by Lily Beaumont
We love a good musical. So we were fairly excited when we were invited to see West End newbie Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
There have been two film versions of the book and now it has been adapted for the stage. Bond film director Sam Mendes took on the Roald Dhal challenge and brought the story to life with a load of impressive effects, lively acting and darned good songs.
The actors who stood out to us were Alex Jennings as Willy Wonka, Josefina Gabrielle as Mrs Teavee, Rhianna Dorris as Violet Beauregarde and Dylan Standen as Mike Teavee. Alex Jennings is a sinister, witty Willy Wonka who doesn’t seem to worry when the number of children on his tour begins to decrease.
Mrs Teavee plays a desperate american housewife with alcoholic tendencies trying to stay in control of her hyperactive video game obsessed son. Dylan Standen wowed as Mike Teavee, at one point entering the stage with backflips.
This play’s a crowd-pleaser, even for those not usually fans of the Roald Dahl tales. And we dare you to resist a Wonka bar at the interval!
Book tickets here.