WWOS
For the Best In Musical Theatre
THE STORY OF CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
This glorious fantasy tale by Roald Dalh was first published in 1964, a new irreverent genre in children's literature. The enigmatic Mr Wonka locked away in his chocolate factory had captured the imagination of children and adults alike, and has been the inspiration for films and stage productions for decades to follow.
As astonishing is the tale, the idea was actually conceived from real life! In the 1930's Dahl was at boarding school in Repton, Derbyshire and the prominent chocolate factory Cadbury used to send samples of its new offerings to test the opinion of the children - its target market. More intriguing was the act of confectionary espionage! It is now well recorded that the famous chocolatiers of the day did indeed plant spies in the factories of their competitors to glean the secrets of the recipes. Both these events had a lasting impression on Dahl. This along with his wartime experience of being a fighter pilot and intelligence officer all informed his eccentric characters and maverick stories.
The book was adapted for film in 1972 with Mr Wonka, played by Gene Wilder bringing a 'sardonic and demonic edge' to the role.
Tim Burton revived the tale with a more faithful adaptation in 2005 featuring Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore, in a colourful and quirky retelling but with its darker undertones evident.
Next was the musical! Dahl's book had already traversed the page to stage with the smash hit Matilda in 2010. It was not much later when celebrated film and theatre director Sam Mendes brought Charlie and The Chocolate Factory - The Musical, with a few 21st Century twists, to the West End opening in 2013. It had a highly successful run, finally closing four years later when it moved to Broadway. The Broadway production was not as popular in London, but it did pay homage to the first film with the Director Jack O'Brien including the songs The Candy Man and Pure Imagination in the score. This was a temporary blip and since then there have been numerous successful tours across the globe.
This is the first time Charlie and The Chocolate Factory - The Musical has been staged at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley and WWOS are extremely proud to bring it here. We hope you enjoy our Sweet Treat for you!
CAST
CAST
CHARLIE
Isobel Tilson & Toby Irwin
WILLY WONKA
Dominic Binefa
AUGUSTUS GLOOP
Sam Webber
MRS GLOOP
Amanda Farrant
VERUCA SALT
Lois Wakefield
MR SALT
Andy Moore
VIOLET BEAUREGARDE
Kate Gauntlett
MR BEAUREGARDE
Andrew Walker
MIKE TEAVEE
Scott Slaytor
MRS TEAVEE
Jacqui Morris
GRANDPA JOE
Kevin Gauntlett
GRANDMA JOSEPHINE
Josie Simpson
GRANDPA GEORGE
Dave Warsop
GRANDMA GEORGINA
Liz Hodgson
MRS BUCKET
Ellen Gauntlett
CHERRY
Gabrielle Onyett
JERRY
Luke Righton
MRS GREEN
Emma Brack
DANCERS
Abbie White
Beckie Slater
Ellen Gauntlett
Emma Brack
Hayley Parrott
Jade Daley
Laura Grant
Lorna Thorpe
Michelle Benn
Lucy Hughes
Rachel Wonfor
Rochelle Bisson
Savannah Milliner
Siân Davis
Steffie Croxson
Anna Weddell
Katharine Stevenson
Luke Righton
Gabby Onyett
George Morgan
Sarah Leanne-Howe
ENSEMBLE
Jeremy Gauntlett
Adrian Pope
Vickie Faint
Philippa Mason
Lee Robinson
Nancy Josée-Smith
Elizabeth Birchenhough
Matt Ropkins
ACT 1
THE CANDY MAN
Willy Wonka & Ensemble
WILLY WONKA! WILLY WONKA!
