A disgruntled Oompa-Loompa actress named Kirsty Paterson, who played a central role in a heavily criticized Willy Wonka chocolate factory-themed event in Glasgow, has described the occasion as a “complete and utter shambles”
Kirsty Paterson decided to share her perspective following the circulation of a photograph depicting her in a supposed “science lab,” conducting experiments for paying customers at the Willy’s Chocolate Experience, which gained widespread attention on social media.
Who is actress Kirsty Paterson who played the viral Oompa-Loompa role in Willy’s Chocolate Experience in Glasgow
Justice for Kirsty Paterson. This queen did her best with those kids despite the shit show she was in ❤️ https://t.co/qiB69JyXya pic.twitter.com/KvAKhjvzYw
— Neil Watson-Slorance (@neilslorance) February 29, 2024
Paterson was among a group of actresses and performers hired for the event, organized by the House of Illuminati at Hubbox on a Saturday. The events company had initially promised attendees a world of pure imagination.
However, in response to disappointed parents, who had paid up to £35 each, the company eventually cancelled the show when they arrived to find a sparsely decorated warehouse with only a rainbow and a bouncy castle.
What Did Organizer Say?
Event organizer Billy Coull has promised refunds to 850 individuals, asserting that they will receive their payments within the current week.
However, the discontent extends beyond just the parents; even workers, who were initially offered £500 for a two-day stint at the event, have voiced their grievances.
Paterson Express Frustration
Nothing but respect for Kirsty Paterson and all the precarious jobbing actors of Scotland and beyond, who've all at times had to give it their best in the most ludicrous circumstances.
Here's a pic someone found of her at work, trying to rescue some cheer for the weans. https://t.co/E1EDQyVUBh pic.twitter.com/NPR1NglOLe
— Kieran Hurley (@kieran_hurley) February 29, 2024
Ms. Paterson expressed her frustration to the media, emphasizing that she had not received payment for a role she was inadequately briefed on prior to the event.
“The entire situation has been an absolute disaster. It was genuinely shocking,” she conveyed. “At the time, I was furious because I felt embarrassed on a personal level, and I also empathized with the people attending.
“I ended up confronting the person in charge, telling him that his actions were disgraceful and embarrassing. I questioned how he could live with himself, subjecting people to such an ordeal.”
“As someone who usually teaches kids yoga and engages in children’s entertainment in schools, I was initially assigned to distribute jelly beans while conducting experiments from a ‘science lab.’ However, after running out of beans, I improvised to make the experience slightly more exciting for the kids.”
“Feeling deeply embarrassed, I eventually walked away from the scene. I vented my frustration towards the responsible individual and feel terrible about the entire incident. I truly do. I walked away because I couldn’t bear witnessing the disappointment it caused the kids. The whole situation has been nothing short of dreadful.”
Ms. Paterson’s candid remarks about the event follow similar sentiments expressed by Paul Connell, a Wonka-esque impersonator aged 31, who shared insights with the media on how he secured the gig and the ensuing chaos.
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