In these cold and wet months, what better way to escape the grey world outside than stepping into a theatre and spending an evening watching a heartwarming and joyous show? Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society (BAOS)’ production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to be precise! Running for just four days from the 19th to the 22nd of March at the Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke, BAOS are preparing to give audiences a wonderful show guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
There are many versions of the famous character Willy Wonka; the original book by Roald Dahl, the 1971 movie with Gene Wilder, the 2005 movie with Johnny Depp, the 2023 movie with Timothee Chalammet, and then of course the stage show which was performed both in London and on Broadway. Whether you’ve read or watched all of these or none, everyone has at least heard of the famous figure. What is different about the BAOS’ production, is it is unique to all these previous adaptations. The amateur dramatic version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been made purely for amateur dramatics; it’s not the London musical, not the Broadway musical – it’s a bit of both, but its own version in its own right. This only makes the show that much more exciting, as it means you’ll be watching a completely unique version of a well-known and loved story!
Under Owen White’s direction with Ryan Stevens’ assistant direction, the show is balanced well. On the one hand, it is fun-filled, whimsical and over the top. On the other hand, it is an emotional, endearing and uplifting show that will awaken the dreamers in all of us, and remind everyone of the importance of never losing imagination nor the belief in magic.
Something the company have excelled at is their characterisation. They have taken these incredibly well-known characters and brought them to life brilliantly, staying true to the roles whilst also making them their own. Taking on the iconic role of Mr Willy Wonka himself is Robin Walton; the charismatic, mysterious and at times unhinged personality of Mr Wonka shines through in Walton’s performance. He embodies the chocolatier in a way that makes him entertaining to watch, even when he’s not the main focus of a scene.
Sharing the title role of Charlie across the run are two young performers, Cassia and Tabitha; to have so much emotion come from performers so young makes their performances that much more moving. They may be young, but their performances are as skilful as if they have been performing forever. The chemistry between Cassia, Tabitha and Walton is endearing to watch, and they seem to naturally bounce off each other well on stage, easily convincing everyone there is genuine warmth and friendship there.
The cast members who make up Charlie’s doting family all bring palpable warmth and love to their roles; Sharon Cornwell, Caroline Price and Cath Hannan become Grandma Josephine, Grandma Georgina and Grandpa George respectively. The family are completed with Richard Bond as Grandpa Joe and Nicola Morrin as Charlie’s mum, both of whom demonstrate touching performances and their loving relationships with Charlie feel authentic and genuine, with the scenes they all share being endearing to watch. Morton as Mrs Bucket brings a raw feeling of sensitivity and vulnerability to the role, whilst Bond as Grandpa Joe has the balance of being a comical family member who is arguably closer to being Charlie’s friend, whilst simultaneously being a tender and affectionate figure to Charlie.
Making up the rest of Mr Wonka’s lucky golden ticket winners, playing the children you have Hannah Jenkins, Emily Walker, Rhianon Mone and Sabrina Hinchliffe as Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregard and Mike Teavee. Playing their accompanying parents are Siobhan Branch, Harrison Crangle, James Young and Michelle Anderson as Mrs Gloop, Mr Salt, Mr Beauregard and Mrs Teavee. The group are all amusing to watch and very distinct and clear in their roles. I found it particularly entertaining to watch various members of the group react to the main focus point of the scene; the way the troupe stay in character at all times even when they are in the background of a scene is well executed, and the interactions of all the characters are equally laughable and enjoyable to watch. In fact, the realism these performers have brought to these characters is somewhat unnerving, as it is a bit too close to home being able to imagine them all out in society in the real world today…!
Whilst the performers all discussed above are the company members that make up the principals and excellently carry the show, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is very much a show where every person is crucial. This is noticeable by how much work the ensemble has to do. The ensemble show how adept they are by taking on multiple roles – least of all the unique characters of the oompa loompas! With the ensemble taking on many roles, the importance of making sure every role is different enough so they can be distinguished easily is crucial, and the ensemble company members manage to do exactly that, seemingly with ease.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a full-on show; it is camp, fun and lively; it may be hard to maintain such high and consistent levels of energy for the duration of the musical, but every member of the company does so and even makes it seem easy. There is perfectly poised and precise choreography, courtesy of Jade Williams, and the company all sound beautiful with crisp and clear vocals and harmonies, thanks to Tori Eglin’s musical direction. The show may still be in rehearsals but it seems there is not much left for BAOS until they are stage-ready, it is now simply a case of fine-tuning and bringing all the remaining details together.
It’s said that it takes a village to put on a show and in amateur dramatics, that is no exception;, when watching the BAOS rehearsal, I got to see the proof of this saying for myself. It’s admirable to see people all coming together with their tasks, all striving not just to put on a show, but a show that will wow people. What is even more admirable is every single person involved is doing this on top of their usual daily lives. From direction to performing to choreographing, preparing props, costumes, set and more…the dedication and determination of team BAOS is commendable.
To pull off a show like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is far from an easy feat, yet the BAOS company are taking it all in their stride and should be really proud of what they are putting together. I for one can’t wait to see the finished production and see all the team’s work come together. If the rehearsal in an echoey school hall with just a few props and elements of costumes can evoke such emotions within me, well then I think the finished shows complete with all the finished added details will be something really quite special, something as wondrous as Mr Wonka himself would promise people.
Running from 19th-22nd March at Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre, BAOS’ production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is gearing up to be a wonderfully fun show, perfect for all the family. But don’t take my word for it…why not get yourself and your loved ones down to the Haymarket and enjoy yourselves seeing a show sweeter than chocolate?
BAOS’ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs at Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre from 19th – 22nd March.
You can buy tickets for the show here: https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/events/baos-charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory
You can find out more about BAOS here: https://baos.org/
One Show at a Time 