'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' arrives in Shanghai with Broadway magic

The Asian premiere stage of the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. [Photo/Shanghai Culture Square]

The Broadway musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will make its Shanghai debut on Nov 13. Audiences can step into a world of chocolate waterfalls, fizzy lifting drinks, and edible gardens as Willy Wonka opens his legendary factory gates.

Since its publication, Roald Dahl's classic tale has been translated into 55 languages and sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, captivating generations with its timeless charm and imagination.

The stage adaptation premiered in London's West End in 2013, enjoying a successful four-year run before moving to Broadway, where it played over 300 performances and earned two Laurence Olivier Awards among five nominations.

This China tour presents a visually upgraded version of the Broadway production, bringing Dahl's fantasy world to life. Watch in delight as Augustus Gloop tumbles into the chocolate river, Violet Beauregarde swells into a giant blueberry, and the iconic glass elevator soars above the stage.

Beyond its stunning staging, the musical is a celebration of song and story. With music and lyrics by the Tony Awards-winning team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the score blends new original numbers with beloved melodies from the 1971 film, including The Candy Man, Golden Ticket, and Pure Imagination.

If you go

📅 When: Nov 13 – 23, 2025

📍 Where: Shanghai Culture Square (No 178 South Maoming Road, Huangpu district)

🎫 Ticket price: 80 yuan ($11.24) to 1,080 yuan

🎟 Ticket purchase: Available via the WeChat service account of Shanghai Culture Square at "SCS_Ticketing"

🍫 Visitor notes: