The stage of the Ardhowen Theatre will be a place of ‘Pure Imagination’ when Enniskillen Light Operatic bring their version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the stage.

The show will open tonight (Thursday) with Cara Murphy (18)  taking on the role of the titular Charlie Bucket and Odhrán Sweeney will dawn Willy Wonka’s famous top hat playing the world-famous and beloved chocolatier. 

Aidan McHugh will play Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde will be played by Eva Graydon and Amy Bogue alternating with Mike Teevee played by Oisín Murphy and Abbey Wilson alternating.

Veruca Salt will be played by Annie Fowler who will be joined by her real-life father, Julian Fowler playing Mr. Salt and Grandpa George.  Stefan Bukowski will play Grandpa Joe with ELO stalwart Brenda Swift will play Mrs. Bucket and Mrs. Beauregarde, Maddison Blair will take on the formidable role of Frau Gloop and Amanda Finch will play Mrs. Teevee. 

Other featured cast will include Alison Lappin (Grandma Georgina), Moya Sweeney (Grandma Josephine and Hoffa), Debbie Murphy (Mrs. Green), Niamh Murphy (Cherry), Hannah Naylor (Jerry) and Fiadhnait Doran and Christina Quinn alternating as Herman.

  The show will be produced by an all-female production team with Danielle Gallagher serving as director, Moya Sweeney as Musical Director and Shauneen Hamilton serving as choreographer in what will be her tenth consecutive year as ELO’s choreographer.  Tickets for the show are selling faster than a Wonka Whipple Scrumptious Fudge Mallow Delight. 

But ELO is keen to have an audience as wide as possible to enjoy the sweet delights this fun show has to offer.  Following on from Fermanagh Musical Theatre’s performance of Shrek in August, ELO is also offering a relaxed performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Sunday, December 1.

A relaxed performance is slightly modified to accommodate the needs of people who might otherwise find a trip to the theatre a little daunting.  The cast and characters will be introduced before the show and the house lighting will not be fully darkened.  Volume will be reduced and the show will be shown on the monitors in the foyer for those who wish to enjoy a more open environment.

For those with a hearing impairment, the show will be signed by a professional theatre-trained sign language interpreter.  Most importantly, there will, as always, be a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, with all audience members encouraged to enjoy the show.

The show’s director, Danielle Gallagher is looking forward to the relaxed performance. She said:  “Theatre, especially musical theatre, can bring such joy into people’s lives. Sadly, people with auditory issues, neurodivergence and the very young can feel that the theatre isn’t a welcoming place for them.   “Our relaxed performance firmly puts the welcome mat out for everyone.  We are all very excited to share this experience with people who might not ordinarily feel comfortable in the theatre.”

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs in the Ardhowen Theatre from Thursday 28  November until Saturday, December 7. A Relaxed performance will take place on Sunday, December 1 at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from the Ardhowen Box Office.