Students to bring Willy Wonka to life in school musical

A BALLINA school musical has sold more than 1500 tickets ahead of opening night as Emmanuel Anglican College prepares to stage Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The first of eight performances will be held on Thursday, May 14 at the school’s Lindsay Walker Centre.

The production brings together a cast of primary and secondary students, with key roles including Charlie, which has been double cast, and Willy Wonka.

It marks another large-scale production for the school, which has built a reputation for its performing arts program and student-led shows.

The musical follows Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy who discovers one of five golden tickets, earning him a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Willy Wonka’s factory.

He is taken on a journey filled with surprises and challenges, alongside a cast of colourful characters including the Oompa-Loompas.

 

The production is directed by Anouska Gammon, who has worked across the Northern Rivers supporting young performers to develop their skills.

She said one of the most rewarding aspects of the rehearsal process has been watching students grow throughout the production.

“The students have really embraced the scale, energy and imagination of this show,” Gammon said.

“There’s so much talent across both cast and crew, and we’re excited to share it with the wider community.”

The school will present its own version of the story with a large cast, elaborate sets and music from the film adaptations.

Audiences can expect a mix of well-known musical moments and scenes drawn from Roald Dahl’s original story.

The show will run until Saturday, May 23, with tickets available online at eac.nsw.edu.au.