The 1964 best-selling novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has been transformed into a musical experience fit for the West End.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical, based on the classic Roald Dahl story, is coming to Leeds Playhouse for a ten-week stint at the end of 2022.
The musical will be running throughout the festive period, beginning on Friday 18 November and performances will be held almost daily until Friday 28 January 2023.
Image:The Hoot Leeds
Promising to be a Christmas night out that will appeal to the whole family, the much-loved story will be directed by James Brining from Leeds Playhouse and adapted from the original novel by David Greig.
The reinvention of the West End hit is set to bring an all-singing, all-dancing twist to the 1964 novel that is loved by grandparents, parents and children alike.
Artistic Director James Brining is reported stating that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a 'special story' that provides Leeds with a 'golden opportunity' to celebrate our local community, with the 'iconic Willy Wonka at its heart'.
The West End show was ran from the Drury Lane theatre in London. / Image: Wikicommons
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."
Watch out for your golden ticket. / Image: Wikicommons
After a long two years of halted and cancelled performances, the future looks much brighter for one of Leeds' favourite theatres. The performing arts is an industry that has been hit in a way unfathomable and incomparable to most other working positions, so all tickets sold will help to reignite their livelihood once more.
To get yourself a golden ticket for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical, visit the Leeds Playhouse website where you can get £10 off preview tickets if you book before Thursday 31 March 2022.
Tickets generally range between £14 and £55, depending on your seat preference.
One of Leeds' longest-running pub will be closing.
The Cross Keys in Holbeck is a lovely little boozer.
And it's got a fair bit of history too. Dating back to the early 1800s, the pub has stood on Water Lane for more than two centuries, with its story closely tied to Holbeck's industrial past.
Back when the area was one of Leeds' major manufacturing hubs, the Cross Keys was a local drinking spot for workers from the surrounding foundries and engineering works.
The pub itself fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1980s, before being brought back to life during a major restoration in the 2000s.
But now, The Cross Keys is closing once again.
Images: The Cross Keys
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, the pub said: "It's with a heavy heart that we share the Cross Key's will be closing its doors on the 3rd of October.
"The whole team thank you for your support during our time in business."
In classic Leeds fashion, the comments were flooded with support from fans of the pub alongside fellow local businesses.
One comment reads: "Absolutely gutted about this. I held my fiance (now husband’s) 30th at The Cross Keys and it was excellent and the team were so helpful and hospitable. So sad to hear this."
Whilst another said: "Gutted, the home of some great memories and significant pints in my life."
So, if you've had a significant pint in The Cross Keys and wish to bid it a proper farewell, you've got until Saturday 3 October to do so.
Brand-new ‘party pub’ to take over the old Revolution site on Call Lane after £600,000 investment
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready to party Leeds, because a 'party pub' experience is coming to Call Lane.
Following a whopping £600,000 investment, Bonnie Rogues is preparing to open in the former Revolution site in Leeds city centre that will close this month.
After a major refurbishment, Leeds’ first Bonnie Rogues venue and the sixth site for the fast- growing UK brand will open in November 2026.
Designed as an all-day-to-night social destination, Bonnie Rogues combines live music, live sport, and late-night celebrations in one immersive venue.
From big nights out to spontaneous after-work drinks and even Sunday Roasts, Bonnie Rogues aims to offer something completely different from the traditional pub experience.
Expect live performances, crowd-involved entertainment and interactive moments in an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from day to night.
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said, “Leeds has such a strong social scene and a real appetite for experience-led venues, so we think Bonnie Rogues will fit perfectly into the city.
"It’s a concept that brings together everything people love about going out - live music, sport, food, entertainment and great atmosphere, all in one place. We’re excited to bring something new to Leeds and can’t wait to welcome guests later this year.”
The Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Bonnie Rogues venues across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio following its acquisition of multiple Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more.
Sophie Smith -
14th February 2022 
