Curve has announced a brand-new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as its Christmas musical for 2026.
The new Made at Curve production will run in Leicester from 21 November 2026 until 9 January 2027, with a press night on Wednesday 2 December at 7pm.
Directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, the production is based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved novel and follows Charlie Bucket’s magical journey through Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory.
The creative team includes set designer Leslie Travers, with a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, alongside iconic songs from the 1971 film by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.
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.”
The production will feature well-known songs including The Candy Man, The Oompa Loompa Song and Pure Imagination, alongside new material written specially for the stage.
A wide range of accessible performances will take place across the run, including British Sign Language interpreted, captioned, dementia friendly, audio described, touch tours and relaxed performances.
The Christmas season will also be supported by education and engagement activity, including a free digital education pack, bespoke workshops for schools and a Theatre Day on 10 December offering behind-the-scenes insights into the production.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
