Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Wed 9 - Sat 12 Oct 2024
7.30pm, 4.30pm, 8pm, 2.30pm
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Wed 9 - Sat 12 Oct 2024
7.30pm, 4.30pm, 8pm, 2.30pm
Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination."
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 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.
MEET THE CAST
Paul Berry, 43, from Rayleigh is playing Grandpa Jo (96 and a half!)
How long have you been a member of LODS?
My first show was Made in Dagenham in 2016.
Why did you join?
They had some great shows coming up, and I wanted to be a part of such a high quality company.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
Cruel Intentions, it had a very different tone to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
If you could play any role, what would it be?
Putting experience and talent to one side, Beetlejuice.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found...
Mostly at my day job of being a lawyer, or my side job of being my daughter’s taxi driver.
Tell us about the show in your own words
It’s a brain boggling—Mind mangling—Schnozztastic show!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I’m looking forward to being wheeled on in a bed for most of Act 1, but the promise of edible scenery is the most enticing.
Describe your character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 3 words
Old, kind, feisty. How do you learn your lines? Repetition, I record my lines and play them to myself over and over and over and over…
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
He’s the greatest showman, Hugh Jackman.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
Apart from the time we were waiting an awful lot longer for the female lead to get changed and come back on than we anticipated, leading to some desperate gurning to the audience, not a lot. Had you asked some of my other company members they’d have been able to tell about the time they came on stage still wearing their thick black glasses (as the King of the Sea) or the time someone wore the same costume the whole show without anyone noticing they’d not changed into their second act outfit.
What's your favourite dressing room item?
Ironically for this show, sweets! A steady supply of sugar is always needed when I’m doing a show.
What's the best costume you've ever worn in a show?
The French Taunter and Tim the Enchanter in Spamalot both had some interesting facial hair to contend with.
Why do you think people should see the show?
It’s a classic Roald Dahl story with a strong, decent protagonist (and some crazy, awful secondary characters who actually get their comeuppance) which makes for a refreshing change to real life!
How long have you been a member of LODS?
My first show was Made in Dagenham in 2016.
Why did you join?
They had some great shows coming up, and I wanted to be a part of such a high quality company.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
Cruel Intentions, it had a very different tone to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
If you could play any role, what would it be?
Putting experience and talent to one side, Beetlejuice.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found...
Mostly at my day job of being a lawyer, or my side job of being my daughter’s taxi driver.
Tell us about the show in your own words
It’s a brain boggling—Mind mangling—Schnozztastic show!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I’m looking forward to being wheeled on in a bed for most of Act 1, but the promise of edible scenery is the most enticing.
Describe your character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 3 words
Old, kind, feisty. How do you learn your lines? Repetition, I record my lines and play them to myself over and over and over and over…
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
He’s the greatest showman, Hugh Jackman.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
Apart from the time we were waiting an awful lot longer for the female lead to get changed and come back on than we anticipated, leading to some desperate gurning to the audience, not a lot. Had you asked some of my other company members they’d have been able to tell about the time they came on stage still wearing their thick black glasses (as the King of the Sea) or the time someone wore the same costume the whole show without anyone noticing they’d not changed into their second act outfit.
What's your favourite dressing room item?
Ironically for this show, sweets! A steady supply of sugar is always needed when I’m doing a show.
What's the best costume you've ever worn in a show?
The French Taunter and Tim the Enchanter in Spamalot both had some interesting facial hair to contend with.
Why do you think people should see the show?
It’s a classic Roald Dahl story with a strong, decent protagonist (and some crazy, awful secondary characters who actually get their comeuppance) which makes for a refreshing change to real life!
Below: Paul in rehearsal as Grandpa Jo
Photo Credit: KimTobinPhotography
Photo Credit: KimTobinPhotography
Louise Brown, 45, from Southend is playing Augustus Gloop
How long have you been a member of LODS?
My first show was October 2008 when I joined for Jekyll & Hyde.
Why did you join?
