Portsmouth Hancocks depot transforms into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory 

Hancocks Portsmouth store has hosted the cast and crew of Kings Theatre’s brand new production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, and acted as the backdrop for their confectionery wonderland.

Hancocks’s countless aisles of sweets, chocolates and treats acted as the perfect backdrop for the production’s promotional images. The confectionery warehouse mimics a modern recreation of Willy Wonka’s very own chocolate factory.

The production was produced by an amateur group looking to bring Roald Dahl’s beloved tale to life on stage.

“The Kings Theatre is delighted to be collaborating with Hancocks on the press launch of our production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,” Julia Worsley, from The Kings Theatre Trust said.

“When you think of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory you immediately conjure up an image of amazing confectionery and magical sweet treats, so Hancocks was the obvious choice for a PR collaboration!

“It is important for us as a community hub to collaborate with local businesses. We try as much as possible to work with Portsmouth businesses and so being able to work with Hancocks is an absolute treat - excuse the pun!

“The Kings Theatre is committed to providing opportunities for local talent to perform in our beautiful theatre and we are determined that all of our shows uphold the usual high standards achieved with all our productions.”

Hancocks on Claybank Road has been in Portsmouth for 33 years and supplies sweets to independent retailers, online confectionery businesses and leisure outlets across the city.

Earlier this year, the depot went through a major six-figure renovation, improving the customer experience for new and existing retail clients.

“It has been a pleasure to partner with the Kings Theatre and host their wonderful cast and crew in our Portsmouth store,” Darren Bailey, Hancocks Portsmouth store manager, said.

“Our depots really are their very own confectionery wonderlands. As we are a wholesale business, we are not open to the general public, but the images captured by the crew can give people a great insight into the world of Hancocks.

“Our Portsmouth store has been a part of the local community for the past 33 years, and after its recent renovations the dedicated staff are even more suited to serve the local community and customers - delivering sweet treats Mr Wonka himself would be proud of.”