The notorious Willy’s Chocolate Experience, which initially caused a stir in Glasgow, is now set to be recreated in Los Angeles. This whimsical event, which garnered attention for all the wrong reasons, will find a new home on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean ²⁴²⁵²⁶.
Originally billed as a “celebration of chocolate in all its delightful forms,” the Glasgow event opened in February at a warehouse. However, it quickly turned into a headline-grabbing disaster when angry families demanded refunds and the event was abruptly canceled midway through. The organizers, House of Illuminati, had promised an “immersive experience” inspired by the Warner Bros film Wonka. Attendees were meant to encounter giant mushrooms, candy canes, chocolate fountains, and even dancing Oompa-Loompas—the iconic characters from Roald Dahl’s book that inspired the film ²⁷.
Yet, disappointed families found themselves in a sparsely decorated warehouse in Whiteinch, Glasgow, with plastic props, a small bouncy castle, and backdrops pinned to the walls. Among the attendees was Kirsty Paterson, an actor and yoga teacher, who became a viral sensation as a sad Oompa Loompa at the event ²⁷.
Now, Paterson is poised to take center stage at the Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA. The California version, described as “tongue-in-cheek,” invites guests to “step into a world of pure imagination” where chocolate memes come to life. The event will be held in a nondescript warehouse in downtown LA on April 28, and each $44 (£35) ticket includes two free Jelly Beans ²⁷.
Paterson, billed as a “notorious Scottish Oompa Loompa,” will participate in a Q&A session. She views this opportunity as a “modern-day fairytale,” expressing excitement about her first trip to the USA. Comedian Zach Galifianakis is also rumored to be involved in hosting the Q&A session ²⁷.
So, if you find yourself in LA, prepare to immerse yourself in a whimsical chocolate wonderland, complete with enchanting attractions, DJ sets, and film screenings. And who knows, you might just spot Paterson, the Oompa Loompa with a heart of gold .
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