A group of young Brisbane performers have entered the amazing scrumdidlyumptous world of the eccentric Willy Wonka. They experience the magic with Charlie, Augustus, Veruca, Violet and Mike Teevee as they gobble their way though the day at Wonka’s factory of dreams in a musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Set in a futuristic world, the cast of 25 children aged 8 to 12 from Young Actors Company Children’s Theatre combine song, dance and acting to bring to life one of Roald Dahl’s all-time favourites, but in a way which has never seen before.

This company of little troopers has in the last two years attracted a loyal band of patrons due to the success of their productions of Peter Pan, Charlotte’s Web and Bugsy Malone. Indeed a number of the cast have performed in all previous shows while others make their stage debut in “Charlie”.

Director Roslyn Lewis said “the children are trained by professionals and they give of their best because they are having so much fun.” The aim of the company is to give youths opportunities to receive quality theatrical training, to allow them to apply it, and to have fun.

Young Actors Company Queensland also has a youth theatre, thus providing a natural progression in performance from children’s theatre, but also allowing students to further their skills by assuming back-stage responsibilities.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is playing on May 28, 30,31 and June 4, 6, 7 evenings at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 11.30am at Cement Box Theatre (under the Schonnel Theatre, University of Queensland, St Lucia). Group and early bird discounts are available.

For bookings or enquiries regarding YACQ may be made by phone on 07 3423273 or by email at bookings@youngactorsqld.com.