Glasgow’s Willy Wonka Experience went viral thanks to its poor organization and questionable decorative choices. Now, the Oompa Loompa actress who went viral has revealed none of the actors have been paid for their time.
Willy Wonka has charmed generations of fans, with multiple adaptations of the book being made for the big screen over the years. The latest adaptation, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel, Wonka, was apparently the inspiration for the ill-fated Glasgow’s Willy Wonka experience event held over the last in weekend in February.
The exhibit had parents calling police and demanding a refund from the organizers. As images from the disenchanting event began to go viral, one of them stood out to internet users. An Oompa Loompa actress standing behind a table covered with glassware, which many internetgoers were quick to point out wouldn’t seem out of place on Walter White’s table.
The actress, Kristy Patterson, spoke with Vulture about the experience, revealing during the interview that none of the actors had been paid by the event organizers, House of Illuminati.
ok, there is a group that shared more photos of her and all the parents highlighted that she was extremely kind and lovely to their children and that she was trying her best. I'll leave the photos here so that more people can understand that the actors just didn't want to… pic.twitter.com/07aIfJf9uL
— leo saquetto (@leosaquetto) February 29, 2024
“I don’t blame it for going viral,” Patterson said, speaking about the event and the image of her in her Oompa Loompa costume. “I just hope everyone gets their money back, because I’ve not been paid for this. None of the actors have. So, it’s like we’re kind of going through all this for nothing.”
The actress also said she believes the script which she and fellow actors were given, was generated by AI.
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Patterson appears to be taking a lighthearted approach to her newfound viral fame, launching a Cameo, offering advice and pep talks as her Oompa Loompa alter ego.
The viral Oompa Loompa was not the only actor involved to speak out about their experience working at the event, either. Still, it seems despite the mismanagement from the event organizers, Patterson and other actors involved did their best to entertain attendees.
A now restricted post on House of Illuminati had said the company was committed to providing refunds to all those who purchased tickets, but that refunds could “take up to 10 working days”.
A new post made on the company’s Facebook page on March 1 reaffirmed their commitment to reimbursing affected customers, however doesn’t make mention of any timeline for refunds.
But, some attendees have already received refunds by flagging their ticket purchases directly with their banks.
