Cover A scene from the Beijing production of the global tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Photo: Yingzhou)
A scene from the Beijing production of the global tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Photo: Yingzhou)
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Enter Willy Wonka’s fantastical factory as the spectacular Broadway musical adaptation of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ makes its Manila premiere this July 2026
Besides adding Les Misérables World Tour Spectacular and Jesus Christ Superstar to the Philippine theatre scene’s calendar, GMG Productions includes Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in its lineup of international touring musical productions this 2026. Witness Roald Dahl’s scrumptiously inventive world come to life on stage as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory makes its Manila premiere at The Theatre at Solaire from July 8 to July 26. Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, in association with HY Culture Fund, Doug Meyer, AMA Group, GMG Productions, UnionBank of the Philippines, Bergamot Front Row Fund and Willette Klausner invite audiences of all ages, including fans of the book and movies, to step inside an immersive theatrical world of pure imagination.
Above Poster for the world tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Image: courtesy of GMG Productions)
Poster for the world tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Image: courtesy of GMG Productions)
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Following a sold-out run at Shanghai Culture Square in November 2025 and wildly enthusiastic reviews from audiences, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Broadway musical, has announced that theatre fans can enjoy early ticket access through UnionBank from January 12 to 15, at ticketworld.com.ph. GMG Productions will also have a special waitlist for early seating access before tickets go on public sale, and the early waitlist is now open on its website until January 14, 11.59pm. Tickets will go on sale for the general public at TicketWorld on January 17.
Based on Roald Dahl’s globally beloved novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows young Charlie Bucket’s golden-ticket adventure into the mysterious and magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. From chocolate rivers to nut-sorting squirrels and mischievous Oompa-Loompas, the musical dazzles with eye-popping visuals, larger-than-life characters, immersive delight for the audience and toe-tapping music. The musical features iconic songs from the classic 1971 film, including Pure Imagination, The Candy Man and I’ve Got a Golden Ticket, along with original music by Grammy and Tony Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Mary Poppins Returns).
Read more: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ comes to Manila this May 2026
Above A scene from the Beijing production of the global tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Photo: Yingzhou)
A scene from the Beijing production of the global tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Photo: Yingzhou)
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“Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a dazzling fantasy for everyone from everywhere,” Simone Genatt and Marc Routh, producers and co-owners of Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, said in a joint statement. “This new production features miraculous special effects and cutting-edge hologauze 3D technology based on advanced magic principles. We are so excited to share the breathtaking world of this beloved Broadway musical about the power of imagination and the art of invention with Beijing audiences in this spectacular new immersive production from an all-Broadway creative team!”
Transforming Willy Wonka’s fantastical factory into a world where the impossible feels possible, renowned Las Vegas magic and illusion designer Tim Clothier joins the Broadway team and says, “Willy Wonka is the king of imagination, and being able to design new stage wizardry for that character is a dream come true.”
Above A scene from the Beijing production of the global tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Photo: Yingzhou)
A scene from the Beijing production of the global tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Photo: Yingzhou)
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The Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory premiered in 2017, running for over 300 performances, followed by a four-year North American tour through 2022. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory also ran on London’s West End, where the production received two Olivier Awards. This global tour is scheduled to run for two to three years in Asia, the Middle East and India in leading cities around the world, including Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, Taipei and Seoul.
Above A scene from the Beijing production of the global tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Photo: Yingzhou)
A scene from the Beijing production of the global tour of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (Photo: Yingzhou)
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, book by David Greig, based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Songs from the motion picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley are also included. The global tour follows the original direction by four-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien and original choreography by Joshua Bergasse, under the helm of director Matt Lenz, choreography by Alison Solomon, musical supervision by Nate Patten and Greg Jarrett and an award-winning Broadway creative, design and production team. Mark Thompson is responsible for the set and costume design, working alongside Christine Peters on the tour scenic design, Jeff Sugg on projection design, Rory Beaton on lighting design, Mike Thacker on orbital sound and general sound design, Basil Twist on puppet design and Clothier on illusions. Orchestrations are by Doug Besterman, and musical arrangements are by Marc Shaiman. Casting is by Paul Hardt Casting. Joseph Longthorne serves as general manager and Tayn Yeo as associate manager for Broadway Asia International. GMG Productions serves as the general manager for Manila.
Simone Genatt, Marc Routh, Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia are producing, along with co-producers HY Culture Company, Doug Meyer Productions, Bergamot Front Row Fund and Willette Klausner. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented in special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and Broadway Asia Company.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
