Four actors cast as Charlie Bucket at Leeds Playhouse this Christmas

Four young northern actors to play Charlie Bucket in Leeds Playhouse’s festive production of Roald Dahl’s beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical which runs from 18th November to 28th January.

Amelia Minto, Isaac Sugden, Kayleen Nguema and Noah Walton will share the role over the 13-week run as kindly Charlie Bucket, and they have been working with Director James Brining ahead of rehearsals to explore and develop the character.

The four newcomers have been running scenes, familiarising themselves with the songs and having fun making up their own splendiferous Dahl-inspired confectionary names.  

“I’m delighted to be performing in my hometown alongside so many talented people, and very excited to be playing one of the first female versions of Charlie Bucket,” says Amelia Minto, 12, from Roundhay in Leeds. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully, I’ll also get to eat a real Wonka bar!”

The Playhouse worked with leading Leeds-based casting directors Keston & Keston to find the quartet to play the child who finds a golden ticket that takes them through the gates into the marvellous, mysterious world of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.    

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 have always dreamed of. But astonishment waits beyond the gates, where the enigmatic Willy Wonka guides the five lucky golden ticket winners through the sugary corridors to the incredible and edible delights within, where they ultimately discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.  

“Their vibrancy and enthusiasm is already bringing such brilliant energy to the rehearsal room, which will be enhanced even further in the weeks to come when they begin working with the amazing Gareth Snook as Willy Wonka and the rest of the superb cast,” says James Brining.  

“An open call-out resulted in hundreds of youngsters from across the North attending workshop auditions for the role of Charlie Bucket. After a number of recall sessions we eventually chose our four Charlies, all of whom share a great range of skills but also bring their own individual and unique character to the role.  

“We’re thrilled to be able to introduce everyone to Amelia, Isaac, Kayleen and Noah. Charlie Bucket is an iconic character, loved by generations of children since the 60s and seeing what each of these talented and highly committed young people are bringing to the role is truly inspiring. Charlie through their eyes is opening up all kinds of exciting new possibilities.”

This Leeds Playhouse production is presented in association with Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions, adapted from Dahl’s novel by David Greig, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical is on from 18th November 2022 – 28th January 2023. To book 0113 213 7700 or online www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk