Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Interview with Gareth Snook, cast in the role of Willy Wonka.

The much-anticipated UK and Ireland tour of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical will open its gates at Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 16 August - 3 September.

Leading the cast in the extraordinary role of Willy Wonka will be West End star Gareth Snook. Featuring memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film including ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’ as well as a host of new numbers, this sensational musical is choc-full of fantastical treats to indulge the senses, bringing audiences to a world of pure imagination.

We sat down with Gareth to find out more about his new musical adventure and how Roald Dahl’s famed character is being brought to life on stage.

Alongside brilliant songs from the film, the musical features a score by the multi award-winning composer and lyricist of Hairspray and Mary Poppins Returns, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. How would you describe the soundtrack?

There’s so many nods to different musical genres from pop to heartfelt ballads and big dancing theatrical numbers. Wonka also has a brilliant patter song at the top of Act 2. It really has got something for everyone.

The story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was first published in 1964. Why do you think the magic of the factory and this fantastical journey had stood the test of time?

All of the characters, from Wonka to Charlie and all the children, have been written so vividly that they’re enticing. They all come from such different backgrounds so kids can relate to them and their families. Although they are all in some ways spoilt and excessive, and are allowed to be by their parents, kids can relate to this and find the enjoyment in it, especially when they get their just desserts. The story really has got everything… and who doesn’t like chocolate!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has seen numerous film and stage adaptations. Were you a fan of the story growing up?

Bizarrely enough I came to Roald Dahl’s work later in life having not grown up with it. As an adult I can appreciate the intricacies of his work but wish I had come to his world of imagination much earlier – it really is fabulous!

Many people will have their own interpretation of Willy Wonka, from having read the books to seeing Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp on screen. How have you approached the character and put your own spin on him?

I watched the films when they came out, and I’ve revisited them again for research purposes, but I approached my interpretation with an open mind. Wonka is a mercurial character. He’s everything you want him to be, which is great fun to play, despite his cynicism and how sinister he is at times. You might say he’s as layered as a gobstopper!

What character were you most like when you were younger?

Wonka, of course. You only have to talk to our director James Brining, who said, ‘I don’t know where Wonka starts and you end.’ I do have a strange affinity with the character. I don’t know whether that’s a good or bad thing! He’s a complex character, but I do understand his frustrations and disappointments.

You’ve had an impressive stage career from The Phantom of the Opera to Les Miserables and Made in Dagenham. What are you most looking forward to about touring the UK and Ireland with this production?

I’ve spent so much time in London working, so I’m looking forward to revisiting the cities and towns across the countries. I haven’t toured for 20-years. The last time I toured was when I played Harold in The Full Monty, which was a blast.

What do you hope audiences take away from this new production?

I hope audiences leave with a tear in the eye and a big smile on their face. I think the production is very moving, especially towards the end, and it is also great fun. I’d love to sit out and watch it myself!

Is there a piece of advice you’ve received or that you would pass on to anyone hoping to go into the creative industry?

You’ve got to put in the hard work, because it is hard work. You’ve got to be prepared to commit yourself 100% because the industry is notoriously difficult for actors or any other person working in theatre. If someone loves acting and they feel they can’t do anything else and that’s all they want to do, then they’re already halfway there.

www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.co.uk

Book your tickets at mayflower.org.uk

What’s on IN AUGUST

With a vibrant mix of countryside, beaches and attractions, there is always plenty to do in Dorset & Hampshire. Here is a selection of events happening across the counties over the coming weeks.

Summer Fun For All The Family

01 - 31 AUGUST

Keep the kids entertained with changing weekly crafts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and an outdoor trail running Sunday to Thursday, every week of the school holidays. Crafts free with normal admission, trail £3.00 per child with craft activity to take home. 10am – 3pm. Booking not necessary.

On 20 August join Heartbreak Productions for this warm-hearted tale that follows the highs and lows of a father-son relationship. An open-air adaptation of David Walliams Bad Dad is the perfect summer family entertainment. So, pack your picnics, grab your wet weather gear or sun-cream (or both), something to sit on, and join Frank and Gilbert as they navigate their way through car chases and convicts in the struggle to escape the clutches of the local crime lord and clear Gilbert’s name.

