Michael D’Cruze plays Grandpa Joe in the UK and Ireland tour of the new production of the West End and Broadway smash hit Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical.
Based on the novel by Roald Dahl and the Warner Bros. film, Charlie and Chocolate Factory – The Musical has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It is directed by James Brining and designed by Simon Higlett.
The full tour schedule and ticket information can be found here.
You’re starring in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on tour, how would you describe this production of the beloved musical?
It’s a 21st century version of this classic story in so far as it has inclusive casting but sticks closer to the original book, minus a few contentious issues. More focus has been given to Charlie’s story and that of the Bucket family than in previous versions.
The set by Simon Higlett is fantastic and I still stand in awe outside Wonka’s factory gates each show, or as I whizz around the stage, 8 foot high on top of the Bucket’s shack in bed with the other 3 grandparents!
There’s a live 10-piece orchestra, magic, illusions, fabulous costumes, and I can’t tell you how many wigs! Memorable songs and some incredible dancing from our super talented ensemble. And of course, there’s the special effects, Augustus being sucked up a tube, Mike being shrunk down to fit a TV screen, a boat ride on HMS Wonka on a chocolate river!
Why do you think the story has remained so popular, and how does the musical convey that story in such a unique way?
At its heart it’s a story about family and hope, how the underdog comes through in the end. So many of us love to cheer the underdog, don’t we? I remember reading it when I was at school and how the magic of it all really impacted me and it still does for generations of kids after.
Its popularity is due to the kids who are now parents and grandparents or uncles and aunties, all wanting to share that experience with another young person either through the book or the show or the film. The musical approach means a lot of the story telling or back story is conveyed through song which means it can be condensed and told more succinctly but without cutting corners! All the characters are there including the Oompa Loompas!
How has the tour been going, and what’s been your favourite moment so far?
The tour’s been amazing with packed out houses all around the country, but it is very hard work, and I’m not the youngest member of the company! We do get 2 or 3 weeks in each venue so not nearly as hard as weekly touring!
My favourite moment was when I was in Aberdeen, I had a beautiful house in the middle of the countryside with a brook running through the garden, it was a gorgeous spring day, and I was on a deserted beach with my dog Ruby and I had that sudden realisation how lucky I was to have such a great job!
There are a few magical moments on stage, without giving too much away, is there anything that still surprises you about the show?
Oh yes! How do the talented actors Christopher Howell, Kate Milner Evans and Emily Winter play the other grandparents and Mr Salt, Mrs Gloop and Mrs Beauregarde at the same time? Magic! How does Mike Tevee get shrunk down to 12 inches and taken out of a TV screen, magic (!) and the brilliant skill of Leonie Spilsbury, her comedy timing and sleight of hand bring the house down… how does she do that!? I’ve mentioned our wonderful dancers in the ensemble, but they also sing whilst doing it and have to be great actors too as they understudy all the lead roles – amazing talent! And of course, the wonderful Gareth Snook’s Willy Wonka… he’s magic from start to finish!
You’re playing Grandpa Joe, how does it feel to be playing such an iconic character?
Firstly, I never thought I would! Being mixed race from an Asian background these kinds of roles were never open to me when I was younger (of course too young to play Grandpa Joe then) and many roles I could never be seen for but as we move towards a more inclusive casting world the roles are slowly opening up.
I feel amazed by it all to be frank! I hadn’t done a musical for 15 years, hadn’t been on stage for about 10, had got so close to leading roles before and had almost given up on the idea but I’d always wanted to star in a musical because it’s what I’d trained for 3 years for – but as I said the roles were hard to come by so ended up doing straight theatre and film work. It can be exhausting, and I have a big song and dance at the end of Act 1. I’m one wet hot mess after but it’s worth it!
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
Hurry up! The show’s been selling out all over the country and remember it’s not just for kids! A real nostalgic magical sweet treat!
