Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Captivate Theatre Review
Written by Jacqueline for Theatre and Tonic.
Captivate Theatre has been a longtime central aspect of the Edinburgh Fringe theatre scene. This year sees the premiere of their Charlie and the Chocolate Factory production.
Generations of children have grown up with Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel, but this version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory differs significantly from both its written and on-screen predecessors. In this version (by David Greig), the story begins with Wonka acknowledging his morality and leaving his factory in disguise. This is where he first meets Charlie Bucket. Charlie gives Wonka the inspiration to invite people into the factory, and this is where our story begins. Chaos ensues as the five golden tickets are won and we see the madness unfold in Wonka’s factory. Greig’s adaptation of the story does well to maintain the dry humour and darkness of the original novel, leaving you wondering at times if you’re watching a children’s show or some kind of nightmarish cautionary tale.
The cast of this production was spectacular and I would love to applaud certain performers individually but unfortunately, I was unable to locate the cast information in the venue or online. As a whole, this was a charming cast of children and hilariously funny adults who didn’t miss a beat. From Wonka himself to the duo of television reporters; from Charlie’s grandparents to the golden ticket winners, everybody gave 100% to their performance.
This Fringe, Captivate are performing eight different musicals in the same venue, sometimes with five or more shows in the same day. Consequently, the main set for each show stays the same, with a large stage, raised platform and a walkway underneath. The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-specific set pieces were creative- a single bedsheet to create the illusion of Charlie’s grandparents in their bed; haze and lighting effects to introduce each golden ticket winner as they entered the stage via the runway; even the handheld ‘candy plants’ from inside the factory. The size of the stage was hugely beneficial during the numbers featuring the large ensemble of Oompa Loompas, but at times felt a bit bare. Then again, Willy Wonka does encourage us all to use our ‘Pure Imagination’!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a sweet treat for the whole family, and is sure to delight audiences whether they’re a longtime fan or this is their first time hearing the story.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
