The character of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka has long been dominated by Gene Wilder’s 1971 take and, more recently, Johnny Depp’s Tim Burton-inspired darker incarnation.

So it’s no surprise that in the late Anthony Minghella’s current West End stage version, Douglas Hodge has big strawberry bootlaces to fill. But he carries it off, mixing a splash of Depp and an essence of Wilder with his own intentionally deadpan(cake) performance.

He’s helped enormously by the huge impressive sets, crammed into London’s wonderful, historic Theatre Royal. Scenery moves ingeniously and effortlessly to keep the production looking fresh in every scene.

For those not familiar with the story (there can’t be many), the tale follows poor Charlie Bucket, who wins a Golden Ticket along with four other less worthy children, allowing them to tour around the great confectioner Willy Wonka’s factory. Although the first 20 minutes flows at quite a slow pace, it is soon running along at breakneck speed thanks to a clever ploy of using a big ‘3D’ screen to tell the background stories of fellow Golden Ticket winners Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee.

Charlie himself, as in the book and the films, is the (probably intentional) least interesting child character in the story, eclipsed by the other vile competitors who each meet an inventive and – literally, in some cases – sticky end.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical

So what of those Oompa Loompas, the little factory workers at the centre of so many of the musical numbers? In this stage show, special effects give them an amazing new look and they really do steal the scene when they get going, especially during a disco/rave number complete with 5ft platform shoes.

Musical numbers as a whole are a success, ranging from a German yodel  effort, which introduces the larger than life Augustus Gloop, to Mike Teavee’s ultra-aggressive ode to computer games.

Different styles of music accompany each of the child characters thanks to a bright and breezy new score, which may disappoint those expecting a burst of Mr Candyman or the original Oompa Loompa song (although there is a burst of Pure Imagination, which will give a buzz to fans of the 1971 version).There are also a couple of nice new touches, such as Willy Wonka’s invention room (complete with bawling jelly babies) and a gibbering robot who delivers those much-vaunted everlasting gobstoppers.

Sadly, the show isn’t everlasting, but a musical finale involving that flying glass elevator makes sure the show ends on a real high.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is running at Theatre Royal, London, at 7.30pm Monday to Saturday and also 2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday. Call the box office on  0844 858 8877 .

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tea
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tea
 

AND THIINGS JUST GOT SWEETER...

For an extra special treat, why not pop along to the One Aldwych Hotel, a two-minute walk from the theatre, for a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired tea.

This really is a sweet-tooth’s dream, with home-made candy floss, caramel milk, a golden egg (chocolate of course) filled with vanilla cheesecake and mango puree, Eton mess, scones, brioche and brownies.

A delicious selection of savoury treats are also included as are a number of teas (including toffee apple) and a special bubbling alcoholic cocktail. Prices cost from £29.50 and teas are available Monday to Thursday. Call  020 7300 1070 or visit http://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/afternoon-tea.aspx to make a reservation.