Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming to Curve, Leicester this Christmas!
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming to Curve theatre in Leicester this Christmas!
Leicester is set for a standout festive season as Curve unveils a new staging of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, running from 21 November 2026 to 9 January 2027.
The production will be directed by Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, with set design by Leslie Travers. This musical adaptation brings to life Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, following Charlie Bucket’s extraordinary journey into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
The show features a script by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. It also incorporates well-known songs from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.
Speaking about the show, 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.”
Audiences are invited to step into a world of imagination with this festive production. The story follows Charlie Bucket and a colourful cast of characters—including Grandpa Joe, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee, and the Oompa-Loompas—as they enter Wonka’s extraordinary factory. From a flowing chocolate river to the towering Great Glass Elevator, the adventure is filled with surprises at every turn.
Directed by Nikolai Foster, the show features memorable songs such as The Candy Man, The Oompa Loompa Song, and Pure Imagination. Blending theatrical spectacle with nostalgia, it offers an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.
Accessible performances will be scheduled throughout the run, including British Sign Language interpreted, captioned, dementia-friendly, audio-described with touch tours, and relaxed performances on selected dates.
The production will also be supported by a range of educational and engagement activities led by Curve’s Creative Programmes team. These include a free digital education pack, tailored workshops for schools, and a Theatre Day on 10 December, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the show.
Performances run from 21 November 2026 to 9 January 2027. Tickets will be released in stages from 22 April, with general sale opening on 28 April at midday. For further details, audiences can visit the Curve website, contact the Box Office by phone, or book in person.