Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: a Play
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What’s inside...
Roald Dahl fans will rejoice at the opportunity to bring their favorite books and characters to life. Five of Dahl's hugely popular, beloved books have been adapted into winning plays for children. With useful tips on staging, props, and costumes, these plays can be produced with a minimum amount of resources and experience. Teachers, parents, and children everywhere will recognize Quentin Blake's appealing classic cover art and will find these easy-to-perform plays to be a great source of entertainment!
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Charlie Bucket
Grandpa Joe
Willy Wonka
Violet Beauregarde
Veruca Salt
Mrs. Gloop
Mrs. Beauregarde
Mr. Teavee
Mike Teavee
Mr. Salt
Augustus Gloop
Discussion points
How would you feel if you found a Golden Ticket like Charlie? What's the first thing you would do in the chocolate factory?
Which character in the play do you think learned the most important lesson, and what was it?
If you could create your own room in the chocolate factory, what would it be like and what kind of candies would you invent?
Why do you think Willy Wonka decided to give his factory to Charlie at the end of the play?
How do the different children's behaviors affect their adventures in the factory? What does this tell us about how we should treat others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and animated tones when discussing the fantastical elements of the play to match the whimsical and magical theme.
Relate the moral lessons from the play to real-life situations your child might encounter, such as sharing and honesty.
Ask your child to imagine and describe their version of a magical factory to foster creativity and deeper connection to the story’s themes.
Discuss the consequences faced by the characters in the play due to their choices, emphasizing the importance of decision making.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In the story, Charlie Bucket's honesty is contrasted with the deceitful behaviors of the other children, which leads to him ultimately inheriting Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being truthful and trustworthy can lead to rewards and positive recognition in real life situations.
Example Lesson: Respecting rules and authority
Explanation: Throughout the play, the consequences of disobeying rules are shown through the fates of the children who do not listen to Willy Wonka’s instructions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of listening to and respecting teachers, parents, and other authority figures to ensure their safety and well-being.
Example Lesson: The value of humility
Explanation: Charlie's humble background and grateful attitude throughout the play highlight the virtues of humility and contentment, in contrast to the other children who are spoiled and greedy.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to appreciate what they have and to remain humble despite their circumstances or achievements.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Characters like Augustus Gloop and Veruca Salt demonstrate the negative outcomes that result from greedy and selfish behavior.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be mindful of their desires and to practice moderation in their daily lives, avoiding excessive indulgence.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Willy Wonka's magical factory captivates with its wonders, demonstrating the limitless possibilities of an imaginative mind.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their creativity and use their imagination to solve problems and think outside the box.