Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre with my partner’s mum, who grew up both reading the book and adoring the classic Gene Wilder film.
We arrived a little early, which gave us time to enjoy a glass of wine and a friendly chat with the wonderful staff behind the bar. The front-of-house team really set the tone. Welcoming, helpful and clearly proud of the theatre. Once inside, the auditorium looked fantastic: clean, comfortable, and filled with excited faces ready for the show to begin.
The performance itself was a real treat. From the opening scene to the final bow, we were completely swept up in it. The young actor playing Charlie delivered a heartfelt and confident performance, and Willy Wonka was an absolute standout! Funny, charismatic and perfectly cast. The rest of the cast were equally impressive, each bringing their characters to life with real energy and personality. Every performance felt thoughtful and well-rehearsed, and the chemistry on stage made the whole production even more enjoyable.
There were moments that made me laugh out loud and others that had me genuinely captivated. The props, staging and overall direction were imaginative and cleverly put together, creating a world that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Both of us came away smiling and spent the car ride home chatting about our favourite scenes. It was the kind of show that stays with you! Joyful, creative and brilliantly performed by everyone involved.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend going to see it. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the story or discovering it for the first time, it’s a fantastic night out.
To book tickets visit : www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory
They still have dates available and you don’t want to miss it!
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