Redcliffe Musical Theatre is kicking off its 2025 season with a sweet treat for theatre-goers: a production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The popular Broadway and West End musical, based on the novel by Roald Dahl, will come to life on stage this month at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre.
Director Madeleine Johns said Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was a perfect fit for the demographic of the theatre company.
“We have a very strong focus on youth in our company and there are really wonderful roles for young people,” Madeleine said.
“We always do family-friendly productions because we want to encourage young people to come and watch musicals.”
The show features an original score with classic songs from the 1971 film adaptation, including Candy Man, I’ve Got A Golden Ticket and Pure Imagination.
Madeleine, alongside musical director Rhonda Davidson-Irwin, said they had a team of around 12 people working together to bring these iconic songs to life.
“Rhonda and I, our partnership goes back four years,” Madeleine said. “We are both older and have a lot of experience and our mission collectively is to bring as much quality to the stage as possible and that is what we work on together.
“It might be community theatre but we are there to achieve excellence.”
A Talented Cast and a Spectacular Production
The production stars well-known local talent, including Gary Farmer-Trickett alternating with Anthony Van Stam as Willy Wonka, and Terry Skinner as Grandpa Jo. Auden Ryan, recently featured in Boy Swallows Universe, plays Charlie Bucket.
Madeleine said casting the show had been difficult because they had so many wonderful young people to choose from.
“We wanted to encourage them and give them an opportunity to perform,” she said. “They are all so incredibly talented and they will encourage one another to do the best they can.”
The audience can expect a production filled with colour and excitement, especially in the opening number, which promises to have a big, bright Broadway feel.
“I would really like to encourage locals to come out and see their local community theatre,” Madeleine said. “It’s so important to encourage youth in the performing arts.
“And the REC is a beautiful venue to host these kinds of shows.”
Tickets start at $40 (excluding booking fee). To book, go to mbrc.link/rec-charlie
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- 21 – 30 March
- Redcliffe Entertainment Centre
- Downs Street, Redcliffe
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