Curve has announced the full cast for its Made at Curve production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, alongside an extension to the musical’s Leicester run due to audience demand.
Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved story, the production will now run from 21 November 2026 to 16 January 2027, with a press night scheduled for 2 December.
Leicestershire actor Jonny Fines will take on the role of the mysterious confectionery genius Willy Wonka. Fines is a familiar face to Curve audiences, having previously appeared in productions including The Wizard of Oz, My Beautiful Laundrette and Grease.
The role of Charlie Bucket will be shared by Lucas Kerr, Jett Moises, William Stafford and Theo Wake.
David-Michael Johnson will play Grandpa Joe, while Curve favourite Molly Lynch returns to Leicester to play Mrs Bucket.
The young visitors to Wonka’s factory will be portrayed by Serei Knight-Francis, Shamiso Nyamuda and Tida Nyamuda as Violet Beauregarde; Kyrelle Lammy, Leo Hollingsworth and Samuel Smith as Mike Teavee; Matilda Hennessy, Rose Jammeh and Sophie Purnell as Veruca Salt; and Thomas Burton, George Consterdine and Benjamin Dalton as Augustus Gloop.
The wider cast includes Lejaun Sheppard as Mr Beauregarde, Rachel Izen as Mrs Teavee, Darren Bennett as Mr Salt and Lizzie Bea as Mrs Gloop.
They are joined by Michelle Cornelius, Thea Jo Wolfe, Samuel Sarpong-Broni, Liam Doyle, Sinead Kenny and Aisha Davis, alongside a large ensemble cast and a community company made up of more than 20 young people from Leicester and the East Midlands.
Directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, the production features choreography by Ebony Molina, set design by Leslie Travers and costume design by Katrina Lindsay. Illusions are created by Chris Fisher, with lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Adam Fisher and video design by George Reeve.
The musical features a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, including songs such as “The Candy Man”, “The Oompa Loompa Song” and “Pure Imagination”.
Curve describes the production as a spectacular journey into Willy Wonka’s world, where audiences will join Charlie Bucket and his fellow golden ticket winners as they explore a magical chocolate factory filled with surprises.
A range of accessible performances will take place throughout the run, including British Sign Language interpreted, captioned, dementia-friendly, audio described, relaxed performances and touch tours.
The production will also be supported by educational activity, including a free digital education pack, workshops for schools and a special Theatre Day on 10 December offering insights into the making of the show.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