My husband was on the audition panel the LODS show Witches of Eastwick - when I came to see that show it blew me away and I decided to audition to become a member.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
The last amateur show was last week - CAODS The Wedding Singer which was brilliant 80s fun. The last West End show I saw was Two Strangers Carry A Cake which was fabulous, very funny, sweet and cleverly done with great songs.
If you could play any role, what would it be?
Elphaba in Wicked - it’s got everything: gorgeous songs, flying, magic… sign me up!
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Singing with a brilliant local choir (Alumnae), working, doing geeky or crafty projects or watching boxsets.
Tell us about the show in your own words
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a timeless underdog tale. There are lots of laughs, great songs and unforgettable characters.
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I love when each bratty kid and their flawed parent gets their comeuppance at the hands of Willy Wonka and the cute but ruthless Oompa Loompas. I couldn’t pick a favourite, they are all hilarious!
Describe your character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 3 words.
Hungry Mamma’s Boy
How do you learn your lines?
I record an audio file to practice with.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Sutton Foster is the most amazing performer I’ve ever seen.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
During The Little Mermaid bows, I fell and broke my foot. Someone was filming so I’ve seen it back but it’s not my favourite watch!
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Emergency safety pins
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
Dorothy in Wizard of Oz: I loved the quick change from black and white to colour, and wearing the iconic ruby slippers.
Why do you think people should see the show?
It’s a magical musical treat with amazing visual effects and hilarious characters. Bring snacks and enjoy the crazy ride!
How long have you been a member of LODS?
My first show was October 2008 when I joined for Jekyll & Hyde.
Why did you join?
My husband was on the audition panel the LODS show Witches of Eastwick - when I came to see that show it blew me away and I decided to audition to become a member.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
The last amateur show was last week - CAODS The Wedding Singer which was brilliant 80s fun. The last West End show I saw was Two Strangers Carry A Cake which was fabulous, very funny, sweet and cleverly done with great songs.
If you could play any role, what would it be?
Elphaba in Wicked - it’s got everything: gorgeous songs, flying, magic… sign me up!
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Singing with a brilliant local choir (Alumnae), working, doing geeky or crafty projects or watching boxsets.
Tell us about the show in your own words
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a timeless underdog tale. There are lots of laughs, great songs and unforgettable characters.
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I love when each bratty kid and their flawed parent gets their comeuppance at the hands of Willy Wonka and the cute but ruthless Oompa Loompas. I couldn’t pick a favourite, they are all hilarious!
Describe your character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 3 words.
Hungry Mamma’s Boy
How do you learn your lines?
I record an audio file to practice with.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Sutton Foster is the most amazing performer I’ve ever seen.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
During The Little Mermaid bows, I fell and broke my foot. Someone was filming so I’ve seen it back but it’s not my favourite watch!
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Emergency safety pins
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
Dorothy in Wizard of Oz: I loved the quick change from black and white to colour, and wearing the iconic ruby slippers.
Why do you think people should see the show?
It’s a magical musical treat with amazing visual effects and hilarious characters. Bring snacks and enjoy the crazy ride!
Below: Louise in rehearsal as Augustus Gloop
Photo Credit: KimTobinPhotography
Photo Credit: KimTobinPhotography
Michael Rideout, 31, from Southend is playing the role of Willy Wonka
How long have you been a member of LODS?
I’ve been a member of LODS since 2022 - with my first show being Shrek!
Why did you join?
I joined LODS because I had been such a fan of the energy and commitment that goes into every single show for many years - the months of hard work that goes into putting on a LODS production is always visible on stage.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
The last musical I saw was Sister Act at The Dominion Theatre - and it was incredible. Such a joy of a show!
If you could play any role, what would it be?
I’d love to have a go at Edna in Hairspray, or something very contrasting like Javert in Les Miserables.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Donning wigs and make-up as my alter-ego, drag persona, Tuppence A’Bag.
