Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Dram at Gilded Balloon Patter House, Edinburgh
Fifteen years after the competition that ruined their lives, five damaged adults try to understand what happened to them as children. Veruca, Augustus, Violet, and Mike are all grown up and haunted by what happened to them on that fabled factory tour. Watched over by their new landlord, Charlie, they must grapple with the consequences of their childhood trauma. Waiting for Wonka is an unauthorised parody sequel to one of the most enduring stories of the 20th century.
The only reason this review is missing a star is because I wanted it to be a musical. It works so well as a play but I can imagine it so clearly with a solo song for each character, plus a group number finale - the hilarity of the story lends itself so well to a score!
The standard of this comedy can be attributed to writer Caden Scott and director Courtney Bassett. They are a dream team for productions like this, and I will be booking to see anything else with their names on the poster! This material was then handed to a brilliant cast of 5 young performers who have admirable chemistry and stage presence. These actors navigated slower scenes, quickly witted dialogue, fight scenes and intimate moments with ease and professionalism.
With quick get in’s and pack downs either side of their performance slot, they also manage a myriad of set pieces and props without this ever feeling clunky or unnecessary. Overall: funny, clever, and very well-written.
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