‘Cause I’ve got a golden ticket. 
I’ve got a golden twinkle in my eye.

Apologies for the delay in this one, I have been busy with two shows of my own. My first experience of Top Box Studios but second time watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This is a musical I am familiar with, having seen the UK tour a couple of years ago, therefore, I knew what I was getting. Or so, I thought.

What I saw way back in 2023 was the West End version but to my delight, Top Box delivered the Broadway one. Now, although I did enjoy the professional tour, this offering has more songs from the 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory like Candy Man, I’ve Got a Golden Ticket, Pure Imagination and especially, the Oompah Loompa song. And we did get the orange faced, green haired variety as well, all who smiled throughout and looked to be having the time of their lives. Another difference between West End and Broadway was that the latter has Wonka posing as the Candy Seller in a pop-up shop, building the relationship between him and Charlie from the off as opposed to only appearing at the end of Act One in the West End version.

Charlie was played (as stated in the programme) by Tommy L and gave a truly professional performance with good acting and timing. Also, on the children’s cast were Grace L (Veruca Salt), Izzy K (Violet Beauregarde), Louie W (Mike Teavee) and my personal favourite, Harry W (Augustus Gloop). Maybe some of the children’s playing ages stretched my pure imagination a little bit, but most still appeared close in looks to the characters they were portraying. Split into two, though, I only saw one of children’s casts, so I must therefore credit Alex P (Charlie), Corbyn G-T (Augustus), Darci H (Veruca), Ilana M-S (Violet), and Ed K (Mike). I am sure they were fantastic too.

As the main man himself, Eddie Faizey was outstanding in his depiction of Wonka with an amazing voice and stage presence. But equally so were the supporting members of Charlie’s family, namely Tom Bowes (Grandpa Joe), Marianne Midgley (Mrs Bucket), Debbie Guest (Grandma Josephine), Kate Divit (Grandma Georgina), and Jason Keley (Grandpa George). Parents of the obnoxious kids in this show were Chris Stroud (Mr Salt), George France (Mr Beauregarde), Max Day (Mrs Teevee), and Abigail Mann (Mrs Gloop). Finally, we had the news reporting duo of Jerry (Scott Cartwright), whose appearance became more dishevelled with each appearance and the more elegant Cherry (Leane Davies). Such a strong cast including an ensemble too many to mention.

Good use of props and projected scenery completed a polished production, and the creative team of James Baldwin (Director), Tracy Ann Wright (Director/ Musical Director) and Georgie Pearce (Choreographer) can be well pleased. I was also impressed by my first visit to the wonderful Palace Theatre. Over one hundred years old and it is a delight. A mini palace, indeed, with all the interior character for a theatre of its age.

My first visit to see Top Box; it will not be the last.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

*Photos taken from social media and may not represent the performance reviewed.