The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few as Bury St Edmunds Operatic and Dramatic Society present Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from 13th -17th May.
Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a golden ticket that gives everything – a crowd-pleasing, outrageous ensemble musical.
Photo Credit: Andy Abbott – Grandpa Joe and Charlies
Two teams of children alternate performance nights (Team Oompa and Team Loompa!) alongside a cast of adults. Steve Murray is taking on the role of Willy Wonka and the part of Charlie is being shared by Austin Rolt and Sophie Goodchild.
Photo Credit: Andy Abbott – Steve Murray as Willy Wonka
Director Adam Thurkettle, Musical Director Gaz Brown and Choreographer Abigail Longworth have been working hard to put this exciting production together. The three of them have been working tirelessly to create a fantastic show as well as bringing together a talented and harmonious cast who have all pulled together to make this show a great success and a wonderful nights entertainment.
Whilst Adam is an established and valuable member of BSEODS, Gaz and Abigail are both new creatives for the company. Gaz is based in Ely and predominately MD’s in the Cambridge/Ely area. Abigail is in her final year of studying dance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire and is part of the UKs most celebrated Hip Hop theatre company – Boy Blue.
Photo Credit: Andy Abbott
Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including “Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “Oompa Loompa Song,” and “Pure Imagination.”
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs from 13th – 17th May 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on Saturday 17th.
Tickets range from £12-£22 and are available from the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds or their Box Office on 01284 769505.
SUFFOLK THEATRE 