Manor Operatic Society’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – 14 May 2025, Sheffield City Hall
Review by Claire Taranaski.
Roald Dahl was known for not always being a fan of adaptations of his children’s books so we will never know what he will think of the musical adaption of his much loved book but what I think he will agree on is that Manor Operatic Society continue to be one of the best amateur musical theatre companies in Sheffield and are superb at casting and getting the most out of their lead actors, thanks to director and producer Richard Bradfield and director and choreographer Linda Kelly.
On the subject of superb casting of the lead actors, all of whom had wonderful stage presence and chemistry and would not be out of place in a nationwide tour of West End production of the show, Dylan Lambert performance of Willy Wonka made me think of Robert Downey Jr if he had been offered the role and it looked like Dylan was relishing being able to bring more to the role, with the musical expanding the character to bring them out into the real world, giving them a more fulfilled history and providing the opportunity to develop his relationship with Charlie: Callum Fellows as Grandpa Joe was reminiscent of and equal to that of Dick Van Dyke as Mr Dawes Senior at the end of Mary Poppins; however it was Rafe Newton who played Charlie Bucket in last night’s production (played on alternate shows with Jasper King) who was perfect, not just for a performer so young, and was up there with either Charlie in the film adaptations and proved that this continues to be the year of wonderful child actors in Sheffield musical theatre productions.
Anyone who knows the book, and if you don’t go and read it, will know that Charlie is not the only child who enters the chocolate factory and although the casting of the four other golden ticket holders often felt exaggerated and stereotyped as the story intended, there was something about each of them that drew you to them from the superb ballet dancing of Evie Bradford as Veruca Salt; Sam Symonds bringing to life Augustus Gloop in a way that Matt Lucas would be proud of; and (in probably my most obscure reference in a review) Stuart Daniel Box’s performance of Mike Teavee being equal to that of Teddy Grey as Jimmy in the Ellie Sparkles Show (hope Stuart gets to keep the action figure after the final show) and not forgetting Katie Ann Dolling as the bubble queen Violet Beauregarde who brilliantly pulled off the three course gobstopper sucking storyline.
As a parent myself, which with this production gave me a different approach to the story than as a child looking at parenting and parental love and not just a childhood love of chocolate, I must praise the two main mother roles of Lisa England as Charlie’s mother Mrs Bucket, who whatever hard times you go through performed the character with so much love and kindness you would have thought she was Rafe’s real life mother; whilst Emily Mae Hoyland as Mrs Teavee, wonderfully captured the 1950s stereotype housewife falling apart whilst trying hard and just wanting to be a good mum (something must parents will connect with at some point).
The ensemble, choreographed by Linda Kelly, were a talented bunch reflecting the two areas that Manor Operatic Society are known for, in the first half before the characters enter the factory providing elegant and fitting musical theatre routines whilst as Oompa Loompas in the second half (bet they the makeup team led by Fern Lynch-Bowers were glad they did not need to be turned orange) more reflective of their much loved annual panto musical numbers. Two other choreography moments that need a special mention are the beautiful connection between young Charlie (performed by either Haiden Atkins-Brennan and Theo Moulster alongside Leo Appleton as Mr Bucket during Mrs Bucket’s emotional musical number “If Your Father were Here” and the miming of all of the visitors to the chocolate factory in the invisible corridors scene.
On the subject of musical numbers, accompanied throughout by an 11 piece band at the side of the stage, this musical is at it’s most standout with the songs the audience knows best, the opening “The Candy Man”, the prefect introduction to Willy Wonka Dylan’s musical theatre talents and “Pure Imagination” and the emotion filled numbers including the beautifully portrayed, tear jerking “A Letter From Charlie Bucket”.
Finally special mention Alex Coward and everyone involved in the wardrobe team and the costumes provided by Molly Limpets Theatrical Emporium for the wonderful costumes for the full cast and ensemble and the quick changes and props manager Fiona Davies and her team especially the Bucket Shack bed set and portraying the various rooms of the factory.
A golden ticket for this production should not be missed by fans of musical theatre and Roald Dahl’s well-loved story.