Wonka-inspired Glasgow chocolate experience to be recreated in LA

The infamous Willy Wonka-inspired chocolate experience in Glasgow – that left children in tears and prompted calls to the police – is to be recreated in Los Angeles.

The one-off event has been described as “tongue in cheek” and Hollywood comedy actor Zach Galifianakis is among those said to be involved in the project.

A website advertising tickets for the event said all proceeds will be donated to a “mental health charity” and promised: “We’re actually going to deliver”.

The original £35-a-ticket “Willy’s Chocolate Experience” in Scotland made headlines and sparked dozens of memes after images emerged showing its near-empty warehouse location decorated with only a handful of props and a bouncy castle.

Families had been promised a “chocolate fantasy like never before” – but parents described it as “shambolic” and “terrible”, with many demanding a refund. Police were also called.

Actress and yoga teacher Kirsty Paterson, 29, who became a viral hit after pictures emerged of her as a sad Oompa Loompa at the Glasgow event, will be the star of the Californian version.

Ms Paterson has been billed as the “notorious Scottish Oompa Loompa” and will take part in a Q&A session.

Attendees are invited to “step into a world of pure imagination at Willy’s Chocolate Experience Los Angeles as chocolate memes come to life” at a “nondescript” warehouse, where two free jelly beans will be given per $44 (£35) ticket on 28 April.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Ms Paterson described the opportunity as a “modern-day fairytale” – and said organisers were not connected with the company behind the Glasgow event.

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Ms Paterson told the newspaper she had received messages of support from celebrities in the US and hoped to launch a career as a children’s television presenter.

She added: “I didn’t really expect to end up in the USA or to go as big as this because the USA is on a different level. I’ve not been to America before. As a trained actor it’s really exciting for me to go over there.

“I’m doing a lot of meetings and a lot of networking out there. As a trained actress it’s not an impossibility that I’ll be doing movies.”

Guests will be welcomed to “a plethora of enchanting attractions” in downtown LA, including DJ sets and film screenings, as well as getting to meet Ms Paterson – who was described as having a “heart of gold”.

Galifianakis will reportedly host a Q&A session at the event with fellow comic Nathan Fielder.

Ms Paterson said she was a big fan of both and “can’t wait to meet them”.

The listing for the event also claims: “Additionally, Hollywood heartthrob Timothee Chalamet has expressed interest in attending, further heightening the excitement surrounding this extraordinary event.”

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