One chilly evening in March, after the sun had set and most school-aged children were starting their homework, Felicia Dawkins, 16, excitedly hopped on the phone from Scotland to share that her life had taken a positive turn.
With bubbly energy and teenage giddiness, Felicia revealed herself as a key participant in a disastrous Willy Wonka-themed event in Glasgow in late February. The event failed to deliver the promised experience, leading to its swift shutdown and widespread internet mockery.
Footage of Felicia’s performance as “The Unknown,” an evil chocolate maker in the event, went viral, propelling her to brief fame. She is now leveraging this attention for a guest appearance at the London Dungeon.
Felicia’s mother, Janet Dawkins, expressed mixed emotions about the event’s failure but acknowledged the opportunities it brought for her daughter. Proud of Felicia’s achievements, the family has supported her through the sudden fame.
Felicia, in an interview with The Times, discussed her life before the Willy Wonka experience, her passion for acting, and her involvement with the Scouts. She also shared her thoughts on the event and the aftermath of her viral moment.
At the London Dungeon, Felicia will showcase her scaring talents after being invited to train with the performance team. Her mother expressed pride in her daughter’s journey and involvement in helping her navigate the newfound attention.
Felicia’s TikTok videos have garnered millions of views, showcasing her journey from the failed event to her current success.
How are you handling your newfound fame?
It’s a complete wild one, but I have to say my family — they’ve been so supportive during this. They’ve been helping me through all of that. They’ve been managing my TikTok, like, looking for new opportunities for me to do. I have to say, it’s like my family, they’re helping me through it all.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by it, or are you enjoying the limelight?
I’m definitely overwhelmed by it, but I still like it because I put a smile on people’s faces. Like, I make people laugh. That makes me really happy.
