This show surely deserves a wider audience. Southcity Christian College musical ‘Wonka The Whimsical’ played out at the Tropical Nites Theatre at the Wild Coast Sun over five days.
It did not disappoint. Not even close. In fact, it was a wonderful celebration of young talent and a tribute to director Laura Woodhouse.
Anyone thinking they had to trawl through a tedious high school production would have been in for a very pleasant surprise.
Blown away, was one description. Outstanding was another. This is up there with one of the best I have seen, yet another.
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, director Laura deviated cleverly from the original, including some surprise twists and some wonderful South African humour.
But it worked. And how. The comments and praise at interval, afterwards and on social media bore testament to this.
When considering the small talent pool on the coast, and limited budget, this production was nothing short of sensational.
Laura deserves much credit, but as always, she gives it to the cast and all those involved in its success.
The leads were outstanding, the support cast excellent, and the whole team effort obvious in producing a high quality show that had the audience experiencing the full range of emotions.
Main roles were as follows:
Mr Willy Wonka – Joshua Loots, The Candy Lass – Olivia Flanagan, Charley Bucket – Shanna-Paige Hartley, Grandpa Joe – Joshua Douthwaite.
Mrs Bucket – Gabriella Douthwaite, Grandma Josephine – Jennifer Abbott, Grandpa George – Dean Porter, Grandma Georgina – Isla Simpson.
Mike Teavee – Michael Zwane, Mrs Teavee – Liya Mhlelembana, Andile Gumede (Augustus Gloop) – Kwezi Godlwana, Mrs Gumede (Mrs Gloop) – Esihle Khumalo, Veruca Salt – Zoe Guest, Mr Salt – Nathan Hartman, Violet Beauregarde – Lisakhanya Boti, Mrs Beauregarde – Kanye Ketwa.
Zorandu The Great Loompa – Tendai Jumbe, Benny Bon Bon – Ibanathi Ntlathla, Cherry Pop – Ndumiso Gasa.
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