Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical revival to play Leeds Playhouse

A new revival of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical will open at Leeds Playhouse this Christmas.

Based on Roald Dahl’s iconic book of the same name, the stage show will run at the venue from 18 November 2022 to 28 January 2023.

The venue’s artistic director James Brining will direct with design by Simon Higlett. Further creative and casting is to be announced.

The musical adaptation originally opened in London’s West End in 2013 before transferring to Broadway in 2017, featuring a book by David Greig and score by Hairspray’s Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Director Brining said: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is such a special story, loved by generations of children and their parents over almost 60 years. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to revisit the successful West End and Broadway versions and create a new production for audiences here in Leeds.

“With memorable characters, well-loved songs and the iconic Willy Wonka at its heart, this is a golden opportunity to create an entertaining and uplifting show for the whole family. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory celebrates imagination, love and community as well as what can be achieved when you follow your dreams.

“As the city regenerates and our thriving community continues to grow and develop, we’re looking forward to creating a brilliant festive buzz in Leeds and celebrating the festive season with everyone.”

When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets they have always dreamed of. But astonishment waits beyond the gates, where the enigmatic Willy Wonka guides the five lucky winners through the sugary corridors to the incredible and edible delights within, where they ultimately discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.

Take a journey choc-full of fantastic treats to dazzle your senses in a festive family adventure more satisfying than a Whipple-Scrumptious Fudge Mallow Delight. Don’t miss out, grab your GOLDEN ticket now.

Tickets are on sale to Leeds Playhouse’s Priority Access, Playhouse Pass, Supporters’ Club, Brooke Club and Directors’ Club members from Wednesday 9 February, with tickets on general sale from Friday 11 February.

For more information and booking, visit leedsplayhouse.org.uk

About the author: Josh Darvill

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.