Pure Imagination: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Programme

  1. When NETheatre announced their 2025 production of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory: The New Musical, our job at Inc Dot was to help them build their world of pure imagination. From programmes to props, Team Purple were all hands on deck shaping a colourful, chocolate-fuelled universe for audiences at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.

  1. Last year’s Elf the Musical programme pushed our creativity with a cut-away cover shaped around Buddy the Elf, and it sparked a lovely tradition. This time, we turned it into a keepsake for theatregoers - something they could slip into pockets, scrapbooks or pin boards as a reminder of an evening wrapped in theatrical magic. Every silhouette was precision-cut using our Veloblade.

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  1. The real fun began when NETheatre asked if we could extend our work beyond the programme. The show needed props and each one had to feel like it had stepped straight out of the factory gates. That included full Wonka bar wrappers, newspapers for key scenes, business cards and an assortment of smaller printed elements used throughout the performance. Every item called for careful research into the visual language of Roald Dahl’s world and a practical approach that allowed performers to use them confidently on stage.

  1. Our production team made sure every prop stood up to rehearsal, handling and performance lighting. The wrappers were printed with a smooth finish that caught the glow of the footlights. Even the newspaper layouts were designed with period-inspired styling so they looked authentic from the front row to the balcony.

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  2. Behind the scenes, colour calibrations, proof rounds and close collaboration with NETheatre helped us maintain consistency. From the tone of the chocolate bars to the typefaces on the signage pieces, everything was shaped to keep the world believable and cohesive. It’s this mix of imagination, craftsmanship, attention to details and teamwork that helps us support local creatives and transform their staging challenges into exciting solutions.

  1. With over 2,000 tickets already sold for the run between 22 and 29 November 2025, this year’s production is already on track to be a crowd favourite and the reviews so far have been outstanding. We’re proud to support NETheatre again, helping tell stories that delight York audiences of all ages. For us, every project is an opportunity to build something better than expected - because when our clients shine, we shine with them.

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  1. Have you got a sweet project in the works? Is your imagination bubbling for some outstanding print?