Grab your golden ticket to a mouthwatering, magical and musical extravaganza in Cardiff Bay! Charlie And The Chocolate Factory – the stage musical adaption of Roald Dahl’s rags-to-riches children’s favourite – is at Wales Millennium Centre for a 17-day run. James Brining’s adaptation for Leeds Playhouse is a visual feast, and while most of the audience will be familiar with the feelgood story of the triumph of good over greed, there are a few surprises along the way.

The enthralling use of technology in the second half, together with the use of sign language, broad Northern accents and gender-neutral casting make this production seem thoroughly modern, accessible and inclusive; while the inclusion of vintage songs The Candy Man and Pure Imagination stay faithful to the 1971 film adaptation of the book. The set design by Simon Higlett, combined with Simon Wainwright and Chris Fisher’s video, is a triumph and provides the perfect backdrop to Charlie’s journey from his humble home to the fantastical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

We first meet Charlie, a splash of colour in his rainbow jumper, among the greyness of the junkyard where he forages for discarded items for his impoverished family. He and his beloved Grandpa Joe delight in making something out of nothing and are desperate for the chance to win one of five golden tickets for a tour around the Wonka factory. Young Charlie (played by the wonderful Isaac Sugden in this performance) is a delight, his solo numbers heartwarming and authentic.

The TV screens surrounding the junkyard arch allow us to see news reports of the other less-delightful winners of the elusive golden tickets, leading us into comically choreographed vignettes of Dahl’s more grotesque characters: spoilt brats Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee, plus their over-indulgent parents.

The second half of the performance, set in the chocolate factory, gives Gareth Snook full reign in his slightly sinister portrayal of Willy Wonka, as one by one the less-deserving ticket winners fall victim to their own greed in typically Dahl-esque ways. The shrinking of Mike Teavee to a six-inch figure was particularly well-received by the audience. This section relies heavily on video effects but is brought to life by the Oompah-Loompas’ menacing robotic dances, malevolent stares and space-age costumes.

The final whimsical sequences, featuring Charlie and Willy Wonka in the glass elevator, will warm the hearts of young and older. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory: a fabulous, feel-good family show which will fire you into a world of pure imagination!

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 4 May

On until Sat 20 May. Tickets: £19.50-£79.50. Info: here

words SARAH EDWARDS