Swindon is about to receive a golden ticket moment of its own.
For the first time ever, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be staged in the town, with the Wyvern Theatre preparing to throw open its doors to Willy Wonka’s world this Easter. The production, presented by TYT Inc. Stage Experience Pro, runs from 9 to 11 April 2026 and marks a significant milestone for local theatre.
This is no modest retelling. Audiences can expect a full-scale musical experience, complete with a Broadway-style set, the famous Glass Elevator, and the depth and colour of a live orchestra. Adding a modern flourish, a towering immersive LED video wall will transform the stage into a constantly shifting vision of Wonka’s factory, turning familiar moments into something altogether more vivid.
What makes this debut especially meaningful, however, is who will be bringing it to life. While the show is shaped by a creative team with West End credentials, the cast is drawn from across the region. Children and adults from the local community will take centre stage, offering proof once again that Swindon’s performing talent runs deep.
For families, it’s a rare chance to see a much-loved story staged on a grand scale without leaving town. Songs such as Pure Imagination and The Candy Man promise plenty of nostalgia, while the spectacle of the production aims to capture younger theatre-goers encountering the story for the first time.
A spokesperson for the production said the team were thrilled to finally bring the show to Swindon. They described it as one of the most ambitious projects the company has undertaken, but said the heart of the production lies firmly with the performers. With a cast drawn entirely from local talent, the show is intended as both a celebration of community theatre and a gateway for new audiences.
TYT Inc. Stage Experience Pro, working alongside Tanwood Youth Theatre, has built a reputation over more than four decades for delivering polished, professional-standard productions while nurturing performers at every stage of their journey. Previous shows have included Frozen, Matilda, Cats, West Side Story and The Sound of Music, many of which have played to sold-out houses.
Tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are on sale now via the Wyvern Theatre’s ticketing service.
There are also still opportunities to get involved behind the scenes and on stage, with roles available across a range of departments. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch with the production team.
Event details
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
📅 9–11 April 2026
📍 Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
🎟 Tickets: trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon
Media enquiries:
Pollyann Tanner
📧 stageexperiencepro@gmail.com
📞 07775 991700
