Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Enter a World of 'Pure Imagination'

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory arrives at the Theatre Royal for the first time in October 2025!

This scrumdiddlyumptious musical is based on the beloved books by Roald Dahl, and the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder. The show originally opened in 2013 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and ran for over 3 years before moving to Broadway,

With new songs by Marc Sharman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) alongside original songs from the film ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’, this heartwarming, magical story is a perfect treat for October half-term.

Dan Armstrong will play the role of Willy Wonka, with Toby and Henry sharing the role of Charlie Bucket. Simon Theobald takes the role of Grandpa Joe with Emma Shute as Mrs Bucket.

The principal cast is completed by Lucy Haigh as Mrs Gloop; Seth and Thomas as Augustus Gloop; Bara Erhayiem as Mr Salt; Clara and Martha as Veruca Salt; Ray McLeod as Mr Beauregarde; Grace and Betsy as Violet Beauregarde; Joanne Lale as Mrs Teavee and Samuel and William as Mike Teavee.

Watch the official West End Trailer

Choreographer Justine Lee returns to Nottingham Operatic Society for a third year, this time making her directorial debut, Justine is joined again by musical director Rob Murray.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). With music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman and a book by David Greig.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will run at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham from Wednesday 29 October to Saturday 1 November 2025. Tickets are now on sale via the Theatre Royal at trch.co.uk or by calling 0115 989 5555.

Note to Editors:


Since it was founded in 1893 as one of the Nottingham Mechanics Institution’s social groups, Nottingham Operatic Society has performed over 135 shows and concerts in all of the City’s famous venues. Since 1925, its spiritual home has been Nottingham’s Theatre Royal. NOS has been a registered charity since 1958.

Recent Productions

Les Misérables: Let The People Sing! - 2025

Guys & Dolls - 2024

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - 2023

For further information on Nottingham Operatic Society and its production of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ please contact NOS Chair Simon Theobald at simon@nottinghamoperatic.com or call 07848373560. We are happy to supply photos or to help you arrange radio/television/newspaper interviews.