Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The dark and delicious fantasy world of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will be brought to life on the Etihad Arena’s stage from August 28 to September 6, 2026.
Produced by Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, the show will be staged in Abu Dhabi by Proactiv Entertainment, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in the emirate.
Based on Dahl’s globally much-loved novel, the musical follows young Charlie Bucket’s golden-ticket journey into the mysterious and magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. From chocolate rivers to nut-sorting squirrels and mischievous Oompa-Loompas, the production dazzles with eye-popping visuals, larger-than-life characters, immersive stagecraft, and toe-tapping music.
Audiences will enjoy iconic songs from the classic 1971 film, including “Pure Imagination”, “The Candy Man”, and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” alongside original music by Grammy and Tony Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Mary Poppins Returns).
Commenting on the announcement, Nicolas Renna, Chief Executive Officer at Proactiv Entertainment said: “’Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is a legendary musical that has delighted generations, sparking imagination in children while evoking a deep sense of nostalgia for adults who grew up with it.
"Bringing the Middle East premiere of this production to Abu Dhabi is a special moment for us, creating a spectacular experience for families and audiences young at heart.”
Simone Genatt and Marc Routh, Producers and Co-owners of Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, added: “This new production features breathtaking special effects and cutting-edge hologauze 3D technology inspired by advanced magic principles. We are thrilled to share the beautiful world of this beloved Broadway musical with Abu Dhabi audiences through a new immersive production, created by an all-Broadway creative team.”
Transforming Wonka’s fantastical factory into a stage set, renowned Las Vegas-based illusion designer Tim Clothier, who joined the Broadway creative team, said: “Willy Wonka is the king of imagination, and designing new stage wizardry for this character is a dream come true.”
The Broadway production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” premiered in 2017 running for more than 300 performances, followed by a four-year North American tour through 2022. The production also enjoyed a successful run in London’s West End where it received two Olivier Awards.
The current global tour is set to travel across Asia, the Middle East, and India over the next two to three years, with stops in major cities including Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Seoul and more.
Tickets are now available at www.etihadarena.ae with prices starting from Dh130.
