Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical in Singapore
If you grew up dreaming about chocolate rivers, edible gardens, and finding a Golden Ticket tucked inside a candy bar, there’s now a real-life version waiting in Singapore. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has officially opened at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands, running from 19th May to 14th June 2026 for a limited season.
Presented by Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, this is the musical’s first stop in Southeast Asia. Expect a stage production packed with larger-than-life sets, familiar songs from the classic film, and plenty of eye candy that’ll probably make you crave dessert halfway through the show.
What is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory about?
Image credit: Jeremy Daniel
Based on Roald Dahl’s famous novel, the musical follows Charlie Bucket, a young boy who wins a coveted Golden Ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. Inside, he encounters strange inventions, eccentric characters, and fellow children who quickly learn that bad behaviour has consequences.
Image credit: Jeremy Daniel
Fans of the original 1971 movie will recognise songs like Pure Imagination, The Candy Man, and I’ve Got A Golden Ticket, alongside newer tracks written by Hairspray composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
The Broadway version first premiered in 2017 before touring North America and London’s West End, where it picked up two Olivier Awards.
Is the musical worth watching?
Image credit: Jeremy Daniel
One thing the musical does well is make the story feel a little more current for today’s audience. There were several updated jokes sprinkled throughout the dialogue that got quite a few laughs from the crowd, including references to Labubus, Apple TV, Instagram, and TikTok. It gives the show a more playful, modern energy instead of feeling like a straight retelling of the old film.
The production also leans heavily into spectacle. The sets and costumes are bright, colourful, and intentionally over-the-top in a way that feels very fitting for Willy Wonka’s strange little universe. Wonka himself even performs a few actual magic tricks live on stage, which adds a fun touch of surprise. That said, I personally wished the character had been played a little more eccentrically and unpredictably. Willy Wonka is such an iconic oddball character that I expected slightly more chaos and whimsy from him.
Image credit: Jeremy Daniel
The standout performance for me was definitely the young actor playing Charlie. He carried the emotional moments really naturally and gave the character a lot of sincerity. There’s also a local touch where Wonka sings a surprise song all too familiar to us, which got a pretty warm reaction from the Singapore audience.
Another unexpectedly fun moment happens at the end, where the audience gets to join in for a sing-along with lyrics displayed on screen. It gave the finale a slightly concert-like atmosphere, and you could tell families and kids were really enjoying themselves by that point.
Image credit: Jeremy Daniel
On the technical side, the acoustics at the theatre weren’t always the clearest during the performance I attended. Some songs and dialogue sounded slightly muffled, especially during bigger ensemble numbers, so there were moments where I couldn’t fully catch every lyric or line.
Image credit: Jeremy Daniel
Parents with very young children should also note that while the musical is visually colourful and family-friendly overall, Roald Dahl stories still carry some pretty dark themes underneath all the candy-coated fun. One particular scene involving giant black squirrels may come across as a bit intense or creepy for younger kids.
Image credit: Jeremy Daniel
Overall, I think fans of the original book or films will still have a good time revisiting this world on stage, especially for the nostalgia factor and visual spectacle. While I personally wouldn’t call it a must-watch musical, it’s still an entertaining night out for families and longtime Charlie And The Chocolate Factory fans. We’re sure you’ll also be impressed by how the Oompa-Loompas are portrayed.
The show comes with extra Wonka-themed experiences around MBS
Golden Ticket campaign
The musical itself is clearly the main event, but there are also a few side activities happening around Marina Bay Sands for fans who want the full Wonka experience.
Image adapted from: Aditi Kashyap
One of the biggest is the Golden Ticket campaign, where more than 8,000 surprise tickets have been hidden under selected theatre seats throughout the season. Audience members who find one can win prizes ranging from dining vouchers to lifestyle perks and beauty products. Basically, every show becomes a mini lucky draw. So, don’t forget to check under your seats!
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
There’s also a chocolate-themed photo wall at the Sands Theatre entrance created with Singapore chocolatier Janice Won, where attendees are invited to pick one and eat away.
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
Plus, there’ll be a short Marina Bay Sands light-up till 22nd May where the hotel towers glow purple and gold.
Wonka-inspired desserts & dining options
Marina Bay Sands is also rolling out themed food items during the musical’s run, though these feel more like fun add-ons rather than must-tries unless you’re already dining there.
Image adapted from: Marina Bay Sands
Highlights include:
- Charlie’s Chocolate Milkshake at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
- Chocolate River Magic dessert at KOMA Singapore
- Character-inspired pastries at Origin + Bloom
There are also Show & Dine packages available if you want to pair dinner with the performance.
Image credit: Jeremy Daniel
How long is the show?
The performance runs for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices start from $88 for Grand Circle seats and go up to $258 for premium categories.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available via:
A colourful musical for families & nostalgic adults alike
Image credit: Jeremy Daniel
Whether you grew up reading Roald Dahl in primary school or just want an excuse to soak in some theatrical spectacle, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory leans heavily into colourful visuals, familiar songs, and childhood nostalgia. The fringe activities around Marina Bay Sands are a nice touch, but the musical itself is clearly the real treat here.
And honestly, any show that sends you home craving chocolate has probably done its job.
Book tickets for the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical
Tickets: $88-$268
Dates: Now till 14th June 2026
Time: Tue-Fri 8pm | Sat 2pm & 8pm | Sun 1pm & 6.30pm
Venue: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
Sign Up with TSL Connect
Cover image adapted from: Jeremy Daniel, Aditi Kashyap