Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - GCMT - Review

★★★★★

Good Companions Musical Theatre’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, while being modest, manages to capture that joyful spirit we all experienced reading Roald Dahl's classic for the first time. It's lively, it's fun, and it's oh so sweet! Desperate to get a glimpse into Wonka's factory yourself? Keep reading to find out!

Joe Woffiden as Willie Wonka

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows young Charlie Bucket, a mild-mannered boy with a vivid imagination and a passion for chocolate, despite living in poverty with his family. Obsessed with the mysterious Wonka factory, where nobody ever goes in, and nobody ever comes out, Charlie and his Grandpa Joe spend their days dreaming of what wonders might lie behind its locked gates. 

When legendary chocolatier Willy Wonka announces after a period of dormancy, his elusive factory will open up for five lucky children and their grown-ups. Charlie endeavours to be one of the lucky few to meet Mr Wonka and experience the magic. What awaits inside the gates is beyond anything any of them could imagine: a dazzling, dangerous, and delicious journey through a factory full of invention, chaos, and moral lessons that none of them will ever forget.

The main man himself, Joe Woffiden, who plays Willy Wonka, is truly incredible; he embodies the wonder and wit of Gene Wilder himself. His comedic timing, both physically and vocally, is just a joy to watch. But what is really special about Woffiden is his voice. To say he can sing is an understatement; his voice is truly incredible. His opening number, 'The Candy Man', begins the show on a beautiful note, both figuratively and literally. Throughout the show, Woffiden simply delivers!

But it's not just Woffiden's Wonka who hits the right notes; the whole cast is brimming with talent. Where other aspects may not have landed the way you would have expected, the vocal strength of the ensemble keeps things buoyant. A particular standout and general all-rounder is James, the young star who plays Charlie Buckett. James captures the wide-eyed essence of a true dreamer. His Charlie is endlessly lovable, his joy is infectious, and he is just so easy to watch. It’s a performance that suggests a bright future ahead, not just as a child star, but as a serious young actor with real theatrical chops.

The young talent on stage is an absolute delight, with each golden ticket winner bringing a burst of personality and energy to the production. Stefan (Augustus Gloop), Olivia (Veruca Salt), Olivia (Violet Beauregarde), and Louie (Mike Teavee) each deliver bold, spirited performances that light up the stage and add plenty of mischief to the madness. They should all be incredibly proud. A special mention also goes to Steve Dunning, whose playful take on Grandpa Joe strikes a lovely balance between cheek and charm.

If, like me, you’ve grown up with both film adaptations of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you’ll know all too well the wacky ways each golden ticket winner learns valuable lessons and meets their sticky end. But it begs the question: how do those iconic, chaotic moments translate to the stage, especially with the limitations of an amateur theatre company? The answer here is: it’s done tastefully. It’s charming, fun, and ingenious. Through a mix of clever stage furniture and set design, they deliver the hilarity of these classic scenes. You may have to use your imagination for some parts, but that's really what this show is all about: Pure Imagination!

Director Phil Simcox deserves real credit for shaping this production into a cohesive and magical experience, successfully capturing the spirit of one of the most beloved children's stories. Choreographer Cat Howourth handles the large cast with confidence, guiding the ensemble through a series of energetic dance numbers. But it’s Musical Director Dave Adey who truly shines at the heart of this show, bringing out the very best in the cast’s vocals and ensuring that the music remains a standout feature from start to finish.

The production runs fairly smoothly, though there are the odd opening night hiccups: a few missed microphone cues here, a stray lighting beam there. Thankfully, the audience is so immersed in the world of wonder and whimsy that Good Companions has created. That said, there are points where the music overpowers the performers, and when you're working with a cast of such vocally talented individuals, it's a real shame not to hear them at their best. But then comes the finale—Wonka’s great glass elevator—and it’s an absolute treat. It feels like it’s been lifted straight from the page of Dahl’s novel: technically clever, impressively executed for a small stage, and brimming with heart. A charming and joyful close to the adventure.

A special mention must go to Seb Probert, the show’s BSL interpreter. His performance is every bit as expressive and engaging as those on stage. His joyful energy and clear connection with audience members who rely on him is a brilliant reminder of how powerful inclusive theatre can be. It’s heartening to see accessibility given such care in amateur theatre — an absolute win for GCMT’s production.

Running at 2 hours and 30 minutes, this show is packed to the brim with charm. The cast are bursting with talent, and the vocals in particular are a real highlight. It’s bright, it’s joyous, it’s fun for all the family. So if you want to view paradise, simply look around and book a ticket to GCMT’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Performed at Derby Theatre until the 11th of May.