Frome’s award-winning musical youth group, Spellbound, is set to dazzle audiences with their production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this month – and it’s not too late to book tickets.
The show is at the Memorial Theatre from 8th to 10th August and Spellbound – Frome Musical Theatre Company’s youth section – are one of the first amateur companies in the UK to obtain the rights to perform this iconic musical.
The cast are in school years 3-11 and put the show together in a short time over the summer.
When Charlie Bucket finds one of the five golden tickets to tour the Wonka Chocolate Factory, he can’t believe his luck! As he embarks on an extraordinary journey unravelling the mysterious Willy Wonka’s marvellous mind alongside his Grandpa Joe, he discovers more than just remarkable sweet delights!
Joseph Truckle,16, plays Willy Wonka; “Rehearsals have been a blast! It’s been a great experience,” he said. “It’s been great to be able to put my own perspective of the iconic Willy Wonka into the show and make it my own. I’m very glad to have this opportunity!”
Based on the famous Roald Dahl story, and full of well-known characters including gluttonous Augustus Gloop, spoiled Veruca Salt, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde, television addict Mike Teavee and of course the charming Oompa Loompas this spectacular musical combines memorable songs from the original 1970s motion picture (‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’) with all new numbers from the multi award-winning songwriters of Hairspray.
“This is going to be a truly magical production for the entire family!” said production manager and set designer, Ellen Day. “The company are thrilled to be one of the first amateur groups in the UK to have the licence to perform the musical.
“Spellbound is a huge team effort with an army of volunteers and parents creating beautiful costumes and props throughout the summer for the children. Along with the Director Dora Bishop, the team wanted to create a colourful ‘world of pure imagination’ for the cast and crew to enjoy.
“With us being one of the first to get to perform the show, there wasn’t a lot of choice when it came to hiring a professional set for this production.
“The team decided to make their own scenery and have created a truly unique and special set.”
Ellen contacted illustrator Quentin Blake’s team and the Roald Dahl Estate who have kindly permitted the company to use nine original illustrations from the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory book which will be printed large scale by Harry Walker as part of the set design. These along with beautifully hand drawn artistry created by Kim Walker will be a visual feast for the eyes.
Ellen adds “Each scene we visit will be like a pop-up book with both 2D and 3D elements to really capture the imagination of the audience and bring the director’s vision to life.”
Finally, the children involved were all tasked to make giant sweeties to create part of the set and the crew will choose a winner from the array of amazing creations they have come up with to win tickets to the show.
Performances are on 8th and 9th August at 7pm and Saturday 10th August at 2pm and 7pm at the Frome Memorial Theatre. Tickets are available from the theatre box office. Call 01373 462795 or visit www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk for more information.
