The Aberystwyth Arts Centre Summer Show is back!
When Charlie Bucket finds one of the five golden tickets to the Wonka Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the other winners can’t wait to feast on the sweets of their dreams. But beyond the gates, they discover more than just remarkable edible delights. As they embark on an extraordinary journey through Willy Wonka’s marvellous mind, they soon learn that nobody leaves the same way that they arrived…
Based on the iconic Roald Dahl story and directed by Richard Cheshire, this spectacular stage version of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory is brought to life by a professional cast and live band.
This must-see musical follows the hit West End and Broadway productions to combine the memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture (‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’) with all new numbers from the multi award-winning songwriters of Hairspray.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is part of Aberystwyth Arts Centre’s Sweet Summer – a whole season of activity from the Arts Centre! Look out for activities and events across Aber and the surrounding areas, encompassing workshops, family and community events, and more local opportunities.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – the Musical at Aberystwyth Arts Centre – book your tickets now!
A British Sign Language performance by Tony Evans will take place on the matinee of Thursday 15th August.
Age Guidance: 6+ This is guidance only. This is a family musical, but there are a couple of moments referencing cartoon style violence.
The Arts Centre’s Sweet Summer is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by the Cynnal y Cardi Fund via Ceredigion County Council.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Tickets
The Cast and Crew!
Sam Jones is Willy Wonka
The multi-talented Sam Jones will be playing the crucial part of Willy Wonka. He has had experience in television, on stage, radio and in voiceovers, playing small roles in well known television shows such as Eastenders and The Royals. His other talents include: football, running, stage combat and even fencing! He is represented by Reegan Management Cardiff.
Phylip Harries is Grandpa Joe!
The brilliant Phylip Harries will be playing the part of Grandpa Joe. He has had a wide range of roles across TV, radio and theatre, with parts in great Welsh shows like Hinterland and Torchwood. He is no stranger to the Aberystwyth Arts Centre as he starred in last year’s fantastic production of Brassed Off, playing the character of Dai. He is represented by Emptage Hallet management Cardiff.
Gillian Elisa is Grandma Josephine and Mrs. Teavee!
The wonderful Gillian Elise will be playing the parts of Grandma Josephine and Mrs. TV. She has had various roles in TV and on-stage, in both regular stage productions and musicals. Her talents extend to many areas of music and dance, from cabaret to ballroom to tap, as well as skills in puppetry and after dinner speaking. She was also at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre in last year’s production of Brassed Off as the lovable character of Vera. She is represented by Reegan Management Cardiff.
Duane Gooden is Mr. Beauregarde!
The highly experienced Duane Gooden will be playing the part of Mr. Beauregarde. He has had some roles in TV, but can mainly be seen on-stage in musicals and family productions, even being nominated for Best Newcomer at the GB Panto Awards 2019 for his performance as the Genie in Aladdin. Duane enjoys singing and has sung across the world with groups such as The West End Gospel Choir. He is represented by Noel Gay Management London.
Geraint Rhys Edwards is Grandpa George and Mr. Salt!
The marvellous Geraint Rhys Edwards will be playing the parts of Grandpa George and Mr. Salt. He is skilled at many accents, dances and forms of comedy. He was also at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre in last year’s production of Brassed Off playing the character of Barry. He is represented by Reegan Management Cardiff.
Caitlin Lavagna is Grandma Georgina and Mrs. Gloop!
The amazing Caitlin Lavagna will be playing the parts of Grandma Georgina and Mrs. Gloop. She is experienced in theatre as an actor, as well as being a singer-songwriter, releasing her debut single in 2021 (How Not to Start a Fight), and a single as recent as spring 2024 (Gold). She is represented by Emptage Hallet London.
Elian Mai West is Mrs. Bucket and in the Ensemble!
The fantastic Elian Mai West will be playing the parts of Mrs. Bucket, an Oompa Loompa, and parts of the ensemble. She has appeared on stage in musicals and theatre productions, is highly skilled at music and vocalisation, and has vast experience in voiceover work as well. She is represented by Kate Borde Personal Management.
Matthew Wellman is Jerry, Ensemble and Assistant Director!
The incredible Matthew Wellman will be playing the parts of Jerry, an Oompa Loompa, and parts of the ensemble. He has appeared in a wide range of theatre productions on-stage, but is also an emerging theatre director. Matthew was at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre as the assistant director for their production of Oliver!, and will be assistant director for this production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as well.
Leanne Pinder is Cherry and Mrs Green, and the choreographer!
The outstanding Leanne Pinder will be playing the parts of Cherry and Mrs. Green. She is also the choreographer for the production, and has vast experience in this field, as a “story-telling movement choreographer”. Some of her previous Movement Director & Choreographer credits include: Punch (Nottingham Playhouse); Disruption (Park Theatre); Pippin (Wilkes Academy); She Loves Me (Mountview).