Charlie Bucket & Ensemble
THE CANDY MAN (REPRISE)
Charlie Bucket
CHARLIE, YOU & I
Grandpa Joe
A LETTER FROM CHARLIE BUCKET
Charlie Bucket, Mrs. Bucket, Grandparents
MORE OF HIM TO LOVE
Mrs. Gloop, Augustus Gloop, Ensemble
WHEN VERUCA SAYS
Mr. Salt & Veruca Salt
THE QUEEN OF POP
Mr. Beauregarde, Violet Beauregarde, Ensemble
THAT LITTLE MAN OF MINE
Mrs. Teavee, Mike Teavee, Ensemble
IF YOUR FATHER WERE HERE
Mrs. Bucket
I'VE GOT A GOLDEN TICKET / GRANDPA JOE
Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, Grandparents, Mrs. Bucket
IT MUST BE BELIEVED TO BE SEEN
Willy Wonka & Ensemble
INTERVAL
ACT 2
STRIKE THAT REVERSE IT
Willy Wonka & Ensemble
PURE IMAGINATION / GRANDPA JOE (REPRISE)
Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, Ensemble
AUF WIEDERSEHEN AUGUSTUS
Willy Wonka & The Oompa Loompa
YOU GOT WHACHA WANT
Willy Wonka & The Oompa Loompas
VERUCA'S NUTRACKER: SWEET!
Veruca, Mr. Salt, The Squirrels
VIDIOTS
Willy Wonka, Mike Teavee, Mrs. Teavee, The Oompa Loompas
THE VIEW FROM HERE
Willy Wonka & Charlie Bucket
FINALE
Full Company
PRODUCTION TEAM
Kevin appeared in WWOS’ first production at The Churchill Theatre in 1978 as The Drummer Boy in The Gondoliers, since then he has risen through the ranks to Chairman of the society and Artistic Director.
His first production for the society as director was back 1992 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, he went on to direct the society’s Gilbert And Sullivan entries in the Annual G & S festival and won best director on 2 occasions with his original versions of The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance
Alongside the wonderful Danielle Grant they have been responsible for most of the society’s recent musical productions including Shrek, Calendar Girls, School Of Rock and Kinky boots …… a great partnership and long may it continue!
Kevin directed the Mitre’s production of Young Frankenstein at the Minack Theatre last summer which went on to win the coveted Minack Trophy for best production of the 2024 season.
Kevin also directs (and is resident Dame) for Chequer Mead Theatre’s pantos and this year he will be playing Madame Derriere in Beauty And The Beast!
Danielle is excited to be back with WWOS for this choc-tastic show! She has been involved with WWOS since she was a little girl, and she holds the society very close to her heart.
She is delighted to be back with such a wonderful production team, and equally fantastic cast and crew who have been working incredibly hard to bring you this fantastic production. Danielle is very proud of this show, and in particular her team of fabulous dancers who have been a dream to work with and gone along with all of her crazy ideas with energy and enthusiasm.
She hopes you enjoy stepping into this world of imagination with us, and she looks forward to welcoming you back next time with the hilarious Spamalot.
Since studying Music at Cambridge University, Jane's musical activities have become progressively more varied and frivolous. She can often be found on stage in shows such as WWOS's Calendar Girls, or in the orchestra pit. She also sings with a covers band, runs a pub ukulele group, trains music teachers, plays with local orchestras, and even still does the odd bit of serious choral singing.
This is her second time as MD with WWOS - after having such a brilliant time with Shrek in 2023, she found that she could not say no to an opportunity to lead the music for Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.
DIRECTOR
Kevin Gauntlett
CHOREOGRAPHER
Danielle Grant
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Jane Werry
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Sam Blackmore
LIGHTING TECHNICIANS
Sam Blackmore
James Burden
Tom Lee
SOUND ENGINEERS
Steve Allen
Sarah Jones
STAGE MANAGER
Richard Burchell
ASSISTANTS
Robin Mortby
Karin O'Sullivan
Sue Hicks
Ian Wathen
Pauline Wathen
Lee Robinson
Amy Heather
Will Perkins
Eileen Mortby
Wendy Todd
CREW
Adult Members of the Cast
SCENERY
Scenic Projects
FOLLOW SPOTS
Stephen Challis & James Wickham
COSTUME
Molly Limpet's
PROPS
King's Theatre, Portsmouth
WARDROBE MISTRESS
Josie Simpson
CONTINUITY
Lesley Jopling
PROOFREADER
Andrew Walker
WWOS BOX OFFICE
Terry Gauntlett
POSTER & PROGRAMME DESIGN
Jonny Faint
WWOS PHOTOGRAPHY
BVF Photography
CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER
Tracy Prizeman
CHILDREN LICENSES
Tracy Prizeman
WWOS FOH
Bob Faint
We would like to thank all of the Chaperones for their support with the stars of the show.
