Dates added to Charlie And The Chocolate Factory run in Leicester as cast announced

Leicester’s Curve theatre has announced the full cast joining its Christmas musical Charlie And The Chocolate Factory – as well as an extension to the initial run dates due to demand.

The show will now run at Curve from Saturday November 21 to Saturday January 16 – with Leicestershire actor Jonny Fines playing the eccentric and mysterious Willy Wonka.

Roald Dahl’s story follows Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee and the Oompa-Loompas as they step through the gates of Willy Wonka’s marvellous chocolate factory into a “world of pure imagination”. From the banks of a “scrumdiddlyumptious” chocolate river to the dizzying heights of the Great Glass Elevator, nothing is quite as it seems in this wonderful Wonka wonderland.

Directed by Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster and featuring the songs The Candy Man, It Must Be Believed To Be Seen, The Oompa Loompa Song and Pure Imagination, the production promises a dazzling mix of theatrical magic and sweet nostalgia for all the family.

Jonny Fines has appeared in numerous Curve productions, including as the Scarecrow in The Wizard Of Oz (2022), as Johnny in My Beautiful Laundrette (2019), as Zack Mayo in the UK tour of An Officer And A Gentleman – The Musical (2018) and as Kenickie in Grease (2016). His stage credits also include Annie (Piccadilly Theatre and UK tour), The Sound Of Music (UK tour) and Avenue Q (UK tour). On screen, Fines’ credits include The Jetty (BBC), Devi (Sky Arts), EastEnders (BBC) and Coronation Street (ITV).

The role of the story’s hero and golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket will be shared by Lucas Kerr, Jett Moises, William Stafford and Theo Wake.

Charlie’s Grandpa Joe will be played by David-Michael Johnson, whose credits include international tours of Starlight Express and the UK tour of We Will Rock You. Curve leading lady Molly Lynch returns to Leicester as Mrs Bucket, following Curve productions of My Fair Lady and The Sound Of Music.

A community company of more than 20 young people, many from Leicestershire and the East Midlands, will join the ensemble on stage.

Tickets are on sale now. Visit curveonline.co.uk or call 0116 242 3595 to book.