Police Respond to ‘Willy Wonka Experience’ After Enraged Guests Demand Refund

A view of the DVD at the 40th Anniversary of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory at Jacques Torres Chocolates in New York City, on Oct. 18, 2011. Cindy Ord/Getty Images

On Saturday in Glasgow, UK, police were called to address concerns raised by families seeking refunds after their children allegedly experienced distress at a pop-up event.

Dubbed the “Willy Wonka Experience” by organizers House of Illuminati, the event was marketed as an immersive escapade promising a “journey filled with wondrous creations and enchanting surprises at every turn.” Recounting the anticipation, a 19-year-old attendee conveyed to BBC News Scotland, “It was basically advertised as this big massive Willy Wonka experience with optical illusions and big chocolate fountains and sweets.” However, upon arrival, attendees were met with disappointment, finding themselves in an abandoned warehouse with scant offerings.

Attendance required a payment of $40 per person, with the event being promoted with AI-generated artwork and extravagant pledges. Traveling from various locales, including northern England and parts of Scotland, attendees harbored high hopes for the fulfillment of the advertised marvels. These aspirations were dashed, culminating in the premature termination of the event on its inaugural day.

Expressing their discontent, attendees took to a Facebook group called “ House of Illuminati Scam“ accusing the organizers of deceit. Some shared both humorous and catastrophic photographs showcasing the event’s inadequacies, highlighting the genuine distress experienced by children. One patron posted a photo of half-filled cups of lemonade for the children.

Paul Connell, the actor hired to play the Wonka persona, shared his insights in a series of TikTok videos, explaining the disaster. Initially elated about the role, Mr. Connell recounted receiving a last-minute call offering him the part and a script allegedly generated by AI, containing nonsensical content. He voiced apprehensions about the unsettling themes directed at children, including references to an evil chocolate maker called the “Unknown” who purportedly dwells within the walls. “I feel for anyone who bought tickets to this event. Anyone who was expecting a magical chocolate experience, and got me in a top hat in a dirty warehouse in Glasgow,” Mr. Connell said in one video. He continued in a follow-up video: “We walked around this place and saw a health and safety nightmare for a start. We saw there was no special effects that was promised.”

Despite initial optimism, Mr. Connell’s expectations were shattered during the dress rehearsal, unveiling the stark reality of the event—a desolate warehouse adorned with minimal embellishments. The absence of essential props, including a vacuum cleaner crucial for a pivotal scene, necessitated improvisation. “I can’t improvise a vacuum cleaner,” Mr. Connell remarked.  Coming back into the warehouse following his lunch break, Mr. Connell said that’s when things started to get out of hand: “Rightfully so, people were furious. They were shouting. There were people filming things on their phone. There were things being broken. Things had been stolen, apparently.” He said he was told to hide by the organizers.

Amidst the chaos, Mr. Connell and his fellow actors resolved to salvage the experience for attendees, emphasizing the significance of crafting moments of magic amidst adverse circumstances. Reflecting on the endeavor, Mr. Connell said all of the actors got together on the morning of the event and said: “It’s unlikely we’re going to get paid for this event, however, they’re gonna put this event on with or without us and children are gonna be coming through. Let’s just stick around, let’s do our best to make sure that the children have some kind of experience.”

A post on the House of Illuminati Facebook page reads, “The process of giving your money back has already started as a number of people can confirm.”