WONKA’S BAR IS SET TOO LOW
Imagine the fun if rivals had to fight for those golden tickets
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Bord Gáis Energy Theatre U ntil January 7
Roald Dahl had a poor view of the human race, but he knew how to appeal to children. Maybe the tragedies that hit his family soured him, but many of his stories luxuriate in the painful destruction of characters who don’t measure up to his standards. Imagination topped his list of desirable aptitudes.
He had a particular hatred of television which he described in a poem as providing, ‘the shocking ghastly junk… that kills imagination DEAD’. So it’s no surprise that two of the repulsive characters in this Leeds Playhouse production are Mrs Teavee and her son Mike, one of the five winners of the coveted golden tickets that allow entry into Willy Wonka’s magical factory of chocolate delights.
The other four winners include Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop. Charlie Bucket, from a very poor but jolly family, who exist on cabbage soup, is the only winner who
‘Story lacks the competitive tension that makes for more lively theatre’
has the imagination and creativity Willy Wonka appreciates.
Despite the success of the film versions, the story lacks the competitive tension between competing characters that makes for more lively theatre.
Nobody has to compete or perform heroics to win one of the five golden tickets. They just come in one of Willy’s chocolate bars. And you know that poor humble Charlie is bound to get one, even if it takes until the end of Act One to arrive.
The second act is dominated by Gareth Snook as Willy, the action consisting of quite brilliant video wizardry while Willy acts as a wickedly witty commentator conducting the grand tour of his chocolate wonderland.
Though when he explains what the children must not do, you know there’s a nasty fate in store for some.
The show has a practically sungthrough score of attractive but not particularly memorable songs, apart from Pure Imagination and The Candyman, imported from the 1971 movie.
That said, the young audience lapped up the fun, especially the performance of the Oompa Loompas. The main comic load is borne by Snook’s Willy Wonka and by Charlie’s family, poor but optimistic, who all support Charlie’s creative use of junk.
The performances are all first class, including Kazmin Borrer as Veruca, and Lucie Hutchison doubling roles.
But the philosophical duet between Willy and Charlie near the end, in a mid-air conveyor while they reflect on what’s really important in life, seemed interminable.
Beast and Belle move to… Cork
Beauty And The Beast continues at The Everyman, Cork (until Jan 14). Belle discovers a castle – somewhere in Cork – forgotten by time, under the spell of an enchanted rose and ruled over by an apparently terrible beast. But Belle must look beyond appearances. With talking teapots, singing candlesticks and clever clocks.
There are many options, from ISL interpreted, audio described or relaxed performances at various times and dates. All details from everyman.com or 021 450 1780.
Into the debris of Civil War
Hammam, a new work by multi-disciplinary group ANU, written and directed by Louise Lowe, runs at Peacock Theatre from Wednesday (until Jan 6). It brings the decade of centenaries, that has launched 22 projects since 2013, to a close. The Peacock has been totally re-imagined for ANU to excavate the final moments of the Battle of Dublin during the Civil War, peeling back the forgotten layers of city life buried beneath the surface. Hammam delves into the lesser known history of the Hammam Hotel, its underground Turkish bath on O’Connell Street, and its role in the Civil War, one of the most contentious episodes in the country’s history, traversing the depths of Dublin’s destroyed buildings and the political legacy that’s still with us. See booking.abbeytheatre.ie
A relationship in pieces
You Belong To Me, a savage comedy written by Rory Nolan, continues in Smock Alley (until Thursday).
Liam Carney and Clara Simpson star as Pato and Patty, who haven’t agreed on anything since their marriage. They can’t stand each other but they can’t afford to be apart.
Then an executor calls about a legacy. Are things turning out better for Patty? Then there’s a dance competition and she needs a partner. Kwaku Fortune and Kyle Hixon are in supporting roles while Lynne Parker directs. See smockalley.ticketsolve.com