BEHIND THE GOLDEN CURTAIN:

As Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical gets ready to take over Theatre Severn this May half term, we caught up with on the Creative Directors (and this show’s assistant director and cast member) James Broxton. We chatted all things chocolate rivers, rogue squirrels, and what it’s like returning to the stage after a break.

 

Why Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Why this show now?

James: After the joy, chaos and confetti cannons of Elf and Shrek, we wanted something equally bold - but with a different kind of magic. Charlie offers a timeless story full of heart, imagination, and a healthy dose of mischief.

I’ve always loved the book. When the rights were released, we had a conversation and decided we just had to apply! It's nostalgic for adults, thrilling for kids, and creatively packed for the whole team. Plus, it's never been staged in Shrewsbury before, so it's exciting to be making a bit of local history.

 

What was your vision for the production?

We really wanted to lean into the magic, but also the story’s heart - the ideas of kindness, humility, and imagination.

Visually, we’ve gone big. BIG!! Huge set pieces, playful nods to the classic film, plus a few surprises along the way. Ross is leading the charge on costume design, and he and the team (including the ever-talented Matt) have been working like Oompa Loompa’s on a sugar rush to bring it all to life. 

 

What’s been the biggest challenge?

Where do I start?

The set. The squirrels. The direction. The music... And yes, the Great Glass Elevator!

The costume team have had to create five full-on squirrel costumers for a bonkers ballet sequence - choreographed by Danii Scott. No spoilers, but they do NOT treat Veruca Salt kindly. The test model for the costume looks… incredible. I'm very excited!

Then there’s the set, designed Doug & Ross. Doug’s basically moved into the workshop, and the whole Wigle team is now painting, hammering, tweaking, sanding - you name it - to get everything ready.

And the elevator? Yeah… that’s caused a little bit of stress haha. Let’s just see shall we!!?

 

And the music?

The score is bursting with life. We’ve got iconic classics like Pure Imagination, I've Got a Golden Ticket, and The Candy Man, plus brilliant Broadway numbers by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Mary Poppins Returns).

Adam Joy is back as MD, watching him work with the cast is always a joy (no pun intended… okay, maybe a little).

 

Has it been easy to direct?

Not remotely! (laughs)

This show is a beast. Multiple set changes, a big ensemble, huge numbers, and some tricky tech. But the cast and team have absolutely risen to the challenge. There's a lot of magic involved - and not just the Wonka kind.

 

Who’s playing Charlie?

We’ve got two brilliant boys, Millar and Ben who are sharing the role. They’re both new to Wigle and totally smashed the auditions. It’s a huge part, Charlie barely leaves the stage, and they’ve got the talent, maturity, and confidence to carry it all. We're all very excited to introduce them to Shrewsbury audiences.

 

You’re back on stage too?

I am!! It’s my first time performing in a role this size since 2023. I’ve been dealing with pericarditis for the past few years, and it really forced me to step back physically and creatively. Coming back for a show that’s so joyful and silly has been genuinely healing... (as cheesy as this sounds)!

And yes - I’m playing Mike Teavee. (Don’t laugh.)

 

Wait… you’re playing Mike Teavee?

I am! Face shaved, makeup on standby, and I’m hoping I can still pass for 14 with the lights down. (laughs) In the Broadway version, all the kids (except Charlie) are played by adults, which really helps lean into the comedy and absurdity of these larger-than-life characters. The roles are also written to be vocally and physically demanding, so there are four of us playing these older kids. I’m having an absolute blast with it. I’m joined by an amazing gang: Bella as Veruca, Lizzy as Violet, and Max as Augustus. Their energy is BIG, and they’re all bringing something brilliant to the stage. I think everyone really shines in their roles across the whole company!

 

What can audiences expect?

Wow. Good question. Colour, chaos, charm - and a whole lot of chocolate! The cast are just brilliant. We’ve packed in lots of fun, some surprises, and a few totally unexpected moments that I hope will make you smile.

You’ll laugh, you’ll hum 'Pure Imagination' all the way home, and you will probably leave needing to pop to Everyman's Convenience store - craving multiple chocolate bars!

 

Final thoughts for Wigle members and our lovely theatre community?

This show is a celebration of creativity, silliness, and resilience. From the cast to the Wigle crew, it’s been a massive team effort - and I'm so proud of everyone involved and of what’s coming together.​

We were lucky to be granted the rights to this brand-new musical fresh off the UK tour. It’s a full-scale, two-act theatrical adventure - and the first time it’s ever been staged in Shrewsbury. If you can support us - by booking a ticket, spreading the word, or just cheering us on... we’d be so grateful. This is your golden ticket to pure half term FUN!

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And as always… love life! See you at the theatre!

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is showing at Theatre Severn 2pm & 7pm Thursday 29th, 2pm & 7pm Friday 30th and 1pm & 6pm Saturday 31st May. Click here to reserve your Golden Tickets now: https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory.