Review: 'So much to savour' at Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Those familiar with both the film and musical of the ultimate chocolatier will know that the Candy Man can, and how pure imagination can make dreams come true, but as this show proves, so can EBOS Musical Theatre.

Led by the ever reliable Stuart Hayllor as Willy Wonka, channelling both a touch of Gene Wilder and Jim Carrey into his own energetic interpretation, and with the young burgeoning talent of Freddie Burton as Charlie Bucket, there was so much to savour in this tasty treat of local theatre.

Director, Emily Burton, put together a delicious pick and mix of creatives and performers, who expertly unwrapped and shared with the audience a golden ticket of a show.

There were some terrific set pieces, music, choreography and stage effects, that in some cases did indeed exceed pure imagination.

This show stopping selection box of treats included an army of dancing and singing Oompa Loompas, and a supporting cast who could fill a certain well known tub of confectionary with their individual sparkly wrapped performances, with the emphasis on ‘Quality’.

This was a sweet sensation of a show in more ways than one.

The East Berkshire Operatic Society performed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at South Hill Park.