About the Play:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a full-length play for young audiences dramatized by Richard R. George from the book by Roald Dahl. Who wouldn't want to join Charlie Bucket in his adventurous tour of Willy Wonka's world-famous Chocolate Factory? Now is your chance! Your audience will see Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt, Grandpa George, Grandma Georgina, Willy Wonka and Charlie himself come to life, and all involved will discover the true meaning of teamwork, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory revolves around a destitute young boy named Charlie Bucket born to a penniless, starving family. He resides with both his paternal and maternal grandparents, who are bedridden. Along with Charlie's mother and father, they dwell in a dilapidated, tiny house. Charlie is fascinated by the universally-celebrated chocolate factory located in his hometown and owned by famous Chocolatier, Willy Wonka. His Grandpa Joe often tells him stories about Wonka and his mysterious chocolate factory, how it had been shuttered for years, and how it inexplicably re-opened and resumed candy production without any evidence of employees. When Charlie finds a winning ticket for a tour of Willy Wonka's fabulous, fantastical chocolate factory, making him one of five lucky children with the golden tickets, he must choose between helping his impoverished family or taking a chance on his dream. Thus begins the colourful and delicious madcap adventures of Charlie discovering the truth inside the doors of the factory. During the tour, each child's willpower is put to the test with dramatic consequences. Each member of your cast will have a role that promotes a special understanding of other people as, together, they and your audience experience a chocolate-candy fantasy. The entire production is smoothly tied together by an energetic and personable Narrator, who effortlessly bridges time and excites the audience with creative anticipation. The delicious fun of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory awaits you!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was first presented in 1973 by Richard George and the VI Grade Class of Charlotte Elementary School, New York, and since then, the show – a faithful adaptation of Roald Dahl's story – has been staged all over the world.

Cast: 9 female, 10 male

About the Playwright:

Richard R. George was an elementary school teacher in New York when he adapted Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – and Roald Dahl himself recommended that it should be published. He also adapted James and the Giant Peach so that his students could stage productions of the beloved stories.

Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was a British novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, spy, ace fighter pilot, and medical inventor. He was born in Wales to Norwegian immigrant parents, so holidays were spent in Norway. When World War II began in 1939, he became a fighter pilot and in 1942 was made assistant air attaché in Washington, where he started to write short stories. His first major success as a writer for children was in 1964. Thereafter his children's books brought him increasing popularity, and his books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.