Meet the fabulous four young northern actors who will take on the timeless role of Charlie Bucket in Leeds Playhouse’s production presented in association with Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical, which runs at the Playhouse from 18 November 2022-23 January 2023.

Amelia Minto, Isaac Sugden, Kayleen Nguema and Noah Walton will share the role as brave and kindly Charlie Bucket across the 13-week run in Leeds. They have been working with Director James Brining ahead of rehearsals to explore and develop the character and how they will tackle this iconic Roald Dahl story. The fab four have been running scenes, familiarising themselves with the songs and having fun making up their own splendiferous Dahl-inspired confectionary names.

Director James Brining said: “It’s wonderful to be able to welcome four such exciting young actors to the Playhouse and to begin working with them on this incredible production. Their vibrancy and enthusiasm is already bringing such brilliant energy to the rehearsal room, which will be enhanced even further in the weeks to come when they begin working with the amazing Gareth Snook as Willy Wonka and the rest of the superb cast. 

“An open call-out resulted in hundreds of youngsters from across the North attending workshop auditions for the role of Charlie Bucket. After a number of recall sessions we eventually chose our four Charlies, all of whom share a great range of skills but also bring their own individual and unique character to the role. We’re thrilled to be able to introduce everyone to Amelia, Isaac, Kayleen and Noah. Charlie Bucket is an iconic character, loved by generations of children since the 60s and seeing what each of these talented and highly committed young people are bringing to the role is truly inspiring. Charlie through their eyes is opening up all kinds of exciting new possibilities. I can’t wait to share what we’re creating with audiences this winter. They’re going to be delighted by the delicious festive treat we have in store for them.”

The Playhouse worked with leading Leeds-based casting directors Keston & Keston to find the talented quartet to play the child who finds a golden ticket that takes them through the gates into the marvellous, mysterious world of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.  

Adapted from Dahl’s novel by David Greig, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical has music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

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