ORCHESTRA
KEYS
Jeorgia Brett
Anne Greenidge
Jane Werry
WOODWIND
Tracy James
Chris Wilkes
VIOLIN
Sara Young
TRUMPET
Matt Payne
TROMBONE
Tim Brown
GUITAR
Sam Ward
BASS
Vicki Boaden
DRUMS
David Hunt
CAST
Isobel is 11 and attends Langley Park School for Girls. This is her fourth musical with WWOS. She first performed with them in 2023 as ‘Young Princess Fiona’ in Shrek and has since played 'Tomika’ in School of Rock and ensemble in Oliver!
Earlier this year, Isobel was thrilled to gain a place in the prestigious National Youth Music Theatre’s 2024 company and was cast in their show ‘Crescendo’ over the summer. She also won the title of 'BYMT Young Singer of the Year’ in May. When not singing Isobel enjoys playing with her new puppy but most of all, she loves to dance and is a pupil at the Laura Bruce Dance Academy, Beckenham and Ballet Belles, Bromley.
Playing ‘Charlie’ is a dream come true! Isobel loves performing with WWOS and has learnt so much in a supportive, nurturing and fun environment. Thank you WWOS.
Toby’s passion for theatre began at a young age. He became part of a theatre club and spent a few years there and performed in many mini productions. Toby’s first show with WWOS was Oliver! Where he was part of the ensemble.
Toby regularly performs in school productions and has played the Cowardly Lion in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the Little Bad Wolf in ‘Who Killed the Big Bad Wolf’, and will soon be playing Flounder in his school’s upcoming production of ‘The Little Mermaid’ the musical.
He is also an active member of his school’s performing arts department and thoroughly enjoys taking part in school concerts and musical events. He is beyond excited to be playing the role of Charlie.
Dominic has been performing in musicals for many years, principally with local groups in Surrey.
Although this is his first show at the Churchill Theatre and with WWOS, Dom has worked with Kevin Gauntlett on two previous occasions, strangely enough also playing roles originally made famous by Gene Wilder; Leo Bloom (The Producers) and most recently Frederick Frankenstein (Young Frankenstein) at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall. Previous roles also include Tony (West Side Story), Leo Frank (Parade – also at the Minack), William Barfee (Spelling Bee), Seymour Krelborn (Little Shop of Horrors), Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast), Robbie Hart (The Wedding Singer), Joe Vegas (Fame), John Willoughby (Sense & Sensibility) & Billy Lawlor (42nd Street).
Sam is delighted to be shovelling bratwursts and burping in his WWOS debut. Whilst balancing teaching he also pursues his passion for performing on the side having done shows such as Little Shop of Horrors, Urinetown, Merrily We Roll Along and Spelling Bee.
He is thrilled to be a part of this fantastic cast. He is more than happy to share his diet plan if you catch him after the show.
Amanda is very excited to be performing in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory seeing as it was one of her favourite films as a child. By the end of the week though she says she’ll require less padding for her role due to the constant ‘shnacking’ in the Chocolate Room Scene.
Amanda has performed in many productions in her time, a majority of them at the Churchill Theatre. Amanda has played many principal roles, some favourites being Annie, Annie Warbucks, Witches of Eastwick, Cats, Beauty & The Beast, Wizard of Oz, Full Monty, Legally Blonde, Titanic, Priscilla Queen of the Dessert, Made in Dagenham, Calendar Girls and Oliver.
Lois has been singing and dancing since the age of 3, training in both ballet and tap and slowly progressing into the world of Musical Theatre in 2013.
Since then, she has performed in shows such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Carrie, Shrek the Musical, Grease and Evita. More notably, she has played Alice in the Bob Hope Theatres Panto, Once Upon a Time, Anne in Half a Sixpence and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.
