Newcastle High School for Girls staged ambitious production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) invited the public to enjoy its spectacular new stage production – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – when it opened on Thursday 30th January.
The show, which ran for an impressive three nights with an additional matinee on the Saturday, featured a sizeable cast of 76 and even a professional orchestra (with two NHSG pupils leading the string section!).
NHSG said audiences could expect a ‘deliciously funny and scrumptiously beautiful production full of songs, dancing and fantastic characterisation’.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was specifically chosen for its cast of rich and comical characters, giving the school’s many talented pupils an opportunity to showcase their skills. And let’s be honest, it’s a classic that everybody adores!
Double cast roles so more pupils get the chance to shine
Prior to the show’s debut, Anna Dobson, Head of Drama at NHSG, said: “The recent Wonka film has rekindled everyone’s love of this classic story, so what better time to choose it as our highly anticipated annual stage show.
“The cast have been so committed, rehearsing three times a week with extra weekend rehearsals all through January, so they’ve been truly giving it their all. I’m confident that audiences will be enjoying a highly professional and entertaining show.”
NHSG benefits from a partnership with Gateway Dance Company, providing the cast with professional dance expertise as well as the opportunity to rehearse with Jenny Legg – Assistant Choreographer from the recent Hollywood movie Wonka.
The roles were double cast, so different pupils could experience bringing the main characters to life on alternate shows and joining the ensemble when not centre stage.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “A ‘deliciously funny and scrumptiously beautiful’ production indeed! Three nights plus a matinee speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of NHSG’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Congratulations on bringing this classic to life with such flair and determination.”
Inari Bari-Jones, a Year 12 pupil (who is also Head Girl) took on the role of Wonka. Ahead of the show she said: “I’m so excited to be playing Willy Wonka, it’s such an interesting role and I’m definitely going to have a lot of fun with it. I hope the audience enjoys the show as much as I know the whole cast will love performing it.”
Emmy Dobson, also in Year 13, alternated with Inari to take on the role of Wonka, and plans to use her experience to further her ambition to work in film in the future. Emmy said: “Growing up immersed in the arts from an early age – and constantly having my nose in a book or a play – it feels inevitable that I have ended up pursuing a career in storytelling and the arts…”
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