An experience inspired by the world of Willy Wonka has been interrupted following complaints of a "catastrophic event" which left children in tears...
"The Willy Wonka Chocolate Experience" promised something heavy: an immersive experience for children on the theme of Roald Dahl's novels and its spin-off films with " giant candies, vibrant flowers, mysterious sculptures and magical surprises ". But the end result was anything but magical - and far from being inspired by the latest film on the subject with Timothée Chalamet, still showing in cinemas...
Indeed, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare, on February 24, in Glasgow, Scotland, a nightmare which quickly invaded social networks with images of the sad spectacle...
Instead of chocolate fountains and candy gardens, visitors were treated to a gray, almost empty warehouse. Footage from the event quickly circulated online showing a few tables and props strewn about, a half-inflated bouncy castle and some depressed-looking Oompa Loompas.
The creator of the Willy Wonka experience has issued an apology.
"I'm really shocked the event had fallen short of the expectations of people on paper. My vision of the artistic rendition of a well-known book didn't come to fruition. For that, I am absolutely truly & utterly... pic.twitter.com/5k8Y42CSkI
- DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 28, 2024
Despite the enchanting advertisements - generated by AI - promising a " journey filled with marvelous creations and enchanting surprises" Or " dreams come true", families who visited described the experience as " absolutely terrible" and one " waste of money " - £35 per ticket, or almost 41 euros.
House of Illuminati, the company behind the event, is now under fire for false advertising. Despite being promised a variety of candies and treats, attendees were surprised to find that the "chocolate experience" included...no chocolate! In fact, one parent told ABC that their children only received a piece of candy and a half cup of lemonade.
As bewildered families wandered through the space, they were greeted by actors in shoddy costumes reading incomprehensible scripts, "AI-generated gibberish," according to some.
We'll let you discover for yourselves...Deceived actors
The hired actors claim to have been deceived. Paul Connell, actor hired to play Willy Wonka, recounted his experience to the media: " I was very excited. And then I received the script... The reaction to the event itself naturally outraged people. The kids were really disappointed and it's not good ", did he declare.
While numerous photos of the Wonka fiasco have emerged, one image in particular has caught the internet's attention: that of an actress wearing a downsized Oompa Loompa costume. Looking bleak, surrounded by smoke, behind a table covered in scientific equipment, the image has been compared to a "meth lab".
This photo from the Willy wonka experience is single handedly the photo of the year. I know it's only February but close the vote there's no topping this. Please find this woman she needs to be interviewed ASAP pic.twitter.com/97wsodLLpQ
- 🇱🇹 (@agneponx) February 27, 2024
The organizers apologize
The event was canceled midway through its first day on Saturday and the company promised a full refund after backlash from guests and after police were contacted.
In a post on Facebook, we can read:
" Today has been a very stressful and frustrating day for many and we are truly sorry. Unfortunately at the last minute we were disappointed in many areas of our event and we did our best to continue and move forward and now realize we probably should have canceled first thing this morning. "
" We fully apologize for what happened and will provide a full refund to everyone who purchased tickets. We are devastated by how this unfolded and understand people's anger and frustration ", added the spokesperson before indicating that refunds could take up to 10 working days.
Does all this make you want to dive back into the world of Willy Wonka? Three options are available to you: Wonka with Timothée Chalamet is still showing in your nearest cinema, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) by Tim Burton with Johnny Depp is available on Netflix. Finally, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1971) by Mel Stuart with Gene Wilder can be found on VOD.
Et speaking of gaffes et d'errors, here is the one we found in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movies:
