Kirsty Paterson was one of the orange-faced helpers hired for the two-day event – and now she shared what she has been up to since her costume circulated worldwide
Who could possibly forget that notorious moment when a Glasgow Willy Wonka experience transformed into a viral internet sensation after the disastrous event left families who paid out £35 per ticket absolutely furious. Bewildered families looked on as Oompa Loompas handed out just one jelly bean and a measly quarter cup of lemonade to each youngster.
Kirsty Paterson was among the orange-faced assistants recruited for the two-day spectacle – and now she revealed what she’s been getting up to since her outfit went global. The 30-year-old feels no embarrassment about poking fun at herself over the meme – and has actually donned Oompa Loompa gear multiple times following the incident.
But her life has changed a lot since. On her Instagram, Kirsty revealed: “My life has changed so much from this one bad event.”
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The performer has since departed the UK to settle in Melbourne, Australia. Kirsty recently wowed her followers in a leopard-print bikini while lounging on the beach. Her existence now is world’s apart from her days standing in a Glasgow warehouse sporting a green wig.
Kirsty, who’s a qualified fire performer, described leaving Scotland for Australia as the “best decision ever”.
She confesses she’s been completely booked up. Kirsty continued: “You will be seeing me in action very soon. Been busy girl.”
Broadway Producer Richard Kraft seized upon the catastrophic Willy Wonka event and transformed it into a musical at Edinburgh Fringe, which starred Kirsty.
Currently, there are discussions underway about developing the musical, entitled Willy’s Candy Spectacular, into a West End or Broadway production. Last year, she was a guest on the Last Leg’s New Year’s Eve programme, where she took on the role of an Oompa Loompa.
Kirsty reflected: “What a year it has been. I hit America, I starred in a musical, and now I am about to release a documentary.”
She also revealed she’s landed some acting roles.
One fan described her transformation as a “heartwarming glow up”. Another commented: “The Oompa Loompa to gold coast baddie pipeline is crazy.”
A third person labelled her the “happiest person in Glasgow”. While another noted: “A rare happy ending on the internet.”
Another follower chimed in: “I love this so much,” while someone else agreed: “Glad something good came out of that.”
One person marvelled: “How anyone could’ve made a comeback from that is unimaginable,” to which Kirsty replied: “What can I say? I am good at what I do.”
Kirsty previously confessed she only agreed to play an Oompa Loompa because she needed the cash and was promised £500. However, she recently alleged she still hasn’t received full payment.
Speaking on Fubar Radio, she disclosed: “We were supposed to get paid £500 for the two days. For a side gig and extra money, it’s actually quite a good rate. I’ve not been fully paid. I was given £200 out of the £500 pay check. After this happened I had the Good Morning interview. I’ve done quite well getting jobs off of the back of it with various cameos.”
