The much-anticipated UK and Eire tour of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility – The Musical will open at Wales Millennium Centre from 3 to twenty Could 2023. We meet the Welsh star of the present to search out out what it’s like entering into such an iconic position.
Main the solid within the extraordinary position of Willy Wonka shall be West Finish star Gareth Snook. That includes memorable songs from the enduring Seventies movie together with ‘The Sweet Man’ and ‘Pure Creativeness’ in addition to a bunch of recent numbers, this sensational musical is choc-full of fantastical treats to indulge the senses, bringing audiences to a world of pure creativeness.
We sat down with Gareth to search out out extra about his new musical journey and the way Roald Dahl’s famed character is being dropped at life on stage.
Alongside sensible songs from the movie, the musical incorporates a rating by the multi award-winning composer and lyricist of Hairspray and Mary Poppins Returns, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. How would you describe the soundtrack?
There’s so many nods to completely different musical genres from pop to heartfelt ballads and massive dancing theatrical numbers. Wonka additionally has a superb patter music on the prime of Act 2. It actually has bought one thing for everybody.
The story of Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility was first printed in 1964. Why do you suppose the magic of the manufacturing facility and this fantastical journey had stood the take a look at of time?
The entire characters, from Wonka to Charlie and all the kids, have been written so vividly that they’re engaging. All of them come from such completely different backgrounds so children can relate to them and their households. Though they’re all in some methods spoilt and extreme, and are allowed to be by their dad and mom, children can relate to this and discover the enjoyment in it, particularly once they get their simply desserts. The story actually has bought all the things… and who doesn’t like chocolate!
Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility has seen quite a few movie and stage diversifications. Have been you a fan of the story rising up?
Bizarrely sufficient I got here to Roald Dahl’s work later in life having not grown up with it. As an grownup I can admire the intricacies of his work however want I had come to his world of creativeness a lot earlier – it truly is fabulous!
Many individuals may have their very own interpretation of Willy Wonka, from having learn the books to seeing Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp on display screen. How have you ever approached the character and put your personal spin on him?
I watched the movies once they got here out, and I’ve revisited them once more for analysis functions, however I approached my interpretation with an open thoughts. Wonka is a mercurial character. He’s all the things you need him to be, which is nice enjoyable to play, regardless of his cynicism and the way sinister he’s at occasions. You would possibly say he’s as layered as a gobstopper!
What character had been you most like whenever you had been youthful?
Wonka, in fact. You solely have to speak to our director James Brining, who stated, ‘I don’t know the place Wonka begins and also you finish.’ I do have a wierd affinity with the character. I don’t know whether or not that’s a superb or unhealthy factor! He’s a posh character, however I do perceive his frustrations and disappointments.
Do you may have a candy tooth – what’s your vice?
I’ve SUCH a candy tooth. My vice is chocolate, and I’m not simply saying that. However I’ve been so good limiting my sugar consumption doing this present – there are solely so many occasions the wardrobe division can increase the waist of my trousers!
Should you may invent your personal Wonka chocolate bar, what wouldn’t it be?
I imply, I might eat something in chocolate, however I’d wish to mix mint and orange as they’re my two favorite flavours.
You’ve had a formidable stage profession from The Phantom of the Opera to Les Miserables and Made in Dagenham. What are you most trying ahead to about touring the UK and Eire with this manufacturing?
I’ve spent a lot time in London working, so I’m trying ahead to revisiting the cities and cities throughout the international locations. I haven’t toured for 20 years. The final time I toured was once I performed Harold in The Full Monty, which was a blast.
I’m actually trying ahead to returning to Wales. I’m from South Wales – I used to be born in Port Talbot. I used to be really the primary particular person to sing on stage for the Gala opening of Wales Millennium Centre.
What do you hope audiences take away from this new manufacturing?
I hope audiences depart with a tear within the eye and a giant smile on their face. I believe the manufacturing may be very transferring, particularly in the direction of the top, and additionally it is nice enjoyable. I’d love to take a seat out and watch it myself!
Is there a chunk of recommendation you’ve obtained or that you’d cross on to anybody hoping to enter the inventive business?
You’ve bought to place within the laborious work, as a result of it’s laborious work. You’ve bought to be ready to commit your self 100% as a result of the business is notoriously troublesome for actors or every other particular person working in theatre. If somebody loves performing they usually really feel they will’t do the rest and that’s all they wish to do, then they’re already midway there.
For additional particulars and to e book tickets go to www.wmc.org.uk
