A Willy Wonka-inspired experience in Glasgow that reduced children to tears and prompted calls to the police has inspired a similar event in Los Angeles, drawing dozens of curious fans.
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 had described it as “shambolic” and “terrible”, with many demanding a refund.
Promoters have now created a Californian version attempting to mirror the underwhelming decor and lacklustre stalls of Glasgow, complete with AI-generated artwork.
The one-night-only pop-up event was held in a similarly uninspiring warehouse, with a few candy cane props lining the ruffled green carpet entrance.
Attendees were invited to “step into a world of pure imagination at Willy’s Chocolate Experience Los Angeles as chocolate memes come to life”, and were given two free jelly beans per $44 (£35) ticket.
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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, was also one of the main attractions at the Californian version.
Also present was a local actor playing “The Unknown” – a villain of the Glasgow set who famously and creepily emerged from behind a mirror scaring the children who attended.
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Sky News’s US partner NBC News attended the event, which was described as not intended for children as Golden Ticket holders were offered THC-infused cotton candy and Oompa Loompa-themed cocktails and were treated to more explicit stage performances.
It also included local food stalls, musicians and actors from the Los Angeles area plus a tiny cinema trailer where guests could watch silent films.
Event organisers said they intend to donate the proceeds from Sunday’s experience to US charity the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Source : Sky News : https://news.sky.com/story/wonka-inspired-chocolate-experience-in-los-angeles-that-mimics-glasgow-event-attracts-dozens-13125997