Everyone's favourite childhood story is coming to life and taking the stage at the Leeds Playhouse this November.
Roald Dahl’s devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and wild confectionary wizard Willy Wonka will take you to a world of pure imagination this festive season.
From Friday 18 November 2022 to Saturday 28 January 2023, you can take a journey down the chocolate river and grab your golden ticket to this incredible production by Leeds Playhouse with Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical features memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film as well as a host of sensational new tastebud-tickling, tummy-rumbling, toe-tappers.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds Playhouse are reminding ticket holders of the synopsis we’ve all come to know and love growing up, and hinting at what some of the set items may look like: we’re expecting a lot of food-based structures.
“When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets they’ve always dreamed of. But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible and edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.”
The West End show was ran from the Drury Lane theatre in London. / Image: Wikicommons
This sensational reinvention of the successful West End production is bound to leave a smile on the whole family's face. We can guarantee you'll be whistling and humming the catchy songs on your way home from the theatre and you may also leave slightly hungry for some chocolate.
Tickets start from £14 and go up to £45, some nights are already selling out so act fast if you want to grab your golden ticket. This can be done here on the Leeds Playhouse website.
Lane7, a bowling and gaming bar, is opening a massive new venue in the heart of Leeds city centre.
The independent bowling brand is set to open at Trinity Leeds in late spring, spanning a whopping 23,000 sq ft.
As well as 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, Lane7 will be home to other games including darts, pool tables, beer pong, golf simulators, and even an interactive 'Playground'.
There'll also be retro arcade games to make it a vibrant destination for your next night out.
Signs have already gone up at Trinity Leeds on Albion Street, ahead of Lane7's arrival into the city centre.
It's set to take over the huge site that was formerly home to Wilko.
Gavin Hughes, managing director at Lane7, said: "It's no secret that we've been itching to bring Lane7 to Leeds for some time, and we're thrilled to have found a venue in Trinity Leeds that we know our guests will love.
"Everyone knows Leeds is one of the UK's great nights out, and Lane7 is a venue where you can have all your best nights in one. It's the perfect match. We can't wait to get the doors open."
Lane7 is opening at Trinity Leeds. Credit: SuppliedLane7 is opening at Trinity Leeds. Credit: Supplied
Steven Foster, centre director at Trinity Leeds, said: "The arrival of Lane7 this spring marks a fantastic addition to Trinity Leeds and represents exactly the kind of dynamic, experience-led brand we are proud to offer our visitors.
"Its unique entertainment concept brings an exciting new dimension to our leisure offering, enhancing the experiences available at the centre.
"This announcement follows a wave of big names set to open at Trinity Leeds, including Footasylum, schuh and Freight Island, alongside LEGO’s upsized store, highlighting our continued success in evolving and strengthening the centre’s overall offering.
"Welcoming Lane7’s to Leeds reinforces our position as a leading destination for innovative, social and experiential brands, and we’re confident it will be a huge hit with our visitors."
Jason Derulo at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
American chart topper Jason Derulo is visiting Leeds for a night of radio bangers that will get stuck 'In My Head' and yours too.
Known for soundtracking the early 2010s and beyond, Derulo is heading back to Leeds playing out at the iconic First Direct Arena.
The Florida-born performer has five UK number one singles to his name, so it's safe to say his setlist will be stacked with massive hits sure to 'Take You Dancing' all night long.
His latest effort The Last Dance is an eight track EP featuring collaborations with INNA and Melody as well as the bouncy lead single 'Sexy For Me'.
This leg of shows is titled after this project and Derulo is asking anyone going to wear their best futuristic or metallic attire and accessories - You might end up being his 'It Girl'.
Jason Derulo gig guide
Jason Derulo is coming to First Direct Arena Leeds on 6 February / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
Jason Derulo UK tour dates
Fri 30 Jan - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Sat 31 Jan - London, UK - The O2
Mon 2 Feb - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 3 Feb - Brighton, UK - The Brighton Centre
Thu 5 Feb - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Fri 6 Feb - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Sat 7 Feb - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Mon 9 Feb - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Jason Derulo tickets for First Direct Arena gig
If you want to see Jason Derulo 'Talk Dirty' to a huge 13,000 arena crowd over some 'Trumpets' then you'll want to get tickets to this event.
Luckily there's plenty of opportunities for you to see Mr. Derulo 'Wiggle' right in front of your eyes as there's tickets available HERE.
Jason Derulo setlist
Although the tour hasn't kicked off yet, here's one of the Pop/ R&B champs latest sets from September last year which contains some 2010s classics and big belters.
Swalla
Wiggle
Take You Dancing
Acapulco
Savage Love
Whatcha Say
Who Hurt You
Tip Toe
Breathing
In My Head
Ridin' Solo
Spicy Margarita
Love Tonight
The Other Side
Dame Un Grrr
Talk Dirty
Want to Want Me
Don't Wanna Go Home / Shots
Who Hurt You
What are the stage times for Jason Derulo in Leeds?
The 'It Girl' hitmaker is visiting the UK for his The Last Dance Tour / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning as much as we ′Don't Wanna Go Home', at least we'll be tucked up in bed before the early hours.
Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6.30pm with a kick-off time expected to be 7.30pm with support from Czech rising star THERA and Manchester EDM group LZ7.
How to get to first direct arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.