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The Roald Dahl book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has sold over 20 million copies since its release in 1964, and I have at least 2 of them. Over a million people have watched the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical and I am now one of them.
It’s difficult to explain the anticipation I felt walking into Sands Theatre for the show last Wednesday. When you have been a Roald Dahl fan for as long as I have, it’s almost impossible to put into words the magic that that title wields over you. There was a little bit of dread, too, as neither the acclaimed 1971 film with Gene Wilder at the helm, nor the Johnny Depp-led 2005 release did much for me.
The first act starts modestly enough, focusing on Charlie Bucket and his family. As expected, it’s slow compared to the rollercoaster that follows but does just enough to get the audience invested.
While the pacing here occasionally drags compared to the explosive second half, the quieter opening scenes are necessary in grounding the story emotionally. Charlie’s sincerity becomes the anchor that keeps the musical from floating away entirely into cartoon chaos. The contrast between his humble home and the excess of Wonka’s factory later on lands effectively because the production gives those early moments room to breathe.
Once the golden ticket winners enter the factory, however, the show transforms completely.
The Oompa-Loompas were arguably the best thing about the musical, and certainly the funniest. The audience saved its biggest laughs for their musical performances. Part of the appeal is the way they are portrayed by full-size adults in black bodysuits manipulating the torsos and limbs of Oompa-Loompa-sized dolls. Very simply but brilliantly executed.
Perhaps I am too much of a traditionalist but some of the changes to the plot seem unnecessarily frivolous. Why do away with Charlie’s father and make Mrs Bucket a widow? What purpose does the addition of Mrs Greene serve? Other changes were handled quite well. The original Mike Teavee was obsessed simply with TV but here is portrayed as a perpetually online Gen Z kid, which would be the natural evolution for today’s audience.
Fortunately, this production finds a fairly effective middle ground. Most of the wonder and playful absurdity of the original is retained and the end result is a crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike.
While it is a musical, I found that the acting and sets took precedence over song, and that balance works just right. It’s difficult to accurately reproduce the magical wonderland of the book in any visual medium but the sets managed a commendable job. Too often, costumes are overlooked because our attention is riveted on the characters and their words and tunes; here, the costumes are an integral part of the story many a time, and that allows us to appreciate the care and creativity that went into their design.
Not every musical needs to be emotionally devastating or socially profound. Sometimes audiences simply want escapism — dazzling sets, memorable songs and the chance to disappear into a fantastical world for an evening.
Who is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory best for?
If you have read Roald Dahl as a kid or as an adult, you know Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as one of his most memorable and enjoyable works; while the plot takes a lot of liberties, this show is still for you. Families with children will enjoy this as a fun evening together, full of laughs and thrills.
How to get to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Sands Theatre
Sands Theatre is a 10-minute walk from Bayfront MRT station (CE1/DT16). The station connects to the Circle and Downtown Line of Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train system. Use either Exit C or D.
If you want to travel by bus, you can stop at bus stops Marina Bay Sands Hotel (outside Hotel Tower 2) (03509), Marina Bay Sands Theatre (outside Sands Theatre, opposite Hotel Tower 3) (03501 ), Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention (outside Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention, opposite Hotel Tower 1) (03511), or Opp. Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention (opposite Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention, adjacent to Hotel Tower 1) (03519). Services 97, 106, 518, 133 and 502 run daily while services 97E, 502A and 518A do not run on weekends and public holidays.
Do we recommend Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
If you like some candy-flavoured fun and aren’t particular about fidelity to Dahl’s original story, this musical performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a very entertaining escapade.
Catch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands till 14 Jun 2026.