This is Lois’ first time playing a lead at the Churchill and she is honoured to be given this opportunity and be part of such a beautiful production with such talented people.
Andy has played a assortment of characters over the years in plays such as “Daisy Pulls It Off”, “The Rivals” and “Absurd Person Singular”, and in musicals such as Mr Sowerberry in Oliver, Nanki Poo & Ko-Ko in The Mikado & Hot Mikado, Carl Linden in Bitter Sweet, Bela Zangler in Crazy for You, Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz, Cosmo in Singin’ in the Rain, Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar, Lumiere in Beauty & The Beast, Will Parker in Oklahoma, Robin Oakapple in Ruddigore, Brave Sir Robin in Spamalot, Lord Evelyn Oakley in Anything Goes, The Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors at the Edinburgh Fringe, Harold Wilson in Made in Dagenham, Rod in Calendar Girls, Lord Farquaad in Shrek & in May one of his favourite parts, Fagin in Oliver! He also has done more pantos than you can shake a stick at – oh yes he has!
In his spare time, he sings swing, soul, pop & a little opera with “That’s A Mooré”.
Andy is very happy to be back with WWOS playing the long suffering “Russian” Mr Salt – he just needs some Bazuka for his Veruca!
This is Kate’s 10th show with WWOS and, from a Ford dollybird to a fire-breathing dragon, a rebellious northerner to a strawberry seller, this is one of her favourite principal roles to date.
When not obnoxiously chewing gum, Kate can be found as a TA in a primary school and training to be a teacher. CATCF has been a joy to rehearse, being alongside lots of old and new friends, her boyfriend, lots of family and especially as it is her first show alongside Ellen, her sister, in 8 years!
This Christmas, Kate will make her professional debut as Fairy Bon Bon in Beauty and the Beast in East Grinstead at the Chequer Mead Theatre!
This is Andrew’s first show with West Wickham Operatic Society.
Born and raised in Canada, Andrew studied music and theatre from a young age, but chose to pursue a different career path which eventually brought him to the UK. It was here that he rekindled his passion for performing.
Since 2018, Andrew has taken classes in acting, singing, dance and musical theatre at London’s City Academy. He joined their Musical Theatre Company last year as featured ensemble in 9 to 5, and continued this year with Footloose in the role of Reverend Shaw Moore. Most recently, he played Mal Beineke in The Addams Family with their Studio Company.
When not treading the boards, Andrew is a personal travel consultant and runs his own home-based travel agency with his husband Anthony. He is also a professional conference host and emcee. He wants to thank his family and friends for their support and encouragement along the way.
Scott last performed with WWOS in their recent production of Shrek and loved playing the part of Pinocchio. Having performed with WWOS on three previous occasions, he is excited to be returning this time as a “real boy".
His Theatre credits are ,‘Sammy’ in The Wedding Singer, ‘Frederic Charlus’ in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, ‘Ned Schneebly’ in School of Rock, ‘Pinocchio’ in Shrek, ‘Roger’ in Grease, ‘Peter’ in Company, ‘Dick’ in Dick Whittington, ‘Leo Bloom’ in The Producers, ‘Freddy’ in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, ‘Franz’ in Rock of Ages, ‘Benedick` in Much ado about nothing (Salamander Theatre Company, Italian tour), ‘Willy’ in Flora the Red Menace (Landor Theatre London), Ensemble in Cowardy Custard (Waterman's Art Centre, Brentford), `Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm’ in Sondheim Concert (St.Mary's Church, Ealing), Lead Singer (Bourne Leisure Holidays).
Jacqui’s first appearance on stage was aged 3 as a sunbeam in a dance school show. She later became a student teacher where one of her pupils was our lovely MD Jane Werry. Jacqui has danced her way through more WWOS shows than she can actually remember and has choreographed several of their productions with her favourites being Priscilla, JCS and The Full Monty. Jacqui hung her fishnets up after playing the lovely Jennyanydots in Cats and is now having the best time playing fabulous character roles in particular Phyllis in Follies, Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act, Pat in Kinky Boots and Beryl in Made in Dagenham.
