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

Manchester Film Festival returns for 2026 and early bird passes are live NOW

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Film Festival tickets 2026

Cinephiles, prepare yourselves, because the Manchester Film Festival is back for 2026, and you can grab discounted early bird tickets right now.

Taking place over the course of 10 days next spring, the annual event will be spread across multiple much-loved cinemas and is a must-not miss if you’re a movie buff or just love going to the pictures.

Serving as a celebration of both international cinema and local filmmakers, highlighting a diverse range of films from both established and emerging talent, the Manchester Film Festival has been going for over a decade now, and 2026 is set to be the biggest yet.

You can see how last year went down below.

Having earned nods from both BAFTA and the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), there’s already plenty of pedigree and excitement behind it, especially with the discounted early bird offers available.

You can see the prices of Manchester Film Festival (MFF) early bird passes here:

  • 6 Film Pass – £36 (normally £45)
  • 10 Film Pass – £52 (normally £65)
  • Full Festival Pass – £71.95 (normally £89.95)

As you can see in the clips from the 11th edition of MFF back in March 2025, the showcase featured everything from the indie up-and-comers to well-established famous faces.

For instance, standout showings included The Penguin Lessons, starring Steve Coogan, and Y2K, which featured Disney star and singer Rachel Zegler, as well as Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst. 

As for the latest instalment, whether you’re most interested in the movie screenings themselves, the panels and Q&As, or just the taste of some red carpet glamour, there’s something for all film lovers.

MFF’s full programme is set to be announced in January, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this time.

This year, they’ve also had a Salford student design the official 2026 festival poster, as Pendleton Sixth Form College’s Charlie Cunliffe has shared his striking visuals.

Commenting on this continued collaboration with the further education institution, Festival Director Neil Jeram Croft said: “This is the third year we have worked with Pendleton Sixth Form design students, and once again the work they all put in was exceptional.

“It was really tough to choose a winner, but we felt that Charlie’s design really stood out with its simplicity and use of colour. We think it’s going to look fantastic all over Manchester this spring.”

As for the venues taking part in MCR Film Fest 2026, the likes of Aviva Studios, HOME, Odeon Great Northern, Flix at Treehouse Hotel, and CULTPLEX over in Cheetham Hill will be helping host.

Next year’s festival runs from 19-29 March and, once again, passes currently start at £36 – reduced from the standard cost of £45.

If you’re interested in trying it out this year, you can grab your tickets HERE.

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

Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via Manc Film Fest)

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

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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

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