Science on Screen: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Chemical engineer Rachel Cooke introduces the 1971 musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's confectionery allegory.

Having worked in a real-life chocolate factory, Rachel will compare her experiences with the fantastical scenes from Wonka's and discuss how, like Dahl's candyman, modern engineers blur the lines between imagination and reality.

When Charlie Bucket gets his hands on one of five coveted golden tickets he wins entry to a highly secretive, and very peculiar, chocolate factory, run by the eccentric Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). One of the five lucky ticket holders will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. As the tour continues it becomes increasingly apparent that this is no ordinary place, and these are no ordinary sweets.