The BMOS Musical Theatre Company – an amateur performing arts group with members of all ages from across the West Midlands – is back on stage at The Alexandra Theatre, this time with a rousing production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, the world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

The whimsical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory was brilliantly realised with vibrant colourful stage décor, dynamic use of space and well-crafted stage props that transported us straight into Dahl’s fantastical universe. 

The cast delivered great performances, each character portrayed with lots of energy. The young actor playing Charlie (Theo Tratt) was a revelation, capturing the innocence and determination of the character with a performance that was beyond his years. His interactions with his family were wonderful, with warmth and sincerity by the actors playing the Buckets, especially Grandpa Joe (Nick Owenford), added an emotional and comedic core to the production.

The role of Willy Wonka is always a challenging one, but actor Robbie Love rose to the occasion, infusing the character with a perfect blend of whimsy, mystery, and a touch of the sinister, not to mention the occasional comedic moment. His charismatic stage presence and strong vocal performance made every scene he was in a highlight. The Golden Ticket winners and their parents were equally impressive, each bringing their own unique flair to the stage, ensuring that every moment was filled with entertainment of some form.

The costumes captured the essence of each character with a delightful flair. From the ragged, patchwork attire of Charlie Bucket to the eccentric and extravagant outfits of Willy Wonka, every costume was meticulously designed to enhance the storytelling. The Oompa Loompas also provided a humorous visual treat.

Special mention must be made of the musical numbers, which were well executed. The choreography was lively, making full use of the ensemble cast. 

As always, the BMOS Musical Theatre Company’s productions are always well-rehearsed, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is lots of fun, blending energetic performances and nice visuals to create an enjoyable theatrical experience. 

A show for both the young and the young at heart, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be on stage at The Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 15th June. Get your tickets here!