Tell us about the show in your own words
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a show about imagination. It’s a show about daring to dream, even when the world tells you not to. And that is why I love it so much - we all need a dream!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
The end of Act One is one of my favourite numbers to perform in the show, and for many reasons, but I can’t give away too many details on that - it’s a great closing of an Act!
Describe your character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 3 words.
As written in the script: “loopy” “bats” & “bananas”
How do you learn your lines?
With great difficulty. This show has been such a mammoth task with a lot of dialogue and songs to learn - repetition is key for me - I often like to use letter association to link lines together, and then just repeat, repeat, repeat.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
My favourite actor is Ben Whishaw. His ability to bring part of himself to every role is something I really admire - he understands every character he plays and allows for (sometimes tiny) moments where his character also reflects a part of him - and I think that’s genius!
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
I’m very bad for corpsing in the rehearsal room - especially on this show! The company of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are absolute gems and once they get me laughing, there’s no stopping me! Let’s hope I’ll be able to keep my laughing to off-stage for show week!
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Hmmm, that’s a difficult question. I do love my Nebuliser, which helps to soothe vocal chords and lubricate my voice! And my vocal warm up straw!
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
Ooooh, in a production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, I had a gorgeous Red Flame dress made for me, which remains one of my favourite dresses of all time.
Why do you think people should see the show?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is such an iconic story, and what LODS have created with this classic is so refreshing. There are so many stand out performances in this show, and the whole company is a joy to watch, in every moment of the show. If you want to experience some true theatre magic, then get booking now! Plus, we have some incredible boys playing Charlie, who have been such a joy to work with!
I’ve been a member of LODS since 2022 - with my first show being Shrek!
Why did you join?
I joined LODS because I had been such a fan of the energy and commitment that goes into every single show for many years - the months of hard work that goes into putting on a LODS production is always visible on stage.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
The last musical I saw was Sister Act at The Dominion Theatre - and it was incredible. Such a joy of a show!
If you could play any role, what would it be?
I’d love to have a go at Edna in Hairspray, or something very contrasting like Javert in Les Miserables.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Donning wigs and make-up as my alter-ego, drag persona, Tuppence A’Bag.
Tell us about the show in your own words
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a show about imagination. It’s a show about daring to dream, even when the world tells you not to. And that is why I love it so much - we all need a dream!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
The end of Act One is one of my favourite numbers to perform in the show, and for many reasons, but I can’t give away too many details on that - it’s a great closing of an Act!
Describe your character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 3 words.
As written in the script: “loopy” “bats” & “bananas”
How do you learn your lines?
With great difficulty. This show has been such a mammoth task with a lot of dialogue and songs to learn - repetition is key for me - I often like to use letter association to link lines together, and then just repeat, repeat, repeat.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
My favourite actor is Ben Whishaw. His ability to bring part of himself to every role is something I really admire - he understands every character he plays and allows for (sometimes tiny) moments where his character also reflects a part of him - and I think that’s genius!
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
I’m very bad for corpsing in the rehearsal room - especially on this show! The company of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are absolute gems and once they get me laughing, there’s no stopping me! Let’s hope I’ll be able to keep my laughing to off-stage for show week!
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Hmmm, that’s a difficult question. I do love my Nebuliser, which helps to soothe vocal chords and lubricate my voice! And my vocal warm up straw!
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
Ooooh, in a production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, I had a gorgeous Red Flame dress made for me, which remains one of my favourite dresses of all time.
Why do you think people should see the show?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is such an iconic story, and what LODS have created with this classic is so refreshing. There are so many stand out performances in this show, and the whole company is a joy to watch, in every moment of the show. If you want to experience some true theatre magic, then get booking now! Plus, we have some incredible boys playing Charlie, who have been such a joy to work with!
Below: Michael in rehearsal as Willy Wonka
Photo Credit: KimTobinPhotography
Photo Credit: KimTobinPhotography
Event DetailsTicket Information
£21 - £23.50
A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order.
£21 - £23.50
A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order.