Golden Ticket at The Theatre Solaire
Step into a world of pure imagination as Roald Dahl’s beloved tale makes its grand Manila premiere at The Theatre at Solaire
Words Gerie Marie Consolacion
Photos courtesy of GMG Productions
January 21, 2026
Two decades ago, every child’s wish was simple: to enter the iconic purple and yellow gates of Willy Wonka’s factory. And maybe, you won’t believe this. Dust off your top hats and prepare your taste buds for a theatrical feast.
For the first time in history, the gates of the world’s most famous chocolate factory are swinging wide open in the Philippines. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory makes its grand Manila premiere at The Theatre at Solaire from July 8 to July 26, 2026, inviting audiences to step inside a world of pure imagination where dreams, like Everlasting Gobstoppers, never lose their magic.
This is not just another stage musical. It is a golden-ticket experience that transforms Dahl’s beloved story into a fully immersive spectacle, where the impossible feels possible and a little bit of childhood wonder goes a very long way.
A visual feast of stagecraft
For theater lovers who delight in craft and innovation, this production is a masterclass in modern stage magic. Moving beyond traditional sets, the show employs cutting-edge hologauze 3D technology and astonishing special effects rooted in advanced magic principles. The result is a world where chocolate rivers flow, elevators defy gravity, and imagination quite literally takes flight.
To ensure the sense of wonder lives up to Willy Wonka’s reputation, the production enlisted renowned Las Vegas illusion designer Tim Clothier. His newly created stage wizardry brings Wonka’s eccentric inventions to life, from jaw-dropping transformations to visual surprises worthy of Wonka-Vision itself.
Audiences can expect eye-popping moments at every turn, including the meticulous nut-sorting squirrels, the fizzy chaos of Wonka’s factory floor, and the mischievous Oompa-Loompas who keep the story moving with wit and wisdom. Each scene is crafted to feel larger than life, delighting children and adults alike.
The sound of pure imagination
While the hills may once have been alive with music, this time the air in Manila will be filled with the scent of cocoa and the sound of Broadway brilliance. The score blends beloved classics with fresh theatrical energy, featuring iconic songs from the 1971 film such as “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination.”
These favorites are seamlessly woven together with a vibrant new score by Tony and Grammy Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the creative minds behind Hairspray and Mary Poppins Returns. Their music adds heart, humor, and momentum to Charlie Bucket’s journey from a humble home to the most extraordinary factory in the world.
With a book by acclaimed playwright David Greig, the musical follows Charlie’s unforgettable adventure after finding a coveted golden ticket, delivering what the creators describe as a “dazzling fantasy for everyone, from everywhere.”
A global phenomenon hits local shores
Presented in Manila by GMG Productions in association with Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory arrives with an impressive international pedigree. The production originated in London’s West End, where it earned two Olivier Awards, before enjoying a Broadway run and a four-year North American tour.
GMG Productions, known for bringing global hits such as Hamilton, Miss Saigon, and SIX The Musical to Filipino audiences, continues its mission to elevate the local theater landscape with this spectacular new immersive production.
Secure your golden ticket
Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers like melted chocolate. Early ticket access will be available through UnionBank of the Philippines from January 12 to 15, 2026. A special waitlist for early seating access is also open on the official GMG Productions website until January 14, 2025.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on January 17, 2026, via TicketWorld.
Get ready to enter a world where imagination reigns supreme, rules are meant to be bent, and every moment feels just a little bit sweeter.
