies – Luca, Harry, Ella and Mollie – each of whom bring something totally different to the role.

“All of the children have been incredible in rehearsal. Cast and crew are working brilliantly as one big team and I am very excited for what promises to be an amazing show.”

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will run over four nights from Tuesday, 15 October, ending on Friday, 18 October. Tickets are available online now via our What’s On page. 

Keep an eye on our social media over the next few weeks as we introduce some of our cast members.