Curve to revive Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical this Christmas

Curve, Leicester has announced its 2026 Christmas production will be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The Made at Curve production will be directed by Nikolai Foster, with set design by Leslie Travers. It is based on the book by Roald Dahl and features a stage adaptation by David Greig, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. The score also includes songs from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

The musical follows Charlie Bucket and other children who visit Willy Wonka’s factory. Characters include Grandpa Joe, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee and the Oompa-Loompas.

It will run from 21 November 2026 to 9 January 2027, with a press night scheduled for 2 December.

Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has long been a favourite novel for so many of us – possibly the first book to fire our imaginations and introduce us to the beauty of a world filled with pure imagination.

“Christmas is always such a magical time at Curve and with this scrumdiddlyumptious musical, it promises to be another golden year for families and friends of all ages to enjoy the power of live theatre together.

“This delicious musical celebrates the great songs from the Gene Wilder film, alongside sensational new songs from the hit-makers behind Hairspray, Tony Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. And with a script by the acclaimed writer David Grieg, it’s a mouth-wateringly scrumptious recipe; we are looking forward to bringing the wonder of Wonka’s wonderful chocolate factory to life, in one of our most ambitious shows to date.”

Accessible performances are scheduled across the run, including British Sign Language-interpreted, captioned, dementia-friendly, audio-described and relaxed performances. Dates include 4 December for BSL, 12 and 17 December for captioned performances, 16 December for a dementia-friendly performance, 19 December and 6 January for audio-described performances with touch tours, and 7 January for a relaxed performance.

The production will also be accompanied by education and engagement activities, including a digital education pack, workshops for schools and a theatre day on 10 December focusing on the making of the show.

Tickets will go on sale in stages from 22 April, with general booking opening on 28 April.