Jacqui’s favourite role to date though has to be Chris in Calendar Girls. Mrs Teavee has been so much fun and another character to add to her list. She hopes you enjoy tonight’s magical journey.
It is fitting for Kevin to be playing a Grandfather in this show as he is a proud Grandfather to Remy and Sunday ….. (Surely he cant be old enough – I hear you cry!)
Kevin appeared in the Society’s first production at the Churchill in 1978 as a Drummer Boy in The Gondoliers, since then he has risen through the ranks and played many lead roles for the society including, amongst his favourite, Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof), Max Bialystock (The Producers) Nathan Detroit (Guys & Dolls) and both Higgins and Doolittle (My Fair Lady)
Future plans include Dame in Panto at The Chequer Mead Theatre at Christmas, returning to direct Spamalot for us in May and travelling up to the Buxton G & S Festival in August 2025 as a guest director, along with numerous Music Halls as Chairman for the Players Theatre Company!
Ellen was dragged along to WWOS rehearsals from an early age and made her first appearance in the year 2000 as a frightened small child in Sweeney Todd at the age of 7.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be her 28th show with the society, having played many roles over the years including Dorothy (Wizard of OZ), Sister Mary Robert (Sister Act) Leisl (The Sound Of Music) and various Orphans in 2 productions of Annie and 1 of Annie Warbucks!
Ellen is delighted to be returning to the stage this week after a 5 year break and 2 children, adding numbers to one of the society’s dynasties!
WWOS PRODUCTION HISTORY
1935 - [GH] Iolanthe
1936 - Patience
1937 - The Mikado / The Plumbers Opera & The Pirates of Penzance
1938 - Ruddigore / The Gondoliers
1939 - The Yeomen of the Guard
1940-43 - NO PRODUCTIONS
1944 - [LH] The Policeman’s Serenade & H.M.S. Pinafore
1945 - Iolanthe / The Pirates of Penzance
1946 - The Mikado / The Rebel Maid
1947 - The Gondoliers / Merrie England (Concert)
1947 - [GH] The Geisha
1948 - [LH] Patience / Trial by Jury (Concert) / [GH] Princess Ida
1949 - [LH] Ruddigore / The Yeomen of the Guard / The Emerald Isle (Concert)
1950 - The Mikado / Merrie England
1951 - Iolanthe / The Rebel Maid
1952 - The Maid of the Mountains / Tom Jones (Concert) / The Gondoliers
1953 - Merrie England / Messiah (Concert) / [SH] The Pirates of Penzance
1954 - Ruddigore / The Geisha
1955 - The Yeomen of the Guard / Waltz Time
1956 - Love at the Inn / [AH] The Mikado
1957 - Iolanthe / The Rebel Maid
1958 - Patience / The Gondoliers
1959 - Merrie England / The Rose of Persia
1960 - The Yeomen of the Guard / Ruddigore
196 - 1Trial by Jury & The Sorcerer / The Bartered Bride
1962 - The Mikado / Die Fledermaus
1963 - Princess Ida / H.M.S. Pinafore
1964 - Engaged! / Iolanthe
1965 - The Merry Widow / The Gondoliers / Christmas Oratorio
1966 - La Belle Hélène / The Pirates of Penzance
1967 - The Grand Duke / The Gipsy Baron
1968 - Orpheus in the Underworld / The Yeomen of the Guard / Concert
1969 - Die Fledermaus / Concert / Trial by Jury & The Sorcerer
1970 - Merrie England / The Mikado
1971 - The Beggar’s Opera / La Vie Parisienne / Concert
1972 - Ruddygore (original version) / Princess Ida
1973 - Patience / The Merry Widow
1974 - Night in Venice / The Pirates of Penzance
1975 - Utopia Limited / The Gipsy Baron / 40th Anniversary Concert
1976 - La Belle Hélène / Lock Up Your Daughters
1977 - Iolanthe / The Rebel Maid
1978 - Engaged! / [CT] The Gondoliers
1979 - Concert / Orpheus in the Underworld
1980 - [WT] The Beggar’s Opera / [CT] The Mikado
1981 - [WT] Free As Air / [CT] The Merry Widow
1982 - [WT] Tarantara! Tarantara! / [CT] The Gipsy Baron
1983 - [CC] The Sorcerer / [CT] Bitter Sweet
1984 - [CC] La Vie Parisienne / [CT] The Pirates of Penzance / H.M.S. Pinafore
1985 - Die Fledermaus / [CC] Golden Jubilee Concert / [CT] Merrie England
1986 - Iolanthe / Oklahoma!
