Charlie & The Chocolate Factory is enjoying a fabulous run at the glorious Theatre Royal, Drury Lane,  Recently, we were excited to be  invited to review a performance of the show.

We headed off eagerly, my eldest and I, with a close friend, Frances (who has been known to contribute photography for the blog before) and her wonderfully imaginative daughter, Amelia.

Dominic, at 3, was a little young for the treat, I felt after various snippets I’d heard about the play being a little dark in places, culminating in a reportedly rather severe finale. In fact, the production itself states that the play is not suitable for under 3’s. We’d previously spoken about taking Harry & Amelia to see it as they are Roald Dahl enthusiasts so when this opportunity arose, it was the perfect combination.

Our anticipation was in overdrive by the time the show started and I have to admit, I was pre-loaded with expectations due to the mixed reviews and commentary in the media of the production to date.

The show’s first half was primarily set in Charlie Buckets meagre abode, with sprinkles of street scenes thrown into the mix.  We were left in no doubt of the level of poverty the star of the show and his family endured in daily life although it was perhaps exacerbated to an extreme degree.  For me it was possibly a song too far on the Grandparents front, but to build up the background on a deserving cause, you have endure the odd laboured note.

Pre-interval the spectacle is punctuated by garish interjections of breaking news as each new recipient of the elusive Golden Tickets are announced. These punchy updates are a relief to the downtrodden spirit of Master Bucket and his down at heel entourage, as the winning children boast their good fortune for all the world to see in their own vice-ridden moments of glory. The snippets are glitzy, gaudy and visually exciting and the catchy songs stereotyping each character are perfect to lift the mood.

As the second half got underway, the show catapulted us into a different dimension as we were treated to nothing short of a spectacular feast for the eyes as one special effect after another bewildered and delighted us. The children had eagerly anticipated the Oompa Loompas and were not disappointed, trying to work out quite how their diminutive status had been achieved, whilst staying glued to their antics.

Perhaps the most comforting scene was where the sinisterly captivating Willy Wonka serenaded us with the firm favourite ‘Pure Imagination’, the only familiar musical note in this Sam Mendes extravaganza.

For us, the stand out ‘wow’ moment among many strong contenders, was when Mike Teavee was plucked from the TV itself as the mini menace got his comeuppance. The kids eyes widened and their puzzled expressions remained long into the journey home as they  explored every possibility of how this shrunken ‘magic’ occurred.

Always a bonus for our children’s moral code to be reinforced whilst they are simultaneously entertained, the message of the story comes across loud and clear as the spoilt, materialistic contingent get their just desserts whilst Charlie’s pure and virtuous nature wins him the ultimate, everlasting edible prize. I think Roald Dahl would be very impressed!

Colour pops, constant visual feasts and inspired special effects had us marvelling at this mix of theatrical brilliance. I felt sorry for Dominic missing out!

This show is my absolute top pick for a day out in London with kids, we will be returning for a repeat performance, both boys in tow next time and I can’t wait for another bite of this truly sweet treat.

*we were given complimentary tickets in order to write a frank and honest review

** official photographs