Every year on 15 May, the UN’s International Day of Families celebrates the impact of family on our lives. To mark the occasion, we chatted to the young cast playing one of our favourite fictional families: the Bucket family, soon to take the stage for Leeds Grand Youth Theatre’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Written by Jasper, Aidan, Finn and Alexis from Leeds Grand Youth Theatre
Jasper, playing Charlie
What is your favourite thing about Charlie Bucket as a character?
He is kind and caring, and he loves his family. I also like Charlie because he is the only one of the golden ticket winners who is grateful for the experience of touring Wonka’s factory and truly cares about his chocolate.
What is the most challenging thing about playing him?
There are lots of lines and songs to learn!
What is your favourite song in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
I like More of Him to Love [performed by Augustus Gloop] because it’s amusing, full of joy, and it has a really fun dance.
What would be your dream role in any show?
King George III in Hamilton.
Finally, do you have a favourite chocolate bar?
I really like plain [Cadbury’s] Dairy Milk.
Jasper during a rehearsal with LGYT. Credit Lizi Patch
Aidan, playing Grandpa Joe
Aidan, Jasper and Josh from LGYT in a tableau. Credit Lizi Patch
What is your favourite thing about Grandpa Joe?
I like his childlike, positive outlook despite his surroundings and the difficult situation his family is in.
What is the most challenging thing about playing him?
The age difference (80 years!) between me and my character makes it hard to relate to Grandpa Joe’s experiences in life.
What is your favourite song in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
It Must Be Believed to Be Seen, as it sets up the second half of the musical in a dramatic way and starts the journey into the chocolate factory.
What would be your dream role in any show?
Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton because he is one of the comedic characters in the show, plus it would allow me to do two of my favourite accents at once: [French for Lafayette and American for Jefferson].
Finn, playing Grandpa George
What is your favourite thing about Grandpa George?
Pessimistic, grumpy and more than a little lazy… How could I not like this character who reminds me of myself?
What is the most challenging thing about playing your character?
I feel like I am at risk of bed sores, and Grandma Georgina keeps stealing the bedcovers!
What would be your dream role in any show?
I don’t really have a single dream role but, after studying Romeo and Juliet, I think I could be a great Tybalt.
Finn during a photo call for LGYT's Little Shop of Horrors 2024. Credit Chris Coote
Alexis, playing Grandma Georgina
What is your favourite thing about Grandma Georgina?
My favourite thing is being able to lie in a bed for most of Act 1.
What is the most challenging thing about playing her?
Getting the grandma voice right.
If you could visit Wonka’s factory in real life, what would you want to try first?
Definitely the ‘Fizzy Lifting Drink’.
Alexis, Finn and the other Buckets reading their scripts. Credit Lizi Patch
Leeds Heritage Theatres Engagement Fund
Every year, we work with young people across the city – in schools, youth groups and other sessions – to help them build skills, confidence and pride through our creative learning and engagement programme. All donations to this fund will help us to continue our work and reach more people across the region.
