I went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Ardhowen Theatre the other night, and it was a truly scrumdiddlyumptious treat that left me grinning from ear to ear.

This golden ticket of a show sweeps you away on a fantastical journey through Willy Wonka’s magical factory — a place bursting with imagination and wonder.

The set design is a visual feast, and the larger-than-life characters are pure eye candy.

From the incredible acting to the superb singing, the performances from everyone on stage were phenomenal.

Charlie Bucket (played by 18-year-old Cara Murphy) is such a heartwarming hero, and the other characters — like the gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde (played by Eva Graydon and Amy Bogue alternating) and the ever-hungry Augustus Gloop (what an accent by Aidan McHugh!) — are just as colourful and entertaining.

Stefan Bukowski plays Grandpa Joe with ELO stalwart Brenda Swift playing Mrs. Bucket and Mrs. Beauregarde.

Maddison Blair takes on the formidable role of Frau Gloop and Amanda Finch plays Mrs. Teevee.

Mike Teevee is also played by Oisín Murphy and Abbey Wilson alternating.

I don’t want to single anyone out, but it was especially lovely to see my friend Julian Fowler and his daughter Annie take to the stage, with Annie as the hilariously spoiled Veruca Salt, with Julian as Mr. Salt (and Grandpa George). What a proud moment for them both!

And, of course, Odhrán Sweeney as Willy Wonka himself is the cherry on top of this confection, delivering charm, humour, and just the right amount of mischief to keep the audience captivated.

Packed with toe-tapping songs and laugh-out-loud moments, this production — understandably sold out — is an absolute treat from start to finish.

Whether you’re a chocoholic or simply after a night of pure joy, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Ardhowen Theatre is a show you absolutely won’t want to miss — it’s the creme de la creme of family entertainment!

I loved being in a world of pure imagination.