A scrumptious theatrical treat at town hall

Playing at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall until Saturday, 15 March, this performance delivers an evening of pure imagination, sprinkled with humour, charm, and just the right amount of Oompa Loompa mischief.

As the eccentric chocolatier himself, Elliot Scott-Lolley was the perfect mix of charismatic, enigmatic, and ever-so-slightly unhinged—exactly what you want from Willy Wonka. From the moment he glided onto the stage, he commanded attention with his effortless stage presence and sharp comedic timing. His delivery was razor-sharp, with just the right amount of quirky unpredictability—one moment charming, the next subtly sinister, leaving the audience never quite sure whether Wonka was a genius, a lunatic, or both (probably both). He handled the musical numbers with ease, and his chemistry with the golden ticket winners made for some truly entertaining interactions.

Jack Brayley-Boddington as Charlie Bucket was the ultimate underdog. A role like Charlie Bucket requires an actor who can convey sincerity without being overly sweet, and Jack Brayley-Boddington did just that. He played Charlie as earnest, kind-hearted, and full of hopeful wonder, making him an easy character to root for. His interactions with Paula O’Hare as Mrs Bucket were heartfelt and touching, bringing warmth to the show’s opening scenes. His natural stage presence and clear, strong vocals made him a standout, and you couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph for him as he navigated Wonka’s bizarre world.

Mark Skett as Grandpa Joe is the Grandparent we all wish we had and was an absolute delight. He played the role with infectious energy and mischievous enthusiasm, making Grandpa Joe the lovable, slightly cheeky partner-in-crime that every child dreams of having. His comic timing was impeccable, and his sheer excitement when stepping into Wonka’s factory was contagious. You could tell he was having an absolute blast on stage, and that joy spread to the audience.

One of the highlights of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is, of course, the four ridiculously spoiled children who meet their hilarious (and well-deserved) downfalls. The entire ensemble brought big personalities, even bigger voices, and plenty of comedic gold.

Alex Nash as Augustus Gloop perfectly embodied the gluttonous, sausage-loving boy from Germany with a hilarious mix of arrogance and cluelessness. His scenes were laugh-out-loud funny, especially his dramatic demise into the chocolate river.

Elizabeth Kirk as Mrs. Gloop delivered a side-splittingly funny performance, bringing a hilarious, over-the-top German accent and some truly impressive yodelling. A true scene-stealer.

Bethany Davis as Veruca Salt was deliciously bratty from start to finish. Her tantrums were beautifully exaggerated, and she commanded the stage with the perfect blend of entitlement and whiny outrage, making it hard to believe that this was Bethany’s first principal role in her 15 years at the society! Mike Willis as Mr Salt played the worn-down, fed-up father to perfection, expertly balancing between indulgent and exasperated. Both their accents were on point (as well as Bethany’s excellence Ballet dancing).

Samantha Rogers as Violet Beauregarde was a sassy, gum-snapping diva, bringing boundless energy and a swagger that made her downfall even more satisfying. Her confidence as the self-proclaimed world champion gum-chewer was fantastic, and James Fisher as Mr Beauregarde was an equally funny counterpart, playing the overbearing sports dad trope flawlessly.

Dan McCloskey as Mike Teevee played the overstimulated, screen-addicted kid with absolute conviction, his character brimming with cocky defiance. His high-energy, fast-talking performance was so convincing that you wouldn’t be surprised if he actually tried to livestream his way through the show. Hannah Weaver as Mrs Teevee provided brilliant comedic contrast, her exhausted, overly indulgent mother routine landing every time and everyone loved her attempts to charm the oblivious Willy Wonka!

With minimal props and staging, the production relied heavily on projections and a screen, which turned out to be a stroke of genius. The clever visuals helped transport the audience into Wonka’s world, enhancing the whimsicality and surreal nature of the story. The only downside being the potentially outdated sound system, and though the orchestra was outstanding, it would occasionally be overbearing when competing with the voices of the actors.

The production team, led by Hellie England, ensured smooth scene transitions and a seamless flow from one delightfully bizarre moment to the next. Juliet Fisher’s direction kept the pacing sharp and lively, while Andrew Timmins’ musical direction ensured that every note was spot-on. The choreography by Connie Mortiboy made the Oompa Loompa numbers particularly enjoyable, with the cast executing the routines with precision and playfulness.

This production is an absolute must-see, full of fantastic performances, humour, and theatrical magic. Whether you’re a Roald Dahl fan, a musical lover, or just someone who enjoys a night of pure fun, this show delivers in spades. But hurry – it’s only running until Saturday, 15 March! If you don’t get a ticket, you’ll feel as disappointed as Veruca Salt when she didn’t get her fluffy squirrel. Grab your tickets from ticketsource.co.uk