Theatre

The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical is heading to Manchester – and tickets go on sale today

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 8th July 2022

One of the world’s most beloved tales is being brought to life on the stage, and it’s heading to Manchester.

A musical version of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will arrive at the Palace Theatre next summer.

It’s already proven to be a smash-hit on both Broadway and the West End, based on the 1964 novel of the same name.

We’ll have to wait until July 2023 (4 – 30 July, to be precise) to see the magical show, but tickets will go on sale today.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – the Musical is heading to Manchester. Credit: Joan Marcus

In case you’re unfamiliar with the story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical tells ‘the devilishly delicious tale’ of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.

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A synopsis for the musical production reads: “When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets they’ve always dreamed of.

“But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible and edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.

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“This sensational musical is choc-full of fantastical treats to dazzle your senses taking you to a world of pure imagination.”

It features memorable songs from the beloved 1970s film, as well as a host of new numbers.

Charlie and Chocolate Factory – The Musical has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and is directed by James Brining and designed by Simon Higlett.

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Read more: The Lion King adds even more dates to Manchester theatre run

Liverpool, Hull, and Sunderland are among the other Northern locations making up the UK tour of the highly-anticipated production.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 8 July at 11am, and you can grab yours here.

Featured Image – Joan Marcus (via Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical)

Theatre

There are pairs of tickets to a load of events up for grabs as part of ‘The Great Christmas Giveaway’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Seetickets freebies Great Christmas Giveaway

International ticketing platform See Tickets is gifting selected pairs of tickets to a lucky bunch this winter as part of ‘The Great Christmas Giveaway’.

After all, they do call it the ‘season of giving’.

Teaming up with promotion partners, music artists and other organisers, See Tickets has decided to give out a bunch of passes, ranging from gigs and sporting events to theatre and comedy.

We wouldn’t be doing our jobs properly if we didn’t at least try to let you in on the possibility of winning some live entertainment freebies.

Thankfully, there are plenty of them; there are over a dozen tickets up for grabs in total, split across the six different dates running into next year.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s on offer:

See Tickets Great Christmas Giveaway – the full list of events

Fancy seeing a Disney classic brought to life on stage? There are a possible four tickets to see Herclues: The Musical to be won, not to mention drinks vouchers and a bonus goodie bag.

All you need to do is follow @seetickets and @eventimuk on Instagram, like and share the post below to your story; tag a friend and tell your best Christmas joke by 00:01am this Monday, 8 December 2025. You can see a trailer from the highly praised performances down in the capital down below.

Two tickets to see Greg Davies

Yes, the second event revealed by See Tickets as part of this year’s Great Christmas Giveaway is the latest live stand-up tour show by the quite literally massive funny man, Greg Davies.

Playing at the Hammersmith Apollo down in London, this time you need to like, follow, share and tag a friend naming your favourite character by Tuesday, 9 December 2025 – again, before 00:01.

Take your pick of Take That

In case you somehow missed it, Take That are heading back out on the road for the 10th anniversary of The Circus album and tour – this time, you can pick the show of your choosing.

Same idea again: follow both pages, like and share, tag a friend, and this time, tell them your favourite album by the band. You enter by 00:01 this Thursday, 11 December.

Ticket prices for Take That at Etihad Stadium revealed ahead of The Circus Live Tour

VIP passes for Slam Dunk 2026

This one is for all the rock fans. Slam Dunk Festival celebrates 20 years next summer, and what better way to toast the milestone than to be there not only in the flesh but in VIP?

You can pick either North or South, but let’s be honest – Leeds is the only place to be. Follow the same terms as above, and then just tell the comments which artist you’re most excited to see. Again, entry closes at 00:01 on Thursday (11 Dec).

Never giving up on a Rick Astley gig

Up next, how about seeing a living music legend of the North West on his upcoming arena tour? The one and only Rick Astley isn’t just back on the up, but if confirmed as the winner, you can select the date of your choice.

Once again, meet the usual requirements listed previously, plus leave your favourite Rick Astley song in the comments. Yes, you can pick that one – just make sure you do it by a minute after midnight on Wednesday, 10 December…

Rick Astley to play Co-op Live on major UK arena tour – with big-name supporting act

Cageside at Cage Warriors

Last but not least, if you’re partial to a bit of pugilism and/or bloodsport, you can watch cult favourite combat sport Cage Warriors at your preferred venue AND win a signed pair of official Cage Warrior gloves too.

With the winner due to be announced just after midnight on Friday, 12 December, make sure you’ve met all the standard entry requirements and let other fans know which fighter you’re most looking forward to seeing. Simple as that!

Best of luck to everyone throwing names into the hat for their event of choice, and let us know in the comments if any of you win!

We’re not done there either; there are plenty of other free tickets coming up in Greater Manchester ahead of the new year, too.

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Find out more down below.

Big Night of Musicals is back in Manchester next month and there’s thousands of FREE tickets

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press shots (supplied)/Audio North

Theatre

Big Night of Musicals is back in Manchester next month and there’s thousands of FREE tickets

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Thousands of free tickets are set to be released tomorrow as the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals returns.

Now in its fifth year, and having gone on to become one of the world’s biggest annual theatrical events in the process, Big Night of Musicals will once again illuminate Manchester’s AO Arena this winter, hoping to deliver its most ambitious celebration of British theatre to date. 

Hosted by Manchester comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford, the event will bring together lots of the UK’s biggest and most beloved musicals for one extraordinary night.  

Audiences can expect mesmerising performances from some of the biggest musicals across the UK, alongside performances from a range of incredible National Lottery-funded arts organisations, all under one roof.

This year’s brilliant lineup of West End and UK-touring shows include the spectacular new production of Miss Saigon, an exclusive performance from Jesus Christ Superstar with Sam Ryder, ahead of him making his West End debut in the role of Jesus, and the legendary musical comedy, Mel Brooks’ The Producers.

Also featuring is the extraordinary London production of Wicked ahead of its 20th anniversary in the West End later in 2026.

Many more productions are still to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting Big Night of Musicals by The National Lottery for the fifth-year running,” commented Jason Manford. “The 2026 lineup is phenomenal, some of the biggest shows in the world are coming together for one night only, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.

Big Night of Musicals is back in Manchester next month / Credit: Supplied

“This event is also a huge thank you to National Lottery players whose support keeps theatre alive and accessible. Without their contributions, so many productions, training programmes and venue restorations simply wouldn’t be possible.”

As always, 12,000 free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis as a special ‘thank you’ to National Lottery players.

Each player can reserve up to four tickets (a £2 booking fee applies per ticket) when they go on general release tomorrow afternoon (9 December) at 1pm, and proof of purchase of a National Lottery product is required to secure the tickets.

There’ll also be a ‘pre-sale’ from 9am to midday tomorrow too.

Read more:

Big Night of Musicals 2026 is coming to AO Arena on Monday 26 January 2026.

For more information and to register for free tickets, National Lottery players should visit bignightofmusicals.com

Featured Image – Supplied

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