Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Musical Debuts In Singapore May 2026 – Read Our Cast Interview!

BEHIND THE PURE IMAGINATION: CAST INSIGHTS FROM SINGAPORE

We caught up with the cast to find out what makes this production so magical — and what families in Singapore can take away from the show.

On Playing The Iconic Willy Wonka

How do you make Willy Wonka so full of wonder and mischief on stage? Why do you think kids love his crazy imagination so much?

Hi everyone! Great question- To be honest, I personally also like a lot of mischief so I get to lean into things that make me laugh and make me have a good time on stage. I think with a show like this that is so huge and fantastical and filled with joy it’s easy to lean into the world of the show and look around at everything that’s going on and just lean into the fun and the play of it and this incredible journey that we all get to go on. In terms of the wonder and the imagination, Willy Wonka represents this version of everyone who can think of something and actually make it happen. So much of the world is thinking about our imagination wants it to be, but also in reality when we look around the world is miraculous and filled with wonder so I think that’s something that kids love to think about for themselves and also see live on stage. And that goes for adults, too!

In Singapore, where kids are always so busy with school and tuition, what can Wonka teach them about having fun and being creative?

I think Willy Wonka and the show can teach kids look around and there is always inspiration for things to create. The brain is a wondrous thing. It’s fantastic to take moments to look around and be appreciative of what is amazing. While hard work is incredible and kids are busy at school, there is so much joy to be had in time with friends, times spent learning, and time spent imagining. Willy Wonka really reminds us to enjoy life and BE SILLY! Get creative, play with friends and family, think of fun things and make them happen. There is always time for fun even in the busiest schedules. Keep believing and creating and life will be filled with pure imagination!

On Playing Charlie Bucket

How do you play Charlie as such a kind and good-hearted kid? Why do you think his story connects with Singapore children facing school stress and challenges?

Oliver: I don’t feel like I’m acting—I feel like I’m spreading Charlie’s kindness to the audience. I think kids in Singapore can relate because Charlie shows that even when things feel stressful or hard, you can still stay kind and true to yourself.

Cohen: I play Charlie by knowing how I’d want to be treated and how each and every person would want to be treated as well. I think the story connects with local schoolchildren because, when school gets hard, you should always find a way to make yourself happy and keep pushing forward. For example, when Charlie tries to find X bars of chocolate, he thinks of something that brings him joy, which pushes him to do his best.

What does Charlie’s journey teach kids about staying kind and never giving up?

Oliver: I think parents and kids will relate to Charlie. Charlie shows that being kind is actually a strength, and you don’t have to change who you are to succeed. He keeps going, stays true to himself, and that’s what helps him in the end.

Cohen: Charlie’s journey teaches kids that being true to yourself and appreciating those around you offers the most fulfillment, opens golden doors to unlimited opportunities, and shows the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

The Golden Ticket Kids On Lessons (And Laughter)

The Golden Ticket kids are so over-the-top with greed, spoilt behaviour, and impatience. How does the show use funny moments to help kids learn from them?

DJ: "I think the show is really smart because it lets kids laugh first. These characters are so extreme that the lesson never feels like a lecture. You’re laughing at how wild they are, and then suddenly you realize, “Oh… maybe don’t be that kid.” The comedy makes the message land without feeling heavy-handed."

Giselle: I would say that the way the golden ticket kids’ disobedience leads to their comedic and dramatic demise is a really good lesson for children to learn. Disobedience has consequences. Sometimes misbehaving turns you into a blueberry fiz!

Allison: One of the things I love about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is that it is so fun and entertaining while also having a very teachable message. The Golden Ticket winners are so exaggerated and funny that audiences laugh at their behavior before realizing there’s a lesson underneath. For example, kids laugh at how outrageous Veruca behaves, but they also understand why her actions lead to consequences.

Sam: When you watch the show, I think anyone—even young children—can see that the golden ticket kids, apart from Charlie, are exaggerated cautionary tales. One example is Augustus claiming to eat pigs “limb from limb.” Even kids can hear how crazy that sounds and recognize that it’s an exaggeration of a want to overeat. Putting the lesson in a humorous light allows even the youngest children to learn a lesson without even realizing it!

Which of these characters do you think Singapore parents and kids will relate to the most?

DJ: "I mean, I have to say Mike Teavee, right? He’s obsessed with screens, TV, games, noise, stimulation, and now you could even add AI into that conversation. Obviously Mike takes it to a completely crazy level, but I think parents and kids will recognize something very real in how exciting technology can be, but also how easy it is to get totally swallowed by it."

Giselle: I would like to hope that parents and kids can relate well to Charlie and Grandpa Joe when it comes to their kindness and imagination. However, being like Violet will give you a larger than life personality with rhinestones to go with it!

Allison: I think Singapore audiences will really relate to Veruca Salt, not because they approve of her behavior, but because she represents something very recognizable in modern family life. In a culture where parents naturally want the best for their children, Veruca shows the funny but extreme consequences of never hearing “no.” What I love about playing her is that she’s not just spoiled—she’s confident, demanding, and completely convinced the world should work for her. Kids laugh at how outrageous she is, while parents may recognize moments that feel a little too familiar.

Sam: I think Augustus is the one kids can relate to a lot; even though he has a problem with overeating, he is still a kind person, so he’s a bit easier to sympathize with than the other kids. Maybe that’s my bias, but I think it’s true!

A Mother’s Perspective

After the show, what do you hope families chat about at home — like being grateful, being kind, or why wanting everything isn’t always good?

“I hope families leave talking about gratitude and the reminder that even during difficult seasons, there can still be joy, and so much love. Mrs. Bucket really embodies that idea for me — she’s constantly moving forward, showing up for her family with purpose and heart despite her grief. I think there’s something really beautiful in the way the Bucket family finds comfort in one another, and in how Charlie becomes that silver lining and source of hope for them all.”

Since it’s running during the June school holidays, how can families make this theatre trip extra special and meaningful together?

I would always encourage a sweet treat after a night at the theatre—because chocolate is always a good idea! It’s a chance to connect as a family about what they enjoyed most, what messages resonated with each of them, and maybe even open the door to reading the book together if they haven’t already.

Which song or scene is best for parents to talk about with their kids afterwards, especially around lessons on humility, perseverance, or being a good person?

The two songs immediately come to my mind are ‘Little Man of Mine’ and ‘If Your Father Were Here.’ They sit on very opposite ends of the parenting spectrum and really show how different family dynamics shape a child’s world. One comes from a place of indulgence and instant gratification, while the other is rooted in absence, love, and the desire to guide a child toward something better. For parents watching with their kids, it opens up such a natural conversation about values—what it means to raise kind, grounded people, and how the choices we make as adults shape the way children see and move through the world.

How does this musical mix big fun and magic with meaningful life lessons that both kids and parents in Singapore will enjoy?

This show feels like a rediscovery of childlike wonder and the belief that your imagination has the power to shape how you see the world - what you believe is possible. I believe that this show offers a gentle reminder to us all the importance of connection and seeing the world with a bit more curiosity and heart.