Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

CHARLIE CAST: (L-R) Bridie Case-Miller (Veruca Salt), Gabrielle de Bruijn (Mrs Salt), Daniel Cruickshank (Charlie Bucket), Peter Skoludek (Grandpa Joe) and Molly Huggan (Violet Beauregarde).

WHAT: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
WHERE: Riverlea Theatre
WHEN : April 9-23
REVIEWER: Danielle Nicholson

Given Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was my favourite childhood book and movie, I was looking forward to this version by Hamilton Playbox as much as the trio of girls I was taking to see it. And it didn't disappoint.

We attended their first matinee along with dozens of others - it was almost a full house.

Hamilton Playbox has been around for more than 80 years and it's still going strong. A dedicated crew transformed the stage into a wonderland of Willy Wonka-inspired delight. And some clever trickery was employed to create illusions such as Violet Beauregarde's ballooning dress.

Meanwhile, the cast really brought the characters to life. While Mike Scanlon made for an animated Wonka in the style of the original movie (not the darker Johnny Depp version), the children were the true stars of the show. They understood the subtle nuances of their characters and they all nailed their lines.

Charlie's quiet and pensive character perhaps didn't give Daniel Cruickshank a chance to really bring the young lad's character to life, though he delivered his early lines with great comedic timing.

Special mention goes to Bridie Case-Miller who plays spoilt brat Veruca Salt. She shone on stage and delivered her lines with superb expression. But perhaps her facial expressions were what sealed it - she's a natural on stage.

The cast of Oompa Loompas add another layer to the play with their commentary on the downfalls of spoiled, greedy kids.

Playbox gives young actors and those in behind-the-scenes roles a great platform to develop their skills; Hamilton is lucky to have this institution.

Run on a shoestring, Playbox has pulled off a wonderful family show that is sure delight and entertain children of most ages these school holidays.

Tickets from www.iticket.co.nz.