Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Adapted by Richard R George
Thursday 22 - Saturday 24 February 2007
Knebworth Village Hall at 7.30pm with matinee on Sat 24 Feb at 2.30pm

Knebworth Players presented ‘Charlie and Chocolate Factory’ based on the story by Roald Dahl at the Knebworth Village Hall.

This was a visually stunning production, with lots of different sets, all in bright colours with a chocolate river including a moving chocolate water-fall and a spectacular ‘invention room’. The curtains opened to a darkened set with just the machines set in brilliant colours, machine lights and bubbles. The audience loved it.

This was a large challenge for a relatively small group, but how they rose to the occasion! Charlie, played by Lesley Shadbolt made a delightful hungry young boy whose excitement at winning was so convincing, accompanied by his Grandpa Joe (Wayne Jarvis as a convincing 90-year old). Willy Wonka (Liane Welch) was commanding as the extraordinary owner of the Chocolate Factory. The Oompah-Loompahs played by children of members (ranging from 8 years – 12 years old) were all clearly heard and 3 of the girls danced delightfully as well. The Oompah-Loompahs, all dressed alike with their long green hair and faces, were very popular with the audience. There were some 19 members involved on stage , members of Charlie Bucket’s family, the other ticket winners with their families, and a very slick operation back stage changing sets for the twelve scenes. All contributing to a very enjoyable evening for both the adults and children present with an added bonus on leaving. Lessiters, the local Swiss chocolate makers, generously gave Knebworth Players enough chocolates to give all the audiences some as they left the show. This certainly met with great approval by both the children and the grown up children!

Review by Jane Youngs