Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre is celebrating after its annual Summer School drew a record audience.

Approximately 2,000 people saw Charlie And The Chocolate Factory over four shows covering the last weekend in August.

An extra show on Thursday  was added due to demand after the initial 1,500 tickets were snapped up in less than 10 hours.

The Summer School project, arranged by Freedom Leisure and supported by Stafford Borough Council, saw more than 40 local youngsters, aged between 9 and 18, learn, rehearse and perform the West End smash musical based on Roald Dahl’s timeless story of Willy Wonka and his magical chocolate factory.

The project began on 5 August, with the first show taking place less than three weeks later, and among the hit songs were ‘Pure Imagination’, ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’ and ‘The Candy Man’.

The annual Summer School is open to everyone and there is a bursary scheme to help cover fees for applicants in some cases.

To register interest for the 2025 Summer School, contact Alison Young on 01785 619080 or alison.young@freedom-leisure.co.uk.