Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens in Hong Kong

• The stunning musical opened this week at Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui

• The production is based on the classic Roald Dahl novel and features songs from the 1971 film along with new elements

• The Peninsula Hong Kong is an official partner and is celebrating the show with a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea

By Carolynne Dear

Members of the cast at the media preview of the show this week

Broadway hit Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opened in Hong Kong this week, sweeping audiences into the magical world of Willy Wonka and his 'scrumdiddlyumptious' world of candy.

In a media preview ahead of the first performance this week, tour director Matt Lenz and lyricist Scott Wittman said they were excited to bring the show to Hong Kong. “There’s such great energy in this city,” enthused Lenz. “This is reflected in the audience, we’ve had wonderful audiences so far.”

“It’s such a magical city,” enthused Wittman. “I feel like I’ve won the golden ticket and I’m in Wonkaland.”

Featuring stunning stagecraft and show-stopping illusions, not to mention toe-tapping song and dance routines - we were treated to a performance by a fabulously rapping Violet Beauregarde - the production has been extended twice during its current run due to overwhelming demand. 

“The energy and excitement surrounding the musical have been incredibly encouraging, and this marks a proud milestone for everyone who has helped bring Wonka’s world to the Hong Kong stage,” said Simone Genatt, producer and chairperson of Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia. “We look forward to welcoming audiences of all ages to step inside Wonka’s world of pure imagination and immerse themselves in the wonder and spectacle of this production over the coming weeks.”

The production is based on Roald Dahl’s classic 1964 novel which follows the story of young Charlie Bucket, who wins a golden ticket to enter Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The candy wonderland has been faithfully recreated, with flowing chocolate river, glass elevator, nut-sorting squirrels and mischievous Oompa-Loompas, all of which has been reimagined for the stage by Las Vegas magic and illusion specialist Tim Clothier. The production features classic songs from the 1971 film, including ‘Pure Imagination’, ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’. Audiences can also look forward to a few surprise moments created especially for the Hong Kong run.

Having wowed the press, the cast went on to open the musical that evening, followed by a spectacular celebration party hosted by The Peninsula Hong Kong, an official partner of the Hong Kong production. The hotel will be offering a collection of specially curated dining and stay experiences inspired by the musical this month and next, including a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at Felix with story-inspired treats and themed cocktails. Interactive elements include a decadent chocolate fountain and a fun ‘Chocolate Blind Tasting’. The tea is available from November 10 until December 10.

A special Charlie and the Chocolate stay package includes an afternoon tea and cocktail experience, behind-the-scenes access to the hotel’s Chocolate Room and a chocolate-making workshop.

The Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is produced and presented by Broadway International Group in association with Broadway Asia Group, HY Culture, China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd and Great Entertainment Group. Supporting partners include POAD, TVB, Godiva, Town Place, GBA Festival and Klook.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong; until December 6; tickets from HK$388 at klook.