About the show Step into a world of pure imagination with the enchanting stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's timeless classic. Join young Charlie Bucket and a colourful cast of characters on a magical journey inside Willy Wonka's extraordinary chocolate factory. When Charlie finds one of the five golden tickets to the Wonka Chocolate Factory, he and the other winners can’t wait to see the magical world of sweets and treats awaiting them inside. They soon learn that nobody leaves the same way that they arrived… With whimsical sets, dazzling costumes, and captivating performances, this stage show brings to life the wonder and excitement of Dahl's beloved tale. Experience the thrill of golden ticket discoveries, the mischievous Oompa Loompas, and the delectable delights created by the eccentric Willy Wonka himself. Perfect for the entire family, this theatrical extravaganza promises an unforgettable adventure filled with sweetness, surprises, and the pure joy of childhood. Grab your tickets now and be transported to a world where dreams do come true! Name and role Co-Directors Isobel Holland and Sophie Cornett Tell us about yourself Isobel: I have been a part of the performing arts realm for the past 10 years, mainly in choral or theatrical settings. I grew up with music so it has always been a passion of mine. I'm currently a student working on my Bachelor of Music but planning to go on studying and honing my craft in a theatrical setting. Though this is the first time I have co-directed, this will be my 5th time directing. I have had the pleasure of working with multiple companies and troupes to put on productions from the Central Coast to Sydney. Sophie: I joined Camden Musical Society in 2020 as a cast member for their first musical production of Seussical the Musical and have continued to be involved as both a production team member and cast member ever since. This is the first musical I have directed, having predominantly worked as a choreographer for previous productions, and it has been an incredible experience. Outside of musical theatre, I am a research scientist and a university academic, and what I have loved about being involved in CMS is the opportunity to work with such fantastic people and explore this creative outlet that I am so passionate about. What can audiences look forward to when they come see the show? Isobel: One of the components that the production team was adamant about keeping was the sense of childlike wonder which is seen throughout the entire show with exciting choreography, colourful costumes, bold characters and stunning musicians. We wanted to set the show from Charlie's perspective and how no matter the hardship (or terrifying endeavour), his dreams had a place to thrive and be explored to their fullest potential. Sophie: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a show renowned for it’s vibrancy and colour, while also telling an incredibly poignant story driven by the characters and the relationships between them. Audiences can look forward to seeing a show with an exciting balance of light-hearted, humorous moments between characters as well as moments of true human connection and characters that are very easy to identify with. The entire show is underpinned by an incredibly diverse range of songs and choreography, as expertly crafted by our musical director and choreographers and performed fantastically by our incredibly talented cast.
How has the rehearsal process been?
Isobel: Rehearsals have been in full swing since the end of November 2023 and the cast are giving it their all. Sophie: Rehearsals have been great! The cast have worked hard and are all looking forward to staging the show in two weeks' time.
What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved? Isobel: You see other shows set for more target audiences like Rodgers and Hammerstein for the Golden Age lovers or the more pop-genre productions that really draw in Gen Z but Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a family show. With an incredible score inspired by several decades and a fantastic script that has jokes for all ages, it encourages everyone to come and see shows and opens opportunities for all people to perform and engage in theatre. Sophie: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a story that I have loved since I first read it back in primary school. The numerous adaptations of the story throughout the years I believe speaks to the way the characters and the story continues to delight and resonate with people, and I was incredibly excited by the opportunity to present our own adaptation of the tale. The magic and wonder of the factory coupled with the fascinating characters and their relationships is something I have always found incredible about the story and I felt this was a wonderful way to start my directing experience.
Which cast member do you think audiences should keep an eye out for? Isobel: As a director, I have had the opportunity to watch everyone's characters unfold into a beautiful display in addition to the story. As much as I think our leads are phenomenal, our ensemble has gone above and beyond to ensure that the scenes flow with such precision and that every Oompa Loompa has a story to bring. Watching them get fully enveloped in the scene is nothing short of spectacular. Which role would you like to play if you could? Sophie: The character I have always found the most fascinating from the story is Willy Wonka, and it is absolutely a role I would love to have an opportunity to portray. Willy Wonka has a fascinating aura of mystery surrounding him and can turn on a dime from a charming, charismatic leader to a brilliant but mad scientist. I also particularly love seeing how his relationship with Charlie evolves throughout the show and the impact that finding this fellow dreamer has on him.
What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show? Isobel: I think for all our characters, we see masks. Masks of deception or greed or jealousy and it is these very characters who we lose along the way. We find ourselves at the end of the show with our most honest and authentic character thriving and living the life he had always dreamt of, no matter how nonsensical it may be. In the end, we all hope to be famous or rich or cool but it is the ones who are content in their truth that find happiness and peace. Sophie: In watching our production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, audiences will be taken on a journey through an incredible world of pure imagination. In joining Charlie in his marvel at the magic within Wonka’s factory and watching his sense of childlike wonder manifest in the form of curiosity, innovation and the bringing of joy into our world, we hope that audiences leave the show appreciating the power of holding on to wonder and a belief in magic as we grow. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a show that will delight and entertain audiences of all ages and we look forward to celebrating the magic of this world with you all. Camden Musical Society's production runs from 19th- 28th April at the Camden Civic Centre. For more information and ticketing follow this link