The stars of Melbourne celebrated on the red carpet with a Golden Ticket to step inside a world of pure imagination and enjoy Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre. Songs included “Pure Imagination”, “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket”, alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of Hairspray.
Photography – Sam Tabone
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is perhaps Roald Dahl’s best-known story and has proved to be one of the most enduring children’s books of all time. The story of Charlie Bucket, the five Golden Tickets, the Oompa-Loompas and the amazing Willy Wonka has become firmly embedded in our culture since it was first published in 1964. Conservative estimates suggest the original book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide; it is now available in 61 languages.
Five boys share the role of Charlie Bucket in Melbourne in this delicious tale, Benjamin Belsey (10 years of age, from Point Cook), Elijah Slavinskis (10, Ashburton), Edgar Stirling (10, St Kilda), Lenny Thomas (12, Bonbeach) and Lachlan Young (13, Camberwell). Charlie lives with his mother and his four grandparents in a little wooden house near a great town and is the final child to find a Golden Ticket.
Willy Wonka, the most amazing, fantastic, extraordinary chocolate maker the world has ever seen, is played by Paul Slade Smith. Slade Smith was part of the original Broadway cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, appearing as Grandpa George, and most recently appeared in the Broadway revival of My Fair Lady at Lincoln Centre.
Roald Dahl’s treasured tale is the perfect recipe for a delectable treat for you to take the whole family to enjoy. A sweet and mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka – get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, and more in this sensational musical showstopper!
MELBOURNE
Her Majesty’s Theatre
From 9 August
Golden Tickets are available
