Last week I went to see the live showing of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, at the Theatre Royal on Dury Lane. You may have seen me reviewing Matilda and the Lion King also, which were great but I have to say this was the best show I have seen so far!
I am a sucker for cheesy entertainment, especially when it is done incredibly well – which this was. The show was spot on from start to finish, exceeding my expectations and making me smile throughout. My favourite part was inside the Factory in the second half, when the boy shrinks himself into the TV – The Oompa Loompas come out and do an amazing rave/light dance which is not to be missed!! I laughed so much and had the biggest smile on my face whenever they came on stage. The child actors where amazing, very professional and so talented.
The thing that really impressed me the most though, was the staging and art direction. It was utterly incredible the amount of detail that has gone into the set, props and technology. From a giant TV screen that moved to reveal actors inside performing as if there are in the TV, animations that project onto the wall and amazing scenes that actually bring all feelings of nostalgia and youth back when you see it.
This is the best London show I have seen so far and I would happily go again and would most likely find it just as amusing, funny and enjoyable as the first time.
