Inside UK's worst Willy Wonka Experience as internet erupts over event

29 February 2024 , 18:07

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Footage has emerged showing the inside of the UK's "worst Willy Wonka experience" that left "scammed" parents seething.

Several families recorded themselves moving through the so-called "experience" in Glasgow, which was so atrocious that police had to be called to break up angry crowds of visitors. After being promised a "journey filled with wondrous creations and enchanting surprises", guests were more than disappointed to find a lacklustre set in a filthy and almost-empty warehouse.

In the clip, a mum pans the camera around to show a handful of props, including a bar of Wonka chocolate, a blue pipe, candy sticks and a solitary Oompa Loompa behind a pop-up table. Her son, other kids and their parents can be seen looking around bemused as they realise they just splashed out £35 for the privilege.

The mum can be heard saying: "I'm not joking, paid £40 a ticket for this." She points the camera to the walls, where large sheets covered with Wonka-like settings are hanging. She explains that the organisers set them up for families to take photos in front of them. "What a waste of money," she added.

As the video ends, a group of workers dressed in non-theatrical clothing are seen spooning treats from metal baking trays. The lead actor, who is seen throughout the video, has since spoken out and lifted the lid on the "shambolic" event, which brought some kids to tears.

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Inside UK's worst Willy Wonka Experience as internet erupts over event

Actor Paul Connell has since revealed all after being cast as Willy Wonka at the "shambolic" event (TWITTER)

The "immersive event" sparked outrage from parents, with some kids also bursting out in tears (TMX / SWNS)

Paul Connell, who played the part of 'Wonka', branded the £35 a head showcase an "absolute mess" after police were forced to break up angry crowds of visitors. Paul said 'red flags' began to emerge about the "immersive experience" when he found out he had been cast as Wonka - and not an Oompa Loompa.

And he revealed he was given just hours to learn a 15-page script - made of up "AI generated gibberish" - before people started arriving. Paul was later forced to "hide" as visitors vented their anger at the organisers, House of Illuminati, who cancelled the event within hours of its opening.

And despite the best efforts of actors, who still have not been paid for their services, he said it was one of the "most embarrassing things" he had ever witnessed. Paul said: "I really hope that everyone gets their refunds that they deserve.

The event was decorated with random props in a "dirty" and near empty warehouse (Jenny Fogarty / SWNS)

"It was an absolute mess. And the fact that I was a part of it is one of the most embarrassing things that's ever happened to me. I feel for anyone who bought tickets to this event - people who were expecting a magical chocolate experience and got me in a top hat in a dirty warehouse in Glasgow. People who wanted Timothe Chalamet and got Timothee Charlatan."

Paul, who revealed his experiences in a video posted to TikTok, said he was initially concerned by the part he had been cast in by organisers. He said: "The first red flag for me was when I was cast as Willy Wonka. Anyone who looks at me and thinks Willy Wonka and not Oompa Loompa is out of their mind. I give off major Oompa Loompa energy. But not like a good Oompa Loompa - like one that is at the back during the dance numbers, like falling over like your aunt at a line dancing class on holiday."

Paul said he only found out about his part on Thursday and was then handed a 15-page script to learn for the following day. And while he had dutifully memorized it, he said it had barely made any sense.

Paul Connell, who played Willy Wonka (TWITTER)

Paul said: "The script was a 15-page monologue, pretty much of AI-generated gibberish. One of my favourite lines was: 'There's is a man who lives here, his name is not known, so we call him the unknown. The unknown is an evil chocolate maker who lives in the walls.'

"What is an evil chocolate maker for a start? Does he make evil chocolate or is he an evil man who makes chocolate? And what do you mean he lives in the walls? I had to perform that line with gusto and validity - and that was a challenge as an actor."

And the House of Illuminati was later forced to issue more than 800 refunds to disgruntled visitors. Writing on their social media page yesterday (Wed), the group said they would not be holding any event in the foreseeable future.

The post said: "I am truly sorry for any upset and disappointment caused at the weekend. Refunds have been issued and will continue to do so. This was an event gone wrong, The House of Illuminati will NOT be holding any other events in the foreseeable future." House of Illuminati has been contacted for further comment.