From hundreds of youngsters across the north of England, four have been chosen to play Charlie Bucket in the Leeds Playhouse Christmas production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical.
Amelia Minto, from Leeds; Isaac Sugden, from Wakefield; Kayleen Nguema, from Stockport and Noah Walton from Stockton-on-Tees will each play the brave and kindly Charlie across the 13-week run, from November 18-January 23.
The four have already been working with director James Brining ahead of rehearsals to develop the character and the iconic Roald Dahl story. The four have been familiarising themselves with the songs and having fun making up their own Dahl-inspired confectionary names. Twelve-year-old Amelia said: “I’m very excited to be playing one of the first female versions of Charlie Bucket." Isaac (11) said: “I'm sure Charlie is a dream role for many children so I feel very lucky to be given this opportunity. It's such an exciting jump start to my acting career!” Kayleen (11), said: “I’m really excited, it’s one of my favourite books. There are lots of fun songs that I enjoy." And 12-year-old Noah added: “The first West End show I ever saw was Charlie and The Chocolate Factory when I was six. That's when I fell in love with the show and with musical theatre." James Brining said: “Their vibrancy and enthusiasm is already bringing such brilliant energy to the rehearsal room. Our open call resulted in hundreds of youngsters from across the North attending workshop auditions. After a number of recalls we eventually chose our four Charlies, all of whom share a great range of skills but also bring their own individual and unique character to the role."
This reinvention of the successful West End and Broadway musical has a score by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
:: Families are specially catered for at the Playhouse and as well as enjoying the show can make use of the theatre’s child-friendly facilities, including a free creative play area, baby change and family toilets, highchairs and special catering options.
Tickets and more info here