HONK!

11 - 12 AUGUST

Spring has come to the farmyard in this fluffy adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fable, The Ugly Duckling. Drake, the Mallard duck, and his longsuffering partner, Ida, await the birth of a new brood, but the nest seems to contain one inordinately large egg this year. Sure enough, it cracks open to reveal a chick who looks nothing like his siblings and who makes a strange ‘honk’ sound instead of the expected quack.

Join Ugly on a journey of selfdiscovery as he meets a whole barnyard of characters who teach him the valuable lesson that being different isn’t bad at all.

Summer Of Play

01 - 31 AUGUST

There’s something for all the family to enjoy at Kingston Lacy this summer. Explore the craft zone, practice your building and balancing skills around the Woodland Walk, or dress-up and stage your own performance in the field theatre. There are also two wonderful play areas to discover and explore.

Pop into one of the clay sessions (23 August) to create something beautiful with air dry clay. Make a hanging decoration using clay stamps, or make your own little sculpture. In painting sessions (09 & 30 August) have a go at fabric painting using fabric stamps. In the bubble sessions (16 August) learn how to make giant bubbles, experiment with different bubble wands and have fun chasing after all the beautiful bubbles.

KINGSTON LACY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

STOMPIN’ ON THE QUOMPS

05 AUGUST

An annual jazz event for the whole community to enjoy on Christchurch Quay. It’s shaping up to be a very special year indeed, with some of the best jazz talent in the UK and superb local food stalls coming to Christchurch Quay for one day only.

HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

MAYFLOWER THEATRE www.mayflower.org.uk

CHRISTCHURCH QUAY www.stompin.org

BLUEY & HEY DUGGEE DAYS

03, 10, 17, 24 AUGUST

Dates for your diary

SUMMER LIVE

01 - 28 AUGUST

THE SQUARE, BOURNEMOUTH www.summerlive.co.uk

POOLE DREAM MACHINES

01, 08, 15, 22 & 29

AUGUST

POOLE QUAY www.pooletourism.com

BOURNEMOUTH

Marwell Zoo is welcoming three CBeebies favourites over the summer with special Thursday Fun Days throughout the school holidays.

Hey Duggee, a favourite with children and adults alike, will be taking a break from running Squirrel Club to visit Marwell on 3 August and 17 August. Bluey and her little sister Bingo, from the much-loved children’s TV show Bluey, will be visiting the zoo on 10 August and 24 August.

They will only be admitting guests with advance zoo bookings on these days so anybody hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite CBeebies characters will need to book soon.

Guests will be able to Join the playful characters at story time sessions at intervals throughout the day (11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.) Don’t forget to bring your camera! The characters will have a designated appearance arena on the back lawn of Marwell Hall to ensure as many guests as possible can see them on a first-come first-served basis. Please be aware there will be limited capacity so if it is particularly busy, come back later.

MARWELL ZOO www.marwell.org.uk

Bournemouth

AIR FESTIVAL

31 AUGUST03 SEPTEMBER www.cumberlandbournemouth.co.uk

Celebrate the UK’s largest Air Festival at The Cumberland Hotel! Situated in close proximity to the festival site and in the centre of the flight path, our hotel provides the perfect base for enjoying this thrilling annual event. Immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere as you witness breath-taking aerobatic displays, gravitydefying stunts, and aweinspiring aerial performances against the stunning backdrop of the coast.

Various packages available, prices starting from £23.75 per person.

FRIDAY FIREWORKS

04, 11, 18 & 25 AUGUST

BOURNEMOUTH

SEAFRONT

MURDER

MYSTERY WALK

09 - 16 AUGUST

CORFE CASTLE www.nationaltrust.org.uk

OUTDOOR THEATRE:

TWELFTH NIGHT

17 AUGUST

KINGSTON LACY www.nationaltrust.org.uk