AN award-winning theatre company will be pumping the scent of warm chocolate into a Northwich auditorium in an attempt to bring the magical world of Willy Wonka to life.

Knutsford Musical Theatre Company’s (KMTC) upcoming production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which runs October 23 to 26 at Memorial Court, will pull out all the stops to transport audiences to Roald Dahl’s world of pure imagination.

Pumping chocolate scent into the audience is just one of the ways director, Ben Ireson, hopes to make the show ‘as immersive as possible’ for audiences young and old.

Rather than limiting the action to the stage, the whole auditorium will be decorated with giant sweets to help transport the audience into the weird and wonderful world of Willy Wonka's madcap factory. 

KMTC’s reputation for quality means it draws its cast from right across Cheshire, though three of the Charlie child principals are from Northwich, and one is from Knutsford.

Bavarian glutten, Augustus Gloop, will be played by George Robinson, while perennial gum-chewer, Violet Beauregarde, will be played by Summer Macdonald.

Insufferable spoiled rich brat, Veruca Salt, will be played by Emily Murison, while obnoxious telly addict, Mike Teavee, is played by Knutsford's Charley Green. 

Ben said: “It’s going to be spectacular, with many elements of surprise.

“We’re using a scent machine, pumping in the smell of the chocolate, so we get to create a full multi-sensory experience for the audience.

“We’ll be using video screens to create various elements of the scenery, as well as traditional backdrops.  

“Part of the difficulty is everyone is familiar with either the Gene Wilder version or the Johnny Depp version of the musical, so expectations will be extremely high.

“The book is also wonderful, and we’re planning to give a nod to every version, so everyone gets to experience some element of whatever Charlie they feel is theirs.”

KMTC is also looking to local businesses for sponsorship so they can make sure every child who attends goes away with their own copy of Roald Dahl’s magical book.

Speaking of his new young cast, Ben added: “We were absolutely blown away by the young talent during the auditions.

“The standard was exceptionally high, and we feel honoured to have found such talented young people in Northwich and Knutsford to star in this iconic musical.”