Mark Your Calendars: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical Is Coming to Manila

(SPOT.ph) Heads up, theater fans: we're in for a sweet treat this July as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory makes its Manila debut on stage.

Whether you’re loyal to Roald Dahl’s original novel, have a soft spot for the 1971 Willy Wonka classic, or grew up on the 2005 remake starring Johnny Depp, this whimsical, golden-ticket musical is one you’ll want to catch live.

Don't be a nincompoop like Augustus Gloop; here's everything you need to know about this upcoming musical.

Roald Dahl's inventive, fantastic, ooey-gooey world is coming to life on stage as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory makes its Manila debut at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila from July 8 to July 26, 2026.

This stage reimagining is based on the novel, which follows young Charlie Bucket's golden-ticket adventure into the mysterious and magical factory of the zany chocolatier Willy Wonka. Much like the films, expect chocolate rivers, nut-sorting squirrels, Oompa-Loompas, and colors worthy of the original author's sense of wonder. It’s a larger-than-life journey through a world of pure imagination—one where the impossible suddenly feels possible.

This musical features 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, who are the folks behind the hit musical Hairspray.

And it’s not just a feast for the ears. Expect plenty of visual spectacle too, with extensive special effects and 3D technology designed to deliver an immersive, eye-popping stage experience for fans of all ages.

Manila will be getting the version produced by Broadway International and Broadway Asia, which premiered in 2017 and ran for over 300 performances. It also ran on London's West End, where it received two Olivier Awards. It also went on a global tour, bringing it to places like the Middle East, India, and Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Seoul, and, most recently, a sold-out run in Shanghai in November 2025.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Manila is directed by Matt Lenz, with musical supervision by Nate Patten and Greg Jarett, and choreography by Alison Solomon. It is manned by an award-winning Broadway creative, design, and production team with set and costume design by Mark Thompson, tour scenic design by Christine Peters, projections design by Jeff Sugg, lighting design by Rory Beaton, Mike Thacker for Orbital Sound, sound design, Basil Twist for puppet design, and Tim Clothier on illusions.

Tickets will go on sale for the general public at TicketWorld on January 17, 2026. But if you're a UnionBank credit cardholder, you can enjoy early ticket access through UnionBank of the Philippines from January 12 to 15. As of writing, ticket prices have yet to be announced.

For more information, visit GMG Productions' Facebook page.