Pure imagination: Meet the cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Garden City will be whisked away into the realm of Wonka’s mysterious factory when the Toowoomba Choral Society puts its own spin on the iconic story this weekend. Meet the dynamic cast here.
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Ever since British author Roald Dahl took the world on an adventure through his Charlie and the Chocolate Factory novel, the sweet, eccentric tale has been cherished by the masses.
This adoration only intensified when Gene Wilder starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in the screen adaptation in 1971.
Now the Garden City will be whisked away into the realm of Wonka’s mysterious factory when the Toowoomba Choral Society puts its own spin on the iconic story at the Empire Theatre this weekend.
Director Harrison Paroz said while auditions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory commenced in April, rehearsals only took place over the two weeks of winter school holidays.
It marks the second show Mr Paroz has directed for TCS after his debut with The Hunchback of Notre Dame last year.
Mr Paroz who performed in the Society’s productions as a child himself, said the experience was vital for young people.
“It’s so fun to be back but in the driver’s seat this time as director,” he said.
“We couldn’t have picked a more different show to last year but so many people have grown up with this story.
“A lot of the performers we have come through here very often pursue it professionally so it can be a real starting ground for people to do massive things in the world of theatre – and it’s the most amazing world to be a part of.”
More than 70 cast members are involved in this year’s production, alongside at least 40 adult volunteers working hard behind the scenes.
Among the leading cast members this year will be Ianto Mellish, 12, as Charlie Bucket and Micah Walmsley, 15, as Willy Wonka.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will show at the Empire Theatre on Saturday, July 8 at 2pm and 7pm.
Tickets are selling quickly so the public are encouraged to book online at empiretheatre.com.au
Meet the cast
Gemma Smith, 14 - Mike Teavee
In the moments before Gemma Smith heads out on stage, she can be found with her Apple Airpods in her ears with Taylor Swift’s Reputation album blaring.
“That’s how I get rid of the nerves, calm myself down and get into character,” she said.
While some teenage girls would struggle with the concept of portraying the opposite gender, Gemma has embraced and excelled in the role of tech-obsessed Mike Teavee.
“He’s that little kid that’s obsessed with TV, gaming and his phone and doesn’t really care about anything else,” she said.
“I actually relate a bit because I love being on my phone and messaging my friends, but Mike made me realise that’s a problem because he misses out on so much cool stuff.
“Mike and I also tend to speak back - which my parents don’t really like but they love me anyway.
“It was so interesting playing a boy and a lot more challenging to get into the mindset of a male character but I’ve loved every moment.”
While the 2023 production will be her first lead role, Gemma previously performed as a minor character in the TCS production of Tarzan in 2020.
With dreams to be on stage and in the spotlight one day, the 14-year-old intends to study musical theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and be on Broadway.
Hannah Pocknee, 16 - Violet Beauregarde
After playing little Gretl von Trapp in her very first TCS production in the 2014 show of The Sound of Music, Hannah Pocknee has filled another leading role.
Only aged seven at the time, the now 16-year-old has been cast as one of the golden ticket winners and bubblegum-blowing Violet Beauregarde.
“Violet is sassy, bold and makes some interesting fashion choices with her tracksuits,” she said.
“I think of all the children, Violet is the most human because she’s bouncy, upbeat and relatable because she acts like a lot of kids would if they won a golden ticket and went to the factory.”
Inspired by New York-based musical theatre actor Mallory Bechtel who starred in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Dear Evan Hansen, Hannah said she hopes to follow the same path.
Hannah said she loves being involved in the performing arts and felt her life would always revolve around it in some way as it had always been her biggest passion.
Harry Reid, 10 - Augustus Gloop
Making his debut performance in a TCS production will be Harry Reid who was cast as Augustus Gloop.
The 10-year-old performer’s favourite movie was the Johnny Depp version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and he specifically enjoyed the scene when Grandpa Joe and Charlie discover they won a golden ticket.
Inspired by Depp’s performance, Harry said he hopes to become a film and television actor one day too.
“Augustus is a bratwurst eating champion from Germany who loves food, especially sausages and the Wonka bar,” Harry said.
“I love food but I don’t eat as much as him and I don’t really like sausages.”
Harry said his favourite part of the production was having fun with friends and his least favourite part was wearing an “uncomfortable” costume.
While the musical is his first with TCS, the aspiring actor said he would definitely be back next year.
Henrietta Cullin-Willy, 13 - Oompa Loompa and ensemble member
Inspired by her older sister and mum who have always been involved in the musical theatre scene, Henrietta Cullin-Willy hopes to follow in their footsteps.
The ensemble cast member who will also fill the role of one of the Oompa Loompas, said she hoped to study musical theatre and find a career in set design.
“Even though we’re in the background, the ensemble cast really help to bring the scenes together,” Henrietta said.
“My mum is a set designer and this will be the fifth set she has helped out on - she loves seeing it all come together.
“I always remember being backstage when my sister did these productions and I loved watching the process.”
While the 13-year-old loves being on stage, she said her favourite part of being involved with the TCS was helping her mum with the designing and creating processes - the leading reason behind her choice in career aspirations.
