What Glasgow's 'sad oompah loompa' did next after Wonka Experience stardom

Kirsty Paterson, who became a notable figure after her role as an Oompah Loompah at a much-criticised Willy Wonka themed event in Glasgow three years ago, has now secured a role in promoting Netflix’s latest reality series inspired by Roald Dahl’s work.

Paterson initially gained attention when images from the £35-a-head Willy’s Chocolate Experience, held in a Glasgow warehouse, showed an underwhelming event with sparse decorations, no chocolate treats, and a near-empty venue. Footage of her looking glum during the event went viral, leading to international media coverage and her subsequent cult status.

Since then, Paterson’s character has featured in a Fringe show recounting the Glasgow event and appeared at a re-creation of the experience in Los Angeles. Other related cultural moments included a club night in New York City and a performance by an Olympic medal-winning Japanese figure skater.

Read more: Glasgow Willy Wonka experience to be turned into musical

Now, she has become part of the promotional campaign for Netflix’s new reality competition, "Wonka’s The Golden Ticket," scheduled to air later this month. The show invites contestants to enter Wonka’s chocolate factory and take part in a series of challenges and temptations.

Reflecting on her journey, Paterson told The Scotsman: “The whole reality of my whole experience since the Willy Wonka thing really is me winning the golden ticket in life. It’s completely changed my life in such a massive way that I actually get a bit emotional thinking about it. I really wasn’t in a good place when the Willy Wonka experience happened, it was a really, really bad point in my life - and to think now, I’m living in Australia in the sun, I’m affording life, I’m not struggling the way I used to struggle.”

Police intervention was required during the original Glasgow event in February 2024 after complaints from parents whose children were reportedly distressed by the brief, poorly organised experience that included minimal sweets and refreshments.

Last year, Netflix invited Paterson to Australia for promotional filming on the Gold Coast. She chose to remain in the country, relocating to Melbourne where she currently hosts a radio show and works as a tour guide.

Speaking about her involvement, Paterson added: “They contacted me quite a while ago to get involved and it inspired me to grow my character more. It feels amazing, very cool to see it all come together today.”

In the promotional video for the Netflix series, filmed on set, Paterson states: “I used to think I would always be a sad Oompah Loompah, until one day everything changed.” Netflix captioned the clip: “We found *the* Sad Oompa Loompa and gave her the Wonka experience she deserves.”