Audiences are invited to a world of ‘pure imagination’ as the stage production of the musical based on Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes to the Belfast stage next week.
The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory… but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa Loompas.
The delicious full-scale production from Belfast School of Performing Arts (BSPA) featuring a cast of 65 young people has been put together in just three weeks.
With the magic and imaginative flair of director Peter Corry and full of favourite songs including Candy Man, I’ve Got a Golden Ticket and Oompa Loompa Song, audiences can enjoy a spectacle which includes chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator.
“Our young cast are energetic, colourful and brilliant. To conjure the world of Willy Wonka requires energy, commitment and a huge dollop of pure imagination and they have all of that, and more,” says singer, producer and actor Corry.
“This musical is one that most of us will have memories of from our own childhood. Personally, I was always a big fan of the Oompa Loompas, but each of the children are adding their own spin on all the crazy, fun and sometimes awful characters, I’m excited to see the end result. It’s going to be a great show,” he adds.
In a quirky twist, the lead role of Charlie Bucket is being played by two 12-year-olds - one girl and one boy.
Aimee Toner from Newry travels to east Belfast every day for rehearsal, whilst co-star Max Reid travels from Ballygally in Co Antrim.
Not only do they need to learn the role of Charlie but they both take on a role in the ensemble when the other is playing Charlie.
These two talented young people are showing us all how a summer filled with not only singing, acting and dancing but lots of friendship, laughs and challenges is truly a summer well spent.
Aimee has been a member of BSPA for three years.
“I enjoy performing arts as it gives me the opportunity to express myself while learning new things. And I have made incredible friends,” she enthuses.
This is her first senior production and she is looking forward to “performing in front of an audience at the MAC Theatre” and bringing “Charlie to life on stage”.
Aimee’s Mum, Margaret says she’s bursting with pride and that performing arts has made a real and positive impact on all aspects of her life.
“Being involved in BSPA has significantly improved Aimee’s communication skills, enabling her to express herself more clearly and effectively, both in school and in social settings. It has also taught her valuable lessons about empathy and understanding different perspectives, which has enhanced her ability to connect with others.
Our young cast are energetic, colourful and brilliant. To conjure the world of Willy Wonka requires energy, commitment and a huge dollop of pure imagination and they have all of that, and more.
— Peter Corry
“Additionally, drama has given her a sense of belonging and community, which is incredibly important during the pre-teen years. She has not only built amazing friendships, but she has also learned to manage her time well, balancing rehearsals with her schoolwork (throughout the academic year) which is a skill that will benefit her throughout her life.”
Max starred as Gavroche in BSPA summer youth production of Les Misérables last year and is delighted to be chosen from over 50 auditionees to play the role of Charlie Bucket and share it with Aimee.
“It’s been great working together. I love being able to share ideas, and we bounce off each other really well. It has made it much easier to share the role of Charlie to ease some of the pressure as we help each other during rehearsals. It has also been nice to meet a new friend.”
Max’s mum, Suzanne Reid, reveals he has always loved the Roald Dahl tale and is delighted about how being involved in drama has helped his confidence.
“This project is a great way for Max to spend his summer holidays doing something he loves so much. This project is a big step up from any performances Max has done before, however, Max thrives on new challenges and loves to push himself outside his comfort zone. This is a really fun production and Max has always loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Proud of all his young performers, whether they are first timers or seasoned BSPA performers, Corry has especially high praise for Max and Aimee describing them as having “a bright future ahead of them”.
“These two have made such a great connection and I see them bouncing ideas off each other and working together to make the role better,” he says.
“I’m really proud of the commitment and dedication they have both brought with them every single day - it’s no mean feat to put on a show of this scale in just three weeks, especially at 12 years old.”
