Charlie And The Chocolate Factory stars feel the pressure to perform at their best
IT’S a thrill when you get your big break in a stage musical based on one of the best-loved children’s books of all time — but perhaps it’s not so sweet when you’re playing a character audiences love to hate.
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IT’S a thrill when you get your big break in a stage musical based on one of the best-loved children’s books of all time — but perhaps it’s not so sweet when you’re playing a character audiences love to hate.
That’s the challenge for some of the young stars of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, who were announced this week and will take to the stage at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from January 5.
Jayme-Lee Hanekom will play Violet Beauregard, the notorious gum-chewer who literally comes to a sticky end.
MORE: Charlie And The Chocolate Factor musical coming to Sydney
She said her main challenge will be trying not to take the mickey out of the character.
“Trying not to just play a bratty child and focus on making it real,” she said.
“I think that’s the hardest part. Like, pushing it too far. Acting but making it realistic.”
Harrison Riley, who will play Mike TeeVee, said he has to try to create a more spiteful character.
“I’ll probably just try channelling that hatred,” he said. “I’m not a very hateful person but my character is.”
Karina Russell is looking forward to the challenge of playing spoiled Veruca Salt.
“Getting rewarded for being a brat is going to be fantastic,” she said.
“I wasn’t a bratty child. So, it’s kind of cool to get to be in my mid-20s and be a bratty child now.”
The stage show version is much closer to the beloved Gene Wilder movie than the more recent Johnny Depp adaptation and comes from long, successful runs both in London’s West End and New York’s Broadway.
“There’s a lot of pressure because it’s a well-known show but I think we’re bringing something new to Australia,” Ms Hanekom said.
“No one’s really seen the show on Broadway, it’s something fresh for Australia. There’s pressure always but I think we’ll be able to handle it.”
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said he expects 80,000 interstate visitors to see the show, bringing more than $37 million into the economy.
For more information, go to: charliethemusical.com.au