Willy Wonka makes his comeback as Joburg Ballet presents its celebrated ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ at the Lyric Theatre starting 27 November.
Willy Wonka is making a grand return, and the chocolate wonderland is ready to welcome visitors.
The holiday season is drawing close, after all.
Joburg Ballet’s renowned staging of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is set to return to Johannesburg this month, featuring 11 performances at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City from 27 November to 6 December.
This production was a sensation when it debuted at the Joburg Theatre in 2024, and it went on to earn the accolade for Best Production at the 2025 Naledi Theatre Awards, with composer Mark Cheyne receiving honors for his innovative score. The ballet also garnered Outstanding Dance Production at the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards.
Created by Joburg Ballet associate choreographer Mario Gaglione, this rendition brings Roald Dahl’s beloved tale to life through impressive costumes, vibrant sets, and a talented ensemble of professional and young dancers.
“For me, creating and choreographing Charlie in 2024 felt very much like finding my own golden ticket. It gave me a rare chance to share something magical!” Gaglione remarked.
“It was my hope then that it would become a golden moment for every child and grown-up in the audience, filling them with joy and wonder they’d never forget.”
An unforgettable journey of joy and enchantment
The narrative follows the young Charlie Bucket, whose chance discovery of a golden ticket grants him access to the whimsical universe of the quirky chocolatier Willy Wonka.
Inside, Charlie, along with four other children, realizes that the factory’s seemingly infinite array of sweets comes with unexpected surprises, and certain unpleasant fates await those who misbehave.
Gaglione’s interpretation employs dance to narrate the story, bolstered by Cheyne’s original composition. Andrew Botha is back as the design consultant.
“Now, bringing Charlie back after two years feels like another dream fulfilled, and my eagerness to share this magic is even more intense now, from the little dancers to the wonderful professionals in the company and, of course, all the children and adults in the audience,” Gaglione expressed.
Multiple dancers will share the lead roles of Willy Wonka and Chocolate throughout the season.
Revil Yon teams up with Monike Cristina, while Ivan Domiciano pairs with Ryoko Yagyu, and Bruno Miranda will perform alongside Chloé Blair, who is making her debut.
Miguel Franco-Green and Gabriella Ghiaroni also make their debuts in the lead roles. Jayden Josh Samuels reprises the role of Charlie, which earned him a Naledi nomination after the 2024 staging.
Matthew Jansen van Vuuren and Shane MacDonald will also alternate as Charlie, both stepping into this role for the first time.
Acclaimed ballet
Young talents from the Joburg Ballet Academy and the Joburg Ballet School will join the professional ensemble. Returning character artists include Albertus Dreyer and Christopher Montague, along with Nigel Hannah and Sue Kirkland.
The company will offer a sneak peek of the production at a special Charlie Open Day at its Braamfontein studios on 21 November. The event will showcase the preparations for the ballet and is set to run from 10am to 1pm. Tickets are priced at R165 via Quicket.
The Lyric Theatre run begins on Friday, 27 November at 7pm, continuing through to Sunday, 6 December. Audiences can choose from afternoon and evening shows, plus two morning performances on 2 and 3 December, when all tickets are available for R200.
General ticket prices range from R200 to R980, with discounts available for children, students, pensioners, and groups. Reservations can be made through Webtickets.
