With the theatre at the centre of Building 22, Boilerhouse Rd, Jacksons Hill, soon to be off limits due to extensive renovation works to convert it into a community arts and cultural centre, the Boilerhouse Theatre Company has delayed its highly anticipated production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
In a statement, the theatre company cited “unforeseen circumstances” linked to the theatre’s renovations at the former women’s hospital, and the unexpected closure of sections of the nearby Boilerhouse building as the reason behind the postponement.
Originally scheduled for later this year, the production will now open in March 2026.
The delay has also affected the theatre company’s community engagement schedule, with the information night for the production now rescheduled to 31 August 2025.
“We are sorry for the disappointment this delay may cause,” said a spokesperson for the company. “However, we look forward to welcoming everyone to the world of Wonka very soon.”
The Boilerhouse Theatre Company has been a staple of the Sunbury arts community, and the announcement comes as a blow to local audiences and participants eagerly awaiting the show.
Further updates on performance dates and ticketing are expected in the coming months.
Tickets for its current production, Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, are on sale. Performances are scheduled for two weekends starting 13 June.
Building 22, once used as a women’s hospital and linked to the nearby former asylum, is expected to re-open before the end of the year, with Hume City Council stating works costing $8m will be finished in October.
