Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre [CPYT] 
The Point, Eastleigh 
Anne Waggott 
20 February 2025
February half term at The Point in Eastleigh can only mean one thing… CPYT are back with another sell-out show – and another production full of energy, pizzazz and memorable performances from this extremely talented bunch of youngsters (and those young at heart…)!
Charlie Bucket loves chocolate… he dreams about it, he yearns for it, he invents new flavours in his imagination, and he relishes his once-a-year bar of birthday chocolate. So, when he wins one of the five golden tickets to a fabulous trip around the Wonka Chocolate Factory, he can’t wait to unlock all the secrets within and bring his favourite sweet dreams to life. However, as Charlie and the other winners step through the factory gates, they set out on a spectacular and bizarre expedition through Willy Wonka’s wonderfully unique mind with adventures that will change their lives forever…
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory takes me back to my childhood with one of my favourite stories by Roald Dahl and memories of the psychedelic 1970s film with Gene Wilder as the wacky Willy Wonka, so it was with nervous anticipation that I took my seat in the packed auditorium. CPYT are deservedly known for high quality musical stage shows; their stellar production of Les Misérables: School Edition is still fresh in my memory twelve months later and, although this year’s show doesn’t share the emotional depth of that epic production, that really doesn’t matter. This is a different style of musical and I was still smiling, laughing and tapping my toes throughout this year’s delightful offering!
CPYT’s greatest strength is the depth of talent they have within their ranks, both on stage and among the production team; this in turn draws in quality new performers (many with impressive bios already!), and a natural progression through the ranks as the older members leave for pastures new and the more proficient support the youngest and less experienced, which keeps their casts and shows fresh and inspired. This is just as true for Charlie And The Chocolate Factory as their earlier productions, particularly with the array of instantly recognisable characters on display.
Amongst the young cast, three characters dominate the storyline for all the right reasons. Samuel Fitzsimmons is a charmingly eccentric Willy Wonka, mysterious and mischievous, while Jack Strong is absolutely captivating as the eponymous Charlie Bucket, pulling at the heartstrings with his vulnerability, entertaining with his comedy, and delighting with his crystal clear vocals. Like Jack, Bella Hutley brings her experience to CPYT for the first time as Charlie’s mother, bringing tenderness, empathy and maternal resolve to the role, and beautifully heartfelt vocals that truly warm the soul.
Although it can be argued that the other ticket winners ‘only’ have cameo roles, each have standout moments with terrific characterisations, and each are a joy to watch (in order of ticket winners): Kieran Tonks with a natural flair for comedy as gluttonous Augustus Gloop; Alana Walker superbly irritating as spoilt little ballerina Veruca Salt (who dances so beautifully in reality!); Ceylan Kaynak as bratty hip-hopping, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde; and Jacob Calder as rudely arrogant, technology obsessed Mike Teavee.
Not to be outdone, their ‘parents’ also bring individual spirit and flair to their roles: Ella Friel hilarious with a heightened performance as an effervescent, overindulgent Mrs Gloop; Aaron Axtell (Mr Salt) with all the brash wallet-waving bravado of a man who gives into every demand of his precocious daughter; Will Voakes charismatic and commanding as the greedy agent/father of fame-obsessed Violet; and Eva Crouch who also shows a natural aptitude for comedy as Mike’s vacuous, retro-styled TV-Mom.
It’s surprising to find adults among the cast (I can’t remember this happening in any of the many previous CPYT shows I’ve seen), but it works so well here with the more mature actors bring a wonderful immaturity to their characters! Wayne Ings steps up to the role of Grandpa Joe with comic aplomb, forming a warm and endearing bond with Jack as Charlie, with Grandpa Joe’s mischievous nature never too far away! Kevin Bowers (Grandpa George), and tonight* Elizabeth Templeman (Grandma Josephine) and Alison Vasey (Grandma Georgina) all bring excellent comedy value to their bedridden characters.
Two teams of Oompa Loompas share the roles, with the adorably marvellous Team Oompa tonight*; I’m sure Team Loompa will be just as endearing and entertaining when it’s their turn to take to the stage!
Mike Mullen’s superb direction has ensured another triumph for CPYT, with a production from a large cast that has heart and soul, comedy and poignancy, all with a cracking pace. This is challenging music for a young cast in terms of timing, intervals and harmonies – and under the Musical Direction of Rachael Thorpe and Ian Partridge, they meet the challenge with great musicality and style, backed by a brilliant orchestra. Summer Hughes’ scintillating choreography brings out the best of every member on stage, with a range of dance styles to suit all abilities. With the addition of bright scenery and backdrops, atmospheric lighting, well timed sound effects, a colourful array of costumes, hair, makeup and props, and a glass elevator that really does soar, this is a visual treat! The only slight fly in the ointment is that at times the music overwhelmed young voices with diction not carrying as well as it could, although this is no way detracts from the overall enjoyment to be had by all.
If you have your own ‘golden ticket’ to see one of the remaining sold-out performances, you will be in for a delectable winning treat, so sit back and enjoy!
[* Editorial: Elizabeth Templeman and Alison Vasey perform Wednesday & Thursday matinees, Wednesday and Thursday evening; Kathy Otto (Grandma Josephine) and Sarah Kinloch (Grandma Georgina) perform Friday evening and both Saturday shows. Team Loompa performs Thursday matinee, Friday evening and Saturday evening.]
