Last Saturday afternoon, in my electorate, it wasn't just Charlie who won a golden ticket; it was the whole of the packed audience at the William Carey Christian School performance of the Roald Dahl classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I was very lucky to be in the audience. I've been to many live performances, including those by professional companies, and this was certainly up with the very best of them. I have to admit: Augustus Gloop was my favourite on the day; perhaps it was all the sausages around his neck. In truthfulness, the whole cast was outstanding. The audience left the auditorium to the sounds of The Candy Man and a simple message of hope and optimism in their hearts.

I congratulate the school on their wonderful effort. The band, the lighting, the props, the costumes, the singing, the choreography and the acting were brilliant. It was a real team effort and, after the past few years, and a wonderful celebration of all that is great in our schools. Charlie did indeed win the golden ticket and the Wonka chocolate factory, but I got something better: wonderful memories and a terrific afternoon's entertainment. I thank the principal of the school, Keith McMullen, for the invitation, and I look forward to future shows under his leadership.

Link to Hansard: Full Speech