Sharon Logan’s World of Pure Imagination - The Woman Behind Ballywillan’s Wonka Magic

It’s not every day you meet someone with as much creative flair as Sharon Logan, but in Ballywillan Drama Group’s latest production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, she’s the one with more hats than Willy Wonka has sweets. 

From choreographing the Oompa-Loompas to mapping out every detail of the musical staging, Sharon is the glue that holds this ambitious production together. 

And while “candy is dandy,” as the saying goes, it’s clear that for Sharon, the secret ingredient is teamwork.

The tale itself is one we all know and love: young Charlie Bucket, with his heart of gold, stumbles upon a coveted golden ticket, granting him entry to Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. 

Alongside four other, let’s just say, “less palatable” winners, Charlie embarks on a journey of wonder and life lessons.

For Sharon, though, bringing this larger-than-life story to the stage has been a labour of love – and a marathon of meticulous planning.

“I have many roles in this production,” explained Sharon. “I’m a jack of all trades, my primary role as I’m married to the show’s Director is musical staging which is setting the show.

“I’ll take the vision Brian has in his head for how the show should look and put all of it on paper to make sure we’ve got a traffic way system on the stage so that everything flows, everything looks like a picture.

“I then take these pictures and through the choreography and musical staging I take Brian's vision and bring it to life.”

Sharon and her husband Brian spent their summer sketching out sets and lighting concepts, crafting a vision to guide the production before rehearsals got underway.

“We got the show 12 months ago. We then held the auditions near the end of May and June. 

“Brian and I worked all summer on the set and the show as he is also the lighting designer as well as producing it and being the director. We then started rehearsals in September and they are going really well at this stage."

From carefully crafting the staging to fine-tuning the choreography for each musical number, Sharon’s vision takes shape and comes to life during the weekly cast rehearsals.

“Each song has its own story,” Sharon shares. “The choreography is divided between myself and Laura Fisher. Every movement reflects the characters and the narrative."

With a cast of 50 onstage and another 30 or so working behind the scenes – it’s a huge undertaking.

“We have people in different guises between people selling programs, people making tea and coffee, people doing props, scenery, the stage team, chaperons, hair, makeup, all that kind of thing. And then there’s the dressers, the wardrobe assistants - it's huge. people don't realise just how many people it takes to put on a production like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

And while “nothing is impossible” in Wonka’s world, a production such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles? The Riverside Theatre.

“The Riverside is brilliant,” Sharon added. “But it doesn’t have flight facilities or some of the technical elements you’d see in a West End show.

“For a story as iconic as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, people come in with certain expectations. We’ve had to think outside the box, or should that be the chocolate box to make it all work.”

It’s clear that Sharon thrives on these challenges, though. She chuckles when talking about one of her favourite scenes.

“It has to be the scene with the Oompa-Loompas, they are absolutely hilarious and we have 32 of them."

Costumes, Sharon believes, are another crucial piece of the puzzle. While principal characters' outfits are hired, much of the ensemble’s wardrobe is custom-created by the Ballywillan Drama group team.

“The costumes are so important. If you’ve got a costume that’s wrong then you’ve got a character that’s wrong. Therefore you’ve got the portrayal of a character that the cast member does not feel comfortable with. 

“They also have to work with the actors,” Sharon explains. “They need to feel comfortable and able to move. The costume shouldn’t just look the part – it has to perform too.”

Yet for any challenges that may come their way, Sharon insists the heart of Ballywillan’s magic lies in its people.

“It’s the team. It’s not a one-man band. It’s a collaboration between loads and loads of people. 

“Yes, it’s Brian’s dream but everyone has a role to play. Everybody knows their job, and that’s what makes it work. We all support each other.”

So why should audiences rush to get their tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? 

Sharon’s answer is simple: “This is a brand-new production for this part of the north of Ireland. It’s a show people won’t see here again anytime soon, and it’s truly something special.

“It’s got heart, humour, and spectacle – something for everyone.”

And what would be the one show Sharon would like to see Ballywillan Drama group perform? 

“I am hoping for Mama Mia but I doubt we will get it. We are restricted because if it’s on in the West End we can’t have it. We were very lucky to get Kinky Boots and also Charlie, but if they come up we will certainly grab them.”

While Sharon dreams of tackling Mamma Mia! someday, her focus is firmly on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

And when the curtain rises at the Riverside Theatre on Friday, January 17, 2025, Sharon and the Ballywillan Drama Group team will do what they do best - bring magic to the stage and smiles to the audience as they take you into a 'world of pure imagination'.

To book your tickets visit: Visit: www.riversidetheatre.org.uk or Call: 028 70 123 123*

*Box office hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm, and 1 hour before ticketed performances (check the website for updates).