This week, CO2 enjoyed a truly unforgettable rehearsal as they welcomed a very special guest — Joe Allen, an original West End cast member of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Joe, who was part of CO2 25 years ago, spent an incredible 3.5 years performing in CATCF at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Returning to his roots, he shared valuable insights into his journey from local youth theatre to the professional stage.
The cast were full of questions about the theatre industry, auditions, and life in a long-running show — and Joe answered them with honesty, humour, and heartfelt advice. His visit sparked inspiration across the room, with many of our young performers deeply moved by the experience:
“It was so good seeing what we could be like in the future from being a part of CO2.”
“It felt like an out-of-body experience to talk and listen to someone from the West End and hear about the industry I’m really passionate about and want to go into.”
“I found the talk amazing — he was really inspiring and gave such good advice about the industry. I feel more confident in the reality of how hard it can be, but that it’s still achievable. He made the dream feel realistic. I loved him visiting us and hope he can again!”
Moments like these remind us of the powerful legacy and community spirit at the heart of CO2 — where today’s young performers connect with those who once stood in their shoes and now shine on professional stages.
