Willy Wonka Screens on World Children's Day
Get ready to indulge in a classic musical fantasy film as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory comes to the Duke of York's Picturehouse in Brighton. This beloved film tells the story of a poor child who wins a chance to visit the mysterious and magical chocolate factory of the eccentric Willy Wonka.
Dir: Mel Stuart
Cast: Peter Ostrum, Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Diana Sowle, Julie Dawn Cole, Roy Kinnear, Denise Nickerson, Leonard Stone
100 mins · 1971 · United States of America · Cert U · French, English, Italian, German
IMDb 7.8/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 84% · Metacritic 67/100 · TMDB 7.5/10 · Trakt 79%
Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. 3 wins & 4 nominations total
World Children's Day: Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory
21 Nov 2026
Duke of York's Picturehouse (Brighton)
Are you a fan of classic musical fantasy films? If so, you won't want to miss the screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at the Duke of York's Picturehouse in Brighton on Saturday, 21 November 2026. This 1971 American musical fantasy film, directed by Mel Stuart, stars Gene Wilder as the eccentric and charismatic Willy Wonka, alongside Peter Ostrum, Jack Albertson, and Julie Dawn Cole. The film follows the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor child who finds a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka's mysterious and magical chocolate factory.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a family-friendly film, rated U, with a runtime of 100 minutes. The film features a mix of comedy, fantasy, and music, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages. The film's score has been well-received, with an IMDb rating of 7.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes rating of 84%, and Metacritic rating of 67/100. The film has also won several awards, including three wins and four nominations, and was nominated for an Oscar.
The film has been praised for its imaginative storyline, memorable songs, and Gene Wilder's iconic performance as Willy Wonka. Viewers have also praised the film's production design, musical numbers, and the way it balances darkness and whimsy. Some have even noted that the film's themes of family, honesty, and the importance of following rules are still relevant today.
The screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at the Duke of York's Picturehouse in Brighton is a great opportunity to support a good cause while enjoying a classic film. £1 from every ticket sold will go to UNICEF UK, making it a wonderful way to give back to the community. Tickets are on sale with the button beside the article, so be sure to get yours now and join in on the fun on World Children's Day.
In addition to its entertainment value, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has also become a cultural phenomenon, with its themes and characters still widely referenced today. The film's influence can be seen in many other works of fiction, and its iconic songs, such as "The Candy Man," have become beloved classics. Whether you're a longtime fan of the film or just discovering it, the screening at the Duke of York's Picturehouse in Brighton is sure to be a delightful experience.
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What viewers say
SparklinDiamond · 7/10
A classic movie that everyone should watch at least once. This film is filled with pure imagination, I love how it's slightly dark but still full of whimsy!
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benoliver999 · 10/10
If the obits are anything to go by, Gene Wilder had a prolific career but he is first and foremost Willy Wonka. This is not without reason. There are few more memorable and enchanting performances than this one. He is warm, charismatic and intelligent while being slightly unhinged, possibly mad. Despite being based on a character in the Roald Dahl novel, it’s Wilder who really makes Wonka a name familiar to all, even 40+ years after the film was…
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AlfieSGD · 9/10
Gene Wilder is the clear MVP of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory". He plays the title character with a great deal of nuance. Outwardly, Willy Wonka is a strange oddball, but Wilder also brings a certain sadness and menace to the role. The production is equally good. The entire world is vivid, and the decision to shoot the film in Munich results in a very distinct look. The musical numbers are also fantastic, with several songs proving to be…
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Whitsbrain · 9/10
Entertainingly odd and wildly weird is the way that I'd describe this movie. From Charlie's bed-ridden grandparents to the indescribable boat ride to the Oompa Loompas, it's a bizarre but fun film. Gene Wilder's Wonka disposes of the children who break the rules and only little Charlie Bucket proves worthy of Wonka's reward. Everything is bright and wonderful here for the most part, a land of candy that is still amazing to watch today. Wilder is…
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On Cinema At The Cinema · 10/10
Love Gene Wilder!!! So awesome in this movie!!
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jekyl6669 · 7/10
What is there to say about Willy Wonka at this point? It's a certified classic, so everyone pretty much has their mind made up on their feelings towards it. I've never actually been the biggest fan myself. I've grown to it through osmosis over the years, and genuinely enjoy parts of it, especially Wilder, who's awesome in it, but overall it's always just been kinda drab to me...
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johniixx · 7/10
Happy 50th Anniversary! Gene Wilder... you're the one and only Willy Wonka.
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Totoruano · 7/10
Back when I first saw it as a kid I liked it. but now a days if I have to choose between this one and the remake, I would take the remake.
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