Charlie and the Chocolate Kingdom at Middleton Arena

Photo: Laura Wild

Charlie and the Chocolate Kingdom at Middleton Arena

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The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale joined the audience in a packed out auditorium to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Kingdom at the Middleton Arena.

The show, put together and performed by Kids Praise theatre workshop, Middleton, has been showing at the arena for two days; the Mayor, Councillor Keith Swift and the Mayoress Sue Etchells, were invited along to see the theatre workshop in action.

Charlie and the Chocolate Kingdom is a remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with a Christian twist.

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift, said: “It is super to see so many young people put so much effort into making this show work.

“We support them all the way; it is a really enjoyable production.”

Michelle Lee, a leader for Kids Praise, was thrilled with the performance, she said: “Once again a fantastic performance by all the children, everybody who has performed is amazing in their own way. We have seen a great job done by everybody including those behind the scenes.

“It is nice to see children come through the doors and progress over the years, going from small parts to big parts. This year two cast members are now part of the crew."

Amy Roberts, 15, plays Charlie in the show and has taken part in Kids Praise since she was six years old, she said: “This is the biggest role I have had and it has given me the experience I need on stage. I have had great opportunities here and it is all free. Performing helps me with my GCSE Drama studies and I also want to pursue a career in the West End.”

John Ronan, 14, plays Willy Wonka, he said: “It is great to be a part of what Kids Praise do, the leaders here are fantastic and there are some fantastic actors taking part in the show.

“I think this is the most complex and difficult show we have done so far, for me it is difficult to get every detail of my character perfect.”

Dulcie Entwistle was in the audience to support her granddaughter, Kate, who this year has been helping to direct the show. She travels back from university in London to take part. Ms Entwistle said: “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. They put on a great show every year and everybody puts there heart and soul into it.”