A message from Jason Manford: Hello there, Jason here, thanks for stopping by. I've been wondering for a while now, why is local stand up comedy not high up on the list of what people think about doing when looking for a great night out. So where do we go? The local pub for a few drinks? Cinema? Maybe a meal with a loved one or a cheeky midweek quiz with some mates. Some people still go out clubbing at one of those city centre discotheques! (shudders). Even ten-pin bowling is considered higher up than comedy! How can that be? How can throwing a massive rock at ten wooden things be more fun than sitting in a dark room with your friends or partner, drink in hand, watching someone funny tell jokes that make you all laugh from your belly for hours and hours and give you something to talk about all the next day? Well let me tell you this: There is a circuit of brilliant comics in this country who thrive in the live arena and want to make you laugh on a regular basis, so I'm going to tell you who they are. My plan is this: I'm going to carefully select some of my favourite comedians from the circuit and send them to a town near you. Simple! Keep on laughing folks, and remember, there's nothing like live!

Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination." The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factorybut only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonkas world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is your golden ticket to producing a crowd-pleasing, outrageous ensemble musical with plenty of delicious roles.

BTW Summer Showcase 2026