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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

“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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Legendary musical CATS will be taking to the stage here in Manchester next year.

A brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation, CATS, will embark on a major UK tour from summer 2026 following an open-air residency at Regent Park in London – including dates at Manchester’s prestigious Palace Theatre in November.

Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history.

The show originally premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances.

Since its world premiere, the musical has been presented in more than 54 countries, translated into 23 languages, and has been seen by more than 77 million people worldwide – collecting a number of awards along the way.

Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year / Credit: Feast Creative

This new production of CATS is produced by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, as part of Drew McOnie’s second season as Artistic Director, and it marks the third Andrew Lloyd Webber title produced by the venue in the last decade.

Unfamiliar with the show? CATS tells the story of the Jellicle cats.

From Euston station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one.

With a legendary score featuring well-known songs like Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, The Jellicle Ball, and, of course, the chart-topping hit Memory, this brand-new production of CATS is gearing up to be one of the best theatrical events of 2026.

Read more:

“I am very excited to see a totally new production of CATS back on the stage where it belongs,” creator Andrew Lloyd Webber said on the show’s return. “I can think of no-one better than Drew McOnie to bring a new vision to the world of the Jellicles.”

Casting and the full creative team is set to be announced in due course, as is the on-sale date and link for tickets, so keep your eyes peeled.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

Theatre

13 Going On 30 The Musical at Manchester Opera House – a fresh take on the nostalgic smash hit

Amy Williams Amy Williams 13 Going On 30 The Musical at Manchester Opera House - a fresh take on the nostalgic smash hit

13 Going On 30 The Musical made its world premiere in Manchester last night, and it’s a night to relive a childhood favourite film, done so brilliantly. 

With the original writers, Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, as part of the team plus Andy Fickman, who has screen hits such as She’s The Man and musicals including Heathers, you know from the off this is going to be good. 

If you don’t know the story, it begins with a young (13 year old) Jenna and Matty, with Jenna wishing she was one of the popular girls, and instead ‘thirty, flirty and thriving’. The next minute, she wakes up on her 30th birthday. 

She got everything she dreamed of – prom queen, editor of a popular fashion magazine, and the dream guy – but lost her best friend, family and became someone she didn’t quite like.

Can she turn it around and get back to the person she once was? 

I loved this film when I was closer to 13, and now watching it premiere on the stage a bit closer to 30 myself, it’s still just as brilliant.

13 Going On 30 The Musical in Manchester
13 Going On 30 The Musical in Manchester
13 Going On 30 The Musical in Manchester
13 Going On 30 The Musical in Manchester
Credit: Pamela Raith Photography

There’s an original score throughout it too (with the exception of, of course, Thriller – and the whole dance routine to go with it too might I add). 

Staring Lucie Jones as Jenna Rink – with previous roles on Les Miserables, Ghost The Musical and Wicked – and David Hunter as Matt Flamhaff, their voices were absolutely incredible. A special mention too to young Matt, with brilliant vocals. 

13 Going On 30 The Musical brought back the Thriller dance, the famous multicoloured dress and the need to go back instantly and rewatch the film again (and make my mum watch it, who hadn’t seen the film previously but still loved the show just as much).

13 Going On 30 The Musical is on at the Opera House Manchester until Sunday 12 October and you can still grab tickets here. 

Read more

Featured image: Pamela Raith Photography

More Theatre

Affiliate

Beloved musical Dirty Dancing is returning to the stage in Manchester next year

Affiliate

Iconic musical Annie is returning to the stage in Manchester next summer

SEANCE

Art & Culture

‘Pioneering’ immersive theatre productions to take place inside shipping containers across Greater Manchester

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches