Staging Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is no mean feat at the best of times but when you've a ten-month-old baby in tow, taking on responsibility for such an intricate piece is even more of a challenge.
Director Nichola Rees who runs the Nichola Rees Youth Academy (NRYA) based at Cassiobury Junior School, tells me that juggling an active tot and preparing Richard George's adaptation of Roald Dahl's enchanting story for the Pump House stage is keeping her occupied and then some, but nevertheless she has found time to share her enthusiasm for the show with me.
Since the play takes place inside Charlie's house and in the many weird and wonderful rooms within Willy Wonka's factory, Nichola has brought in set designer and Mountview graduate Pippa Breslin to work on the staging.
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Nichola says: "It is a set-heavy piece. We're using a lot of lighting effects for scenes such as the chocolate river and when Violet Beauregarde turns into a blueberry, plus there's lots of singing and dancing and fun costumes. The umpa lumpas are all wearing wigs, tutus, stripey tights and colourful wellies."
There will be three different casts of children aged from six to 12 during the run. The younger children will play the umpa lumpas and apparently there will be no fewer than six Charlies.
"They work very well together," says Nichola. "It's endearing to work with such a nice family-based group."
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is at The Pump House Theatre, Local Board Road, Watford from Tuesday, April 22 to Saturday, April 26.
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