And I enjoyed it, too. As well as admiring the artistry of the stage design needed to incorporate such an ambitious story, there was plenty of adult humour intertwined within the family-friendly storyline. And I definitely wasn’t the only grown up snickering at some of Wonka’s jokes. It seemed this wasn’t just for kicks, though; the humour that went over a lot of kids’ heads belied an undercurrent of dark realism that is often so important to children’s storytelling, and it gave the action a real sense of grit.

Of course, the music played a huge part in captivating our attention, too. Classic tunes from the 1970s film, including ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’, rubbed shoulders with brand new numbers (which, I discovered, shared the same award-winning songwriters from Hairspray). Together, they moved the action along at a steady pace while conveying the emotion and wonder that the story requires. And all the vocals were delivered to the exceptionally high standard I’ve now come to expect from the Sunderland Empire.

My only advice to prospective theatregoers with this show, (I’m looking particularly at you, grown-ups), is to temper your expectations when it comes to the physical stage design. If it’s a built-up set full of lollipop trees and chocolate rivers that you’re expecting, like in the film adaptations, then you’re going to be disappointed.

But that’s not to say the show sacrifices any of these enchanting details from the story. By implementing innovative CGI effects onto an expansive backdrop, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory allows its audience to benefit from all the visual magic of Wonka’s chocolate wonderland, while the action on stage can keep moving at a captivating pace.

So, yes, it needs a little imagination to fall fully into Wonka’s world, but the confectionary king says it best himself: it has to be believed to be seen. And if the reaction of my little ones was anything to go by, Charlie’s adventure along the rocky road of Wonka’s imagination was spellbinding.