Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - a show made from Pure Imagination in Peterborough

It applies to the titular character – spoiler alert, it works out well for him – and to audience members like me, who have had to wait a year for the Cresset Arts and Theatre School to return to the stage with a brilliant, fun adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic story to match 2024’s School Of Rock.

Young Will Benoiton-Smith absolutely nailed it as Charlie Bucket, the down-on-his-luck boy with a heart of gold who comes good in the end.

He really captured the essence of the character – and he can’t half sing, too. A super all-round showing from him, and Rebecca Jones, too, as the natural, sweet and mumsy (with a wonderful voice) Mrs Bucket.

If you have seen the original film (upon which this is based) you will know Charlie comes up against some absolutely ghastly children – also brilliantly played by the young cast members – to win over Mr Wonka.

Seeing them come to a sticky end (pun intended) was great fun.

Terrific stuff from Jack Cotuk (Augustus Gloop), Harriette Symondson (Veruca Salt), Olivia Deakin (Violet Beauregarde) and Otto Forkin (Mike Teavee).

And every spoilt brat deserves a grown-up with issues – Chloe Simmons as the dipso Mrs Teavee was the stand-out.

The bed-ridden grandparents chipped in with some laughs – and special mention to Adam Farrington as Grandpa Joe, a man with a tall tale for every occasion!

I did like the TV hosts cameos from Hannah Burke and Kajus Rackys, too.

And what can you say about Simon Knighton as Willy Wonka?

It was an absolute joy to watch him sing and dance with a smile on his face to light up the stage, as everything revolved around his slightly hyper, wacky, eccentric, reverse-speaking chocolatier.

The songs were all delivered with great gusto and the talented, versatile ensemble dance teams were a massive credit to choreographer Monique Benoiton-Smith.

What’s not to like? And you can see the show tonight, twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday.

Tickets from www.cresset.co.uk