Published in 1964, Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is frequently ranked among the most popular works of children’s literature. Made into a feature film - a musical - starring Gene Wilder in 1971, and again in 2005 - this time with Johnny Depp - the novel was adapted for the stage by David Greig.

For those not in the know, the story’s central character is Charlie Bucket, a young boy living in poverty in a town that is also home to a famous chocolate factory owned by the mysterious and eccentric Willy Wonka. Charlie’s life changes when he wins one of five golden tickets, the holders of which are allowed entry to the factory. Once inside, the real adventure begins...

The touring version of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory hasn't reviewed as favourably as the West End production. This is due in part, it would seem, to the impressive sets being replaced by the use of CGI designs projected onto the stage floor and expansive backdrop, and transitions being slow, resulting in delays in moving from one scene to the next.

I therefore attended last night’s performance with a certain amount of trepidation...

I needn’t have worried: The show was wonderfully entertaining from start to finish. The sets and costumes were brilliant, bright and quirky; the special effects and stage magic, clever and well executed; the choreography, creative.

The music is all the better for being performed by a live band. If you’re a fan of the 1971 film version, you might be disappointed that only three of the classic songs - Pure Imagination, The Candy Man and the Oompa Loompa song - are present in this production. The consolation, though, is a host of new, catchy and brilliantly performed numbers.

The talented cast give fantastic performances. Gareth Snook plays the madcap and peculiar Willy Wonka with great confidence and in his own unique style, bringing plenty of humour to the role. The Oompa Loompas are depicted as robot-like characters whose songs are funny and synchronised routines impressive.

The role of Charlie is being shared by four children - both boys and girls. Last night’s performer, Jessie-Lou Harvie, is delightfully endearing, showcasing both a beautiful singing voice and impressive acting ability. This is a huge role for a young actor, requiring that they be on stage for almost the entire performance. All credit to Jessie-Lou, who was word perfect last night and didn’t put a foot out of line. She certainly is a star in the making.

Michael D’Cruze plays the role of the generous and heartwarming Grandpa Joe perfectly. There is a delightful on-stage relationship between Joe and his granddaughter. The most beautiful interaction between the two comes when he secretly gives Charlie his life savings of 53 pence and tells her to buy a Wonka chocolate bar. Together they share their hopes but ultimately hide their disappointment when there is no golden ticket concealed inside its wrappers.

The moment in which Charlie does find the last remaining golden ticket brought back vivid memories from my childhood of being read Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at school. Sadly, last night’s audience didn’t erupt into exuberant, happy cheers like my classmates and I did all those years ago, but the scene was touching nonetheless!

The other golden ticket winners are played by adults, each of whom gives an incredible performance. Augustus Gloop (Robin Simoes Da Silva), Veruca Salt (Kazmin Borrer), Violet Beauregarde (Marisha Morgan) and Mike Teavee (Teddy Hinde) bring humour and charm to their bratty characters. Watching them get their comeuppance was very satisfying in a rather twisted way! There was a young child sitting behind me who giggled gleefully at the giant squirrel in the nut room, and especially enjoyed Veruca being sent down the ‘bad nut’ shute, closely followed by her over-indulgent father!

The actors who play Charlie’s mother and grandparents take dual roles as the other golden ticket winners’ parents, a task requiring some super-fast costume and wig changes! A special mention must go to Leonie Spilsbury, who played two very different characters - Mrs Bucket and Mrs Teavee - and has a fabulous singing voice.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory makes for an enjoyable night out at the theatre. Although its momentum builds up quite slowly, especially in the first act, there are some fantastic performances and no shortage of memorable moments to savour. If you haven’t done so already, get yourself a (golden) ticket and check it out.

Four stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull on Wednesday 18 October at Birmingham Hippodrome, where it shows until Sunday 5 November