In
my previous post, I talked about the problem of style over substance being a growing problem in the West End at the moment. I fear that Charlie and the
Chocolate factory suffers from this malady. It seems, after the success of
Matilda, the fat cats have yelled "This is a money spinner, get more Roald
Dahl on the stage". I really didn't want to make a comparison to Matilda,
but it now seems inevitable. Where Matilda has heart, Charlie has none. It's a
treat to look at, make no mistake but, like chocolate bars themselves, what’s
pleasing at the time but leaves me feeling empty afterwards.
This
isn't about the story - Roald Dahl was a fantastic storyteller, that's not
where the problem lies. It's more like there's a lack of connection to the core
of the story. There's emptiness where the heart should be.
I've
read interviews with many directors and playwrights, who talk about the process
of adapting a story from a book or film into a stage production and the
unanimous verdict is, you can't make a carbon copy. That just won't work. You
need to find its theatricality, strip the story back to the bare bones and
rebuild around its essence in a way that suits the stage.
I
don't think that's happened here.
The
story revolves around Charlie Bucket and his acquisition of a special golden
ticket to get an exclusive tour of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, granted
only to himself and a few other kids - all of whom are larger than life
characters. The first act deals with establishing Charlie and his family
dynamic, introducing the other children, then finally, right at the end of
the first act, Wonka himself is revealed.
The
second act is entirely set within the wondrous walls of Willie Wonka's
chocolate factory.
And
wondrous the sets are, undeniably. Nothing groundbreaking, but a treat to look
at; there’s a palpable excitement as we await the revelation of the next
impossible room. Gasps of delight can be heard from the younger audience
members as the doors of each room are thrown open and they witness the magic
inside. That, at least, is something that cannot be scoffed at. How many kids
fall completely in love with theatre at those magical moments? For that, shows
like this can be commendable.
The second major problem with this show is the new songs
- bland and unmemorable. I wonder why they decided to go down this route, when
the original songs were so much better? The creators clearly don't have complete confidence
in their material, as 'Pure Imagination' still features in the show and is
hinted at with the recognisable tinkling of the first few notes every so often, teasing us. The song is strategically saved for the end of the show.
The
song I had a real problem with was ‘If
Your Mother Were Here’, when the mother and father, each in turn sing about how
the other would handle the situation of cheering up Charlie if they were there –
the problem is ... they were just
there! They’re taking it in turns to be with Charlie, and didn’t manage to do
ANY of the things the other is imagining. Maybe that’s the point? you ask –
well, it isn’t because they already know the other hasn’t succeeded. It is
frustrating in its lack of sense. Bring
back ‘Cheer Up Charlie’. It may have been on the nose, but at least it made
sense.
Was
this decision to create new songs an artistic one or is this to do with the
potential cost of securing the copyright to the entire score? The part of me
that's becoming steadily cynical can't help but think the latter.
My
favourite thing about this production has to be Douglas Hodge as Willie Wonka and the show improves immensely after
his entrance. Shame it’s at the end of Act one. In his garish costume of
mismatched colours, that somehow manage to match, he plays Wonka with the air of scatter brained,
eccentric genius perfectly and has a lovely classic musical theatre voice to
boot. This voice is best shown off in ‘Pure
Imagination’ and the only song of the new material that I liked – ‘It Must Be Believed to Be Seen’. I’d
love to hear him sing something with a bit more musical meat that we’re just
not served in this show.
The
kids in this production, as ever, are also a shining light. Their energy knows
no bounds and they're all so in tune with their individual characters, it's
impossible to think of them as anyone else. The girl playing Veruca Salt on
this occasion (Tia Noakes, I think) was particularly good, right down to the
spot-on facial expressions.
I would be remiss in not mentioning Jack
Costello, our Charlie for the evening. For one on stage so often, he gave
an endlessly focused and controlled performance even when not the focus of the
scene.
I
don’t want to condemn this musical. There is some theatrical magic on offer
here - in the sets, in the individual performances, in the sense of
anticipation. If only the magic had made it into the score and, most importantly,
the story.
recommended if:- you're looking for a
show to entertain rowdy children in an age of many distractions - this will
keep them occupied, there's lots to look at and the sense of ‘what will we see
next?’ will keep them on the edge of their seat.
avoid if:- you are particularly
attached to the film version or want a show with memorable tunes and a strong
connection to the story.
For
tickets and show information, please visit the official website
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