Manchester Palace Theatre

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewer: Matthew Forrest

You know you’re in for something special when as soon as you step foot in the theatre you are greeted by the smell of chocolate. The unmistakable aroma hit my nostrils as soon as I arrived and I immediately knew I was in safe hands. Don’t think this ploy will work for every musical, (Oliver!producers, I’m thinking of you), but for tonight’s performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical it certainly added a sprinkle of magic.

Roald Dahl’s magical creation has been wowing audiences for nearly 60 years, enthralling audiences young and old alike, either in book form, through its two cinematic offerings or in its musical outing, which is currently on its first UK tour a decade after its West End debut.

Under the stewardship of director James Brining, this is the beloved story of Charlie Bucket (Haydn Court), a young boy helping his Mum (Leonie Spilsbury) to care for Charlie’s four elderly grandparents. They live in poverty and squalid conditions. The only joys they have in life are each other and a fascination with the chocolate factory situated in the town, run by the reclusive Willy Wonka.

It is announced that Willy Wonka will throw open the doors to his factory to five lucky ticket holders. Thus a world wide scramble ensues as to who will find these golden tickets, and will Charlie be one of the lucky winners?

Despite an initial slow start, this is an absolutely joyous production packed full of vibrancy and energy as arguably Dahl’s most famous creation is brought to life. Highlight of the first act is the introduction of each golden ticket winner, focusing on how grotesque and undeserving each of the winners are with hugely entertaining results.

Following the interval the action really shifts gears as we enter the factory and get a guided tour around Wonka’s palace of creativity and fantastical confectionery emporium. The factory is mainly brought to life through Simon Wainwright’s huge video production filling the stage of the Palace Theatre. The images look outstanding, and drew huge gasps from some of the younger audience members, and whilst there is somewhat of an over-reliance on the screens to tell the story as opposed to actual set design. It still looks mighty impressive as we hop, skip and jump from one set piece to another.

There are some truly wonderful performances throughout. Gareth Snook is in fantastic form as Willy Wonka, striking a fine balance of malice, mayhem and whimsy. He commands the stage in nearly every scene he appears in and gives a nuance to the disillusioned chocolatier – you’re never quite sure what his motivations are.

Haydn Court is outstanding as Charlie, playing with so much joy and wonder in a role that in lesser hands could be full of saccharine. He is aided by a beautiful singing voice. He is supported by an equally impressive turn from Leonie Spilsbury in a dual role, as the doting hard working Mrs Bucket, and is unrecognisable as the gin-soaked, downtrodden Mrs Teavee.

In addition there is a strong performance from Michael D’Cruze as Grandpa Joe, who brings enthusiasm and a childlike wonder to the role, and is an absolute treat in his pairing with Court’s Charlie. All the cast do a great job bringing this ambitious production to life.

The production is at times hamstrung by what has gone before, with most people of a certain age familiar with the songs of the 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. We are treated to renditions of The Candy Man and Pure Imagination from the classic film, which both sound fantastic, however you can’t help wishing that the new original numbers have the same impact which sadly they do not.

This a joyous, special night out at the theatre that the whole family will absolutely love as much as they would a Wonka Scrumdiddlyumptious bar, snap up a golden ticket before it’s too late.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical is at the Palace Theatre until Sunday 30th July tickets available here.

The Bodyguard

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Over the last few years there have been a spate of Hollywood blockbusters that have been given the West End / Broadway treatment. Some have made little impact whilst others have become huge! The Bodyguard: The Musical, unquestionably falls into the successful camp. It opened in the West End in 2012, and has since toured the UK on numerous occasions as well as several international tours.

Now the pop musical extravaganza arrives in Manchester, as the Palace Theatre’s big production for the festive period, bringing with it the glitz, glamour, and some absolute classic tunes.

Following the plot of the 1992 Hollywood film, music megastar Rachel Marron (Alexandra Burke) has attracted the unwelcome attention of a deranged stalker: he has stolen one of her dresses, as well as sent her numerous death threats. Marron’s worried manager Bill Devaney (Neil Reidman), seeks out former secret service agent Frank Farmer (Ben Lewis) to be part of Rachel’s protection team.

The spoilt singer and her bodyguard soon clash, as Rachel is not happy with Frank’s over cautious approach, as well as the day-to-day impact he is having on her life. In addition, Farmer is less than impressed with his new clients ‘diva’ like attitude.

For Farmer the job isn’t just about protecting Rachel, but her family as well, which includes Rachel’s sister, Nicki (Emmy Willow), who develops feelings for Farmer. However, following an incident at a nightclub concert where Farmer protects Rachel from an unruly class, the two begin to fall for each other. As the romance blossoms between the the two, the threat intensifies to Rachel and her family, can Farmer maintain a relationship and stay sharp enough in order to catch the deranged stalker?

The undoubted star of the show is Alexandra Burke, she is without a doubt is the headline act and heart of this performance and quite rightly so. She has the star quality needed for the role and the voice to match. She certainly does justice to crowd favourites Queen of the Night and One Moment in Time giving an outstanding performance.

It’s not just Burke who deserves plaudits, equally impressive is Emmy Willow, who also has a tremendous voice. She absolutely nails Saving All My Love for You and duet with Burke on I have Nothing is beautiful. Willow brings a warmth and vulnerability to the overshadowed Nicki.

Ben Lewis is solid as Farmer, a believable reluctant action hero, and he also gives a great comedic version of I Will Always Love You.  There is an undoubted chemistry between him and Burke, however the romantic element of the story seems rushed, with both let down by some some clunky dialogue.

The ensemble cast work their socks off throughout, with some fantastic choreographed routines, whilst one of the biggest cheers of the night came with the introduction of the show’s villain, the stalker (Phil Atkinson), complete with a bare chest and abs you could grate cheese on (during the interval I heard one lady say, “he can stalk me any time”, judging audience reactions, stalking is ok if it’s done by a hunk!)

This production, as you would expect, has some high-end production values, pyrotechnics, dry ice, an ever-changing stage, and some gorgeous costumes, from tailored suits to glamourous dresses adding to the glitz and razzmatazz, creating the world of this global superstar.

The finale is of course a spine-tingling rendition of I will Always Love You, which is almost ruined by a giant projected image of our Bodyguard hero, it’s corny and as cheesy as a large pan of fondue, and an unwelcome distraction for the shows big closing moment.

There is of course time for one more feel good moment, as the entire cast nail a fun rendition of I wanna Dance with Somebody which had everybody up on their feet and dancing in the isles.

This is escapism theatre at its finest and the perfect way to forget your trouble for a few hours and get away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas, a decent excuse (like you need one) to have sing and dance.

The Bodyguard The Musical is at the Palace Theatre until the 4th January. Tickets can be found here.