Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory JR. artwork — gold lettering on a magenta starburst

Emily Calder School of Performing Arts presents

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory JR.

Five Golden Tickets. One magical factory. A brand-new cast of young Bendigo performers bringing Wonka’s world to life.

  • 2–4 October 2026 · 4 performances
  • Bendigo South East College Theatre
  • Approx. 75 minutes · Great for all ages
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Performance dates

Four performances only, across one weekend in October 2026.

Doors open 30 minutes before each performance. Please arrive early — latecomers are seated at a suitable break.

About the show

When the mysterious Willy Wonka reappears after years away from the public eye, excitement spreads throughout the town. To celebrate the reopening of his famous chocolate factory, Wonka hides five Golden Tickets inside his chocolate bars. The lucky winners will tour the magical factory, and one child will receive the greatest prize of all.

Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy from a loving but struggling family, dreams of finding a Golden Ticket despite only receiving one chocolate bar each year for his birthday. Against all odds, Charlie discovers the final Golden Ticket and, accompanied by his beloved Grandpa Joe, joins the other winners — Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee — for an unforgettable adventure.

As the tour unfolds, each child is tempted by the factory’s extraordinary inventions and ignores Wonka’s warnings, leading to a series of hilarious and spectacular mishaps. One by one, the Golden Ticket winners are eliminated, leaving only Charlie, whose kindness, honesty and humility set him apart.

In the end, Wonka reveals that the tour was about much more than chocolate — it was a search for someone worthy to inherit his extraordinary factory. Charlie’s imagination, compassion and integrity prove that he is the perfect choice, earning him the greatest prize of all: the future of Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory.

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Venue & getting there

Bendigo South East College Theatre

Ellis Street, Flora Hill
Bendigo VIC 3550

  • Free on-site and street parking
  • Wheelchair accessible seating — let us know when booking so we can reserve a suitable spot
  • Doors open 30 minutes before each performance
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Emily Calder School of Performing Arts

Emily Calder School of Performing Arts is a Bendigo-based school where young performers build confidence, craft and friendships through singing, acting and dance. Every production is a chance for students to step onto a real stage in front of a real audience.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory JR. is directed by Emily Calder, working with a cast of local students who have spent months bringing Wonka’s factory to life.

Interested in classes or auditions for future productions? Visit emilycalder.com.au or get in touch.

Frequently asked questions

How do I buy tickets?

All tickets are sold online through TryBooking. Head to the tickets section, choose your performance, select your seats and pay securely by card. Your tickets arrive by email — show them on your phone at the door.

Do children need a ticket?

Yes — every person attending needs a ticket, including children. Concession and family options (where available) are shown at the booking step.

How long is the show?

About 75 minutes with no interval, so it’s comfortable for younger audience members.

What age is it suitable for?

All ages. It’s a bright, funny, family-friendly musical and a great first theatre experience.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Only if the performance hasn’t sold out. We strongly recommend booking online in advance — our performances usually sell out.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes. Accessible seating is available — please contact us when you book so we can reserve the right spot for you.

Can I take photos or video?

Please keep phones and cameras away during the performance. There’s plenty of time for photos with the cast in the foyer afterwards.

What if I need to change or refund my booking?

Ticket changes are handled through TryBooking. Contact us and we’ll do our best to help.

Don’t miss your Golden Ticket

Four performances only · 2–4 October 2026 · Bendigo South East College Theatre

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