Have you got a golden ticket?
Photo credit: Andy Abbott
Bury St Edmunds Operatic and Dramatic Society is bringing the world of Willy Wonka to the Theatre Royal stage next month, as they present their musical production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Do you know the famous novel by Roald Dahl? Or perhaps you have seen the brilliant 1971 film version with Gene Wilder? If not, let us outline the story for you…
A world-famous eccentric is opening the gates to his mysterious sweet factory…but only to a lucky few. Hidden inside just five of his delicious chocolate bars are the golden tickets needed to gain entry and win a lifetime’s supply of chocolate! Sales skyrocket and the first four tickets are quickly found by the gluttonous Augustus Gloop, the spoiled Veruca Salt, the gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde and the telly addict Mike Teavee.
Meanwhile, young Charlie Bucket - a kind but poor boy - tries twice to find a ticket, but both bars come up empty. Only after finding a banknote and purchasing a third Wonka Bar, does he finally win his place.
The winners then embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination, encountering chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.
It’s a crowd-pleasing, outrageous ensemble musical for all ages.
Photo credit: Andy Abbott
In this show, we are introduced to an original score by Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray). But, don’t worry - for fans of the movie, it also pays homage to the motion picture with songs including ‘Candy Man’, ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’, and ‘Pure Imagination’.
Steve Murray is taking on the role of Willy Wonka and the part of Charlie is being shared by Austin Rolt and Sophie Goodchild. Alongside them is a fabulous cast of adults and two teams of children who alternate performance nights (Team Oompa and Team Loompa!).
Director Adam Thurkettle (an established and valuable member of BSEODS) and two new creatives within the company - Musical Director Gaz Brown and Choreographer Abigail Longworth - have been working hard to put this exciting production together. Together they have created a fantastic show with a talented cast, all pulling together to make it a wonderful night’s entertainment.
Tickets range from £12 - £22 and weekend shows are now limited availability, so get booking quickly to avoid disappointment!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds on May 13 - 17.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE