GCMT Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Derby Theatre May 8th, 2025

I have a Golden Ticket to GMTC’s production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The excitement for this opening night is electric. It’s lovely to see a large group from the deaf community and we are impressed with Derby Theatre’s BSL volunteer in the foyer. The production is signed throughout out by an exceptionally talented young man, Seb Probert. Kudos for an energetic expressive interpretation.

The Musical brings Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life with a colourful, energetic, and at times darkly whimsical flair. The production opens with young Charlie Bucket dreaming big despite the poverty that surrounds him. From the start, the show captures the imagination with bold set pieces, clever projections, and a score that blends new songs with familiar tunes like “Pure Imagination.” GCMT uses a backing track throughout and whilst this is of a high professional standard, it is loud at times and over powers the vocals. By act two this is corrected in Act 2. I feel it does not impact on my enjoyment of this high quality production, but I miss hearing clearly the lyrics of unfamiliar songs. However the expressive, heartfelt performances let me know exactly what is happening.

The show starts with Willy Wonka emerging from his formidable factory gate, The Willy Wonka role is a mesmerizing figure — eccentric, unpredictable, and just a little sinister. his entrance is dramatic, and his presence dominates the stage. He then proceeds to sing The Candy Man and transforms into a candy shop owner before our eyes. This is a departure from the traditional tale and I would have preferred this reveal to come later in the show, for Charlie’s realisation that the Candyman and Wonka are the same person.

Willy Wonka is handled by a captivating, staid and stunning performance by Joe Woffinden. His dulcet baritone voice, charismatic personality totally takes charge in every scene. He is sharp, unpredictable, and he clearly enjoys watching the children face the consequences of their flaws. Whether he is speaking in riddles or singing with charm and irony, Woffinden’s presence is magnetic, and his motives are never entirely clear until the final moments.

At the heart of this story is young Charlie Bucket, We see James from team lollipop who captured this character with wide-eyed wonder and genuine warmth. He took on this with a nuance of a seasoned professional. James is hardly ever off stage; I especially enjoy the energy and imagination he portrays when designing his own chocolate creations. Hot ice cream on a cold day, yes please|!

Charlie’s love for invention, his kindness toward his family, and his unshakable hope despite living in poverty make him instantly endearing. His bond with Grandpa Joe, (Steve Dunning) is a highlight — their duet is tender, full of joy, and sets the emotional tone of the show. Steve Dunning is man who understands his role: from the bed-ridden poverty-stricken Grandpa Joe, who is joined by Grandma Josphine (Lisa-Scott-Savage), Grandma Georgina (Heidi Hand) and Grandma George (Ollie Hand) who are all cheeky and joyful to watch. A highlight for me is Mrs Bucket (Claire Jarman) whose beautiful solo If Your Father Was Here, with a tear-jerking flash back to a young Charlie (Jude) and Mr Bucket (Tom Banks) who also doubles up as the live feed camera man.

An ingenious staging of a chocolate tv channel, introduces us to the delightfully cheesy hosts Jerry (Rob Chilton) and Cherry (Lauren Adams) who introduce the winners of the other four tickets. Cherry travelled the globe to meet these winners, with the ensemble joining in the celebrations, in Bavaria, Russia, California and Idaho.

Each of the Golden Ticket winners is a larger-than-life caricature, exaggerated for comic and moral effect, Phil Simcox as director perfectly paired the parents with the children.

Augustus Gloop (Stefan) is the gluttonous boy from Germany whose obsession with food makes him the first to fall. He portrays Augustus with big physical comedy and even bigger belly, accompanied by his overindulgent mother, who sings proudly about their family’s love of sausage and sweets, played by the experienced Debs McPherson. His exit is messy and memorable.

Veruca Salt (Olivia) is a spoiled, demanding Russian ballet prodigy who pirouettes her way into trouble. Her complex comedic choreography is elite. She is always expecting the world to cater to her whims. Her squeaks and shouts are high-pitched perfection.

Her father (Jake Perry), a wealthy businessman, tries to please her at every turn. Her scene with the squirrels is both elegant and explosive — she dances into disaster.

Violet Beauregarde (Olivia) is reimagined as a social media-obsessed pop star from Los Angeles. Her gum-chewing habit is turned into a brand, and she is constantly filming herself. Her swagger and sass are matched only by her father (Phil Stanley),a high-powered Manager who lives vicariously through his daughter. Violet’s transformation into a giant blueberry is a show-stopping spectacle.

Mike Teavee (Louie) is now a hyperactive tech genius, addicted to screens, video games, and the internet. He is brilliant but arrogant, with no respect for others — or for reality. His over-the-top digital meltdown inside the television is both humorous and a stark warning about overexposure to technology. His exhausted flirtatious, sassy mother (Eleanor Mallinson) trails behind him, completely overwhelmed until his transformation makes him controllable. The use of projection in this scene is West-End level.

The factory itself is a visual feast. Each room dazzles with inventive design — the nut-sorting squirrels — and I love the Oompa-Loompas who steal the show with quirky choreography and clever effects. The musical numbers are catchy and well-staged, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps the audience engaged. Costumes and props are excellent. The scene changes are managed well with large unweelding set pieces to move.

Charlie coming out at the end in an exact replica of Wonka’s costume gained a large cheer from an audience, young and old enjoying this remarkable show.

At its heart, the musical remains a cautionary tale about kindness, humility, and imagination. Charlie’s sincerity and integrity shine through, making his eventual reward feel both satisfying and earned.

This is a must see show to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Photography credit. Simon Oldham