The cast of Seymour Performers Workshop’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is taking the stage after months of preparations.
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The Seymour Performers Workshop’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is for those with a sweet tooth, and the cast has well and truly bit into it.
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The two leads are played by Robert Kemp, who brings his “wacky personality” to Willy Wonka, and Livani Palmer, a new performer who scored herself a lead in her first ever show playing Charlie Bucket.
Rob, who has two decades of experience in showbiz, said it had been gratifying to see fresh new faces taking on roles in the show.
“It’s just good to be involved with the community and the new ones that come along,” he said.
“There’s younger and older ones that are trying out and doing some bigger roles for the first time, so it’s good to see everyone grow and get the opportunity.
“We had a bit of a lull through COVID, we haven’t had a group of kids come through for a few years for that reason, so to see little ones come in is excellent.”
Livani said it was “weird” to play a boy, but she was excited to step into the character.
“I like getting changed into the costumes and being miked up,” she said.
“It’s fun for some of the bits that I say, because they’re funny, and I think the audience will laugh.”
Livani was inspired to try out for the show after watching her peers at school perform in previous SPW musicals, and, although she has never performed before, the casting crew were blown away by her voice and energy.
Livani Palmer, who has never performed in a musical before, is playing Charlie Bucket in the production.
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Producer Sarah D’Orria said the cast this year was a mix of familiar faces and people new to the production.
“It’s a combination of new faces to the theatre and experienced performers,” Sarah said.
“They’ve worked really hard, juggling it all with everyday life; it’s a big commitment.
“We’re finding that this show is getting a lot of community support, which is what it’s all about.”
With auditions having taken place in February, months of work have been poured into the show by the volunteer cast and crew.
Rob said that although he and Livani would be in the spotlight, it was important to recognise the dedication of those backstage.
“There is reward in it, for us, because we get to perform in front of people,” he said.
“I think the most important thing is that we recognise everyone that’s involved with it, from backstage through to costume, through to everyone promoting it.
“We’re all in it for the same thing, and that’s to enjoy it.”
Livani, who is expecting a crowd of 21 family and friends for just one of her five performances, said she was thankful for the big commitment made by the entire cast and crew.
“I want to thank all the people that put in their time for the show and helped us,” she said.
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