1987 - The Desert Song / South Pacific
1988 - Night in Venice / Fiddler on the Roof
1989 - Show Boat / Kismet
1990 - Calamity Jane / Sweeney Todd
1991- Carousel / Pickwick
1992 - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes / The Music Man
1993 - [AT] Guys and Dolls
1994 - [WT] The Beggar’s Opera / [CT] Olde Tyme Music Hall / The Mikado
1995 - Hello, Dolly! / Camelot / Wot No Entertainment? (VE50 Variety) / [CT/AT] Olde Tyme Music Hall
1996 - [CT] The Sound of Music / My Fair Lady / [TT] Olde Tyme Music Hall
1997 - [CT] Me And My Girl / Kiss Me, Kate / [TT] Olde Tyme Music Hall
1998 - [CT] The Merry Widow / Annie Get Your Gun / Olde Tyme Music Hall
1999 - Anything Goes / Olde Tyme Music Hall
2000 - Oliver! / Sweeney Todd / [TT] Olde Tyme Music Hall
2001 - [CT] Oklahoma! / Annie / [CT/TT] Olde Tyme Music Hall
2002 - [MT] Pickwick / [CT] Fiddler on the Roof / [CT/TT] Olde Tyme Music Hall
2003 - [CT] Mack & Mabel / The King and I / [CT/TT] Olde Tyme Music Hall
2004 - [CT/NF] The Yeomen of the Guard / [CT/TT] Olde Tyme Music Hall / [CT] Chess
2005 - My Fair Lady / The Pirates of Penzance (Broadway Version) / [CT/TT] We’ll Meet Again (VE60 Variety show)
2006 - [CT] Carousel / Titanic, The Musical / End of the Pier (Variety Music Hall)
2007 - [CT] The Witches of Eastwick / Annie / A Pair of Sparklin’ Guys (concert) / [TT] Olde Tyme Music Hall
2008 - [CT] Annie Warbucks / Me And My Girl / [LG] Les Misérables School Edition / [TT] Olde Tyme Music Hall
2009 - [CT] The Producers / The Wizard of Oz / [TT] Strictly Music Hall
2010 - [CT] The Full Monty / Guys and Dolls / [NF] The Pirates of Penzance / [TT] Strictly Music Hall
2011 - [AT] The Full Monty / [CT] Jesus Christ Superstar /[TT] Strictly Music Hall
2012 - [CT] Titanic, The Musical / Beauty and the Beast / [BT/GS] The Mikado / [TT] Strictly Music Hall
2013 - [CT] The Sound of Music / Oklahoma! / [LP/GS] Ruddigore / [TT] Strictly Music Hall
2014 - [CT/GS] The Pirates of Penzance / [CT] Calamity Jane / [TT] Strictly Music Hall
2015 - [CT] South Pacific / Sunset Boulevard / [WT/GS] H.M.S. Pinafore / [CT/TT] Strictly Music Hall
2016 - [CT] Legally Blonde / Fiddler on the Roof / [TT] Strictly Music Hall
2017 - [CT] Priscilla, Queen of the Desert / [WT/GS] The Sorcerer / [CT] My Fair Lady / [TT] Strictly Music Hall
2018 - [CT] Cats / Follies / [WT/GS] The Mikado / [TT] Strictly Music Hall
2019 - [CT] Anything Goes / Sister Act / [TT] Strictly Music Hall
2020 - NO PRODUCTIONS (COVID Lockdown)
2021 - [CT] Strictly Music Hall / Kinky Boots
2022 - [CT] Made in Dagenham / Calendar Girls
2023 - [CT] Shrek / School of Rock
2024 - [CT] Oliver!
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