Henrietta has been taking singing lessons for the past two years and helped out either backstage or onstage with the TCS productions for the past eight.
Ianto Mellish, 12 - Charlie Bucket
While Ianto Mellish who is playing the role of Charlie Bucket struggled to put himself into the shoes of a poor boy who is on the brink of living on the streets, he said he had one way of relating to the character.
“I know how it feels to want something like chocolate so bad but having my dad say no,” he said.
“This has been one of my favourite (productions) because I always loved the book and have enjoyed making new friends.”
The performance will mark Ianto’s third with the society, but he has been singing since the age of five and taking dance classes since he was three-years-old.
Despite his creative talents, Ianto also excels in academics and has worked out a way to juggle his commitment to both areas.
“I make sure I get all my studies in and then I focus on everything else in my life.
“Sometimes it means going to bed later or giving up something I enjoy like playing video games.”
The 12-year-old said he hopes to work in mathematics because he loves numbers and continue his involvement in the performing arts, but as a hobby.
Isla Reilly, 10 - Oompa Loompa and ensemble member
Remember the name Isla Reilly because one day the outgoing 10-year-old will be Australia’s Prime Minister.
The aspiring leader of Australia said the first thing she would do upon her election is “change women’s rights in sport”.
“I see all these other Prime Ministers who don’t really see what the people need,” Isla said.
“Also the Indigenous people need a treaty.”
In addition to her interest in politics, Isla also enjoys singing which she has done since she was six and dancing which has been an integral part of her life since the age of two.
Cast as one of the Oompa Loompas in the TCS production as well as a member of the ensemble, Isla also loves musician Ed Sheeran and wants to study social science before becoming PM.
Madeleine Tooley, 15 - Veruca Salt
From the moment Madeleine Tooley could walk, she was running around theatres while her parents rehearsed for a play.
This quickly evolved into Madeleine taking to the stage herself as a dancer from the age of three or actor seven years ago.
Unlike traditional versions of the character who is British, Veruca Salt who Madeleine plays, is from Russia in the TCS musical.
“She’s a posh little Russian girl, very spoilt and wants everything now,” Ms Tooley said.
“Veruca is fun to play but pretty different to the person I am in real life… although I think my parents would say otherwise.
“My character is a Russian ballerina so I’m actually on point during the show so my dance experience has been really handy.”
Madeleine who has been part of the TCS productions since 2016 when she played Molly in Annie, has only ever missed one of the society’s performances ever since.
With less than three years left before she graduates from high school, the 15-year-old said she hopes to study musical theatre at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium or contemporary dance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Micah Walmsley, 15 - Willy Wonka
After playing Peter Pan in his school’s production earlier this year, Micah Walmsley discovered his love for the spotlight.
Despite Charlie and the Chocolate Factory being his first time auditioning with the Toowoomba Choral Society, the 15-year-old said he was pleasantly surprised when he was picked for the role of Willy Wonka.
“I feel like my character is eccentric, a little bit crazy and no one really knows what he’s going to do next,” he said.
“It’s been a really fun experience playing such a quirky character that allowed me to bring a lot of energy and pizzazz.
In addition to singing and acting, Micah also enjoys playing the guitar and hopes to pursue a career in the realm of music.
Nara Zekants, 13yo - Jerry the news reporter, Oompa Loompa and ensemble member
If anyone loves using their imagination to explore new worlds, it’s Nara Zekants who is a big fan of fantasy novels including Harry Potter and Game of Thrones.
In fact the 13-year-old hopes to become an author and write her own books one day.
Keen to keep herself busy, Nara first joined the TCS choir and then began taking part in its youth productions four years ago as a member of the ensemble cast.
This year she will not only return to the ensemble but will also take up the role of one of the Oompa Loompas, as well as “Jerry the news reporter” of Chocolate News.
“My favourite part about being Jerry is that he gets to stand in the Juliet box (theatre balcony) above the stage,” she said.
“I’m a news reporter so I’ve just tried to keep my posture straight and stand up tall.
“Another plus is the Oompa Loompa pants are very comfortable.”
Nara said while she has watched and enjoyed both versions of the Willy Wonka films, she felt the modern ending was the inferior of the two.
Not a fan of dancing, she said she did love to sing and act.
Sharnie-Lee Brameld, 11 - Oompa Loompa and ensemble member
Cast as one of the Oompa Loompas and members of the ensemble is Sharnie-Lee Brameld who will make her debut in a TCS musical on July 8.
The country and hip-hop music enthusiast said she loves to sing and her favourite part of the show so far had been learning songs and dance routines.
“The Oompa Loompas are basically killing the kids but they’re enjoying it because we’re Willy Wonka’s sidekicks and we’re feeling exactly how he is feeling,” Sharnie-Lee said.
“It was interesting to see how other people put musicals together because at school we get two terms to rehearse but we only had two weeks for this one.”
A fan of famous musicians Taylor Swift and PINK, the 11-year-old said she loves the two artists for their relatability and she hoped to gain a career in the industry too.
Unlike the many Australians who were left out of luck in their efforts to score Swift tickets, Sharnie-Lee was thrilled to reveal she will be seeing the singer on her upcoming tour.
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