A new London stage musical version of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming to London’s West End in the summer of 2013.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory written by Roald Dahl was first published in 1964 and became a major motion picture in 1971 as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder.
The mysterious Willy Wonka is opening his Chocolate Factory for just one day, for the lucky winners of his golden ticket hidden amongst his bars of chocolate. Impoverished Charlie Bucket is desperate for the opportunity it promises to be a mouth watering chance to feast his eyes on sweets beyond his wildest dreams. The fun and fantasy ensue as Charlie enters the magical kingdom that is Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
Oscar-winning theatre director Sam Mendes will return to theatre for the first time since the culmination of his transatlantic Bridge Project to direct the new production, which will officially open at the London Palladium in June 2013 after a short preview period of the show. Tickets for this show in London will go on general sale from October. Mendes, who won the Oscar for best director for his debut film American Beauty in 1999, worked with its star, Kevin Spacey, earlier this year to stage Shakespeare’s Richard III as part of The Bridge Project. The 46-year-old is currently directing Skyfall, the latest James Bond film.
Though this will be the book’s first major theatrical outing, Dahl’s novels have spawned a number of stage adaptations over the years. The most successful so far is the RSC’s Olivier award-winning production of the London show Matilda, currently playing at the Cambridge theatre in London before it transfers to Broadway next year.
The long-rumoured London musical, will include new songs by Hairspray’s Tony award-winning co-composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The Scottish playwright David Greig will write the book, in a move that echoes Dennis Kelly’s contribution to Matilda (alongside comedian Tim Minchin). Casting of the London West end show has not yet been announced, but there will surely be particular interest in the role of madcap candyman Willy Wonka. The master of sweets was played by Johnny Depp in Tim Burton’s 2005 film, which reinvented the character after Gene Wilder’s gentle onscreen portrayal of 1971.
The London Palladium’s current show, The Wizard of Oz, will close on 2 September with Scrooge the musical starring Tommy Steele will open as a show in London to fill the nine-month gap at the London Palladium. Scrooge will be playing over the ever-popular Christmas period and promises to be a sure fire hit for family audiences.
The London show Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is then due to open in London’s West End at the London Palladium in 2013. In conclusion, this London show promises to be a fun, energetic musical filled with all sorts of magical characters from green oompa-lompas to Willy Wonka, the master chocolatier. The casting and set design are among the most eagerly anticipated in the West End.
Shows in London are delighted to offer exclusive pre-purchase opportunities for groups of 12 or more plus extra special rates for a strictly limited period before the London Palladium Box Office opens to the general public in October 2012.
To book tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the musical call Shows in London on 0871 976 976 7 or book online at showsinlondon.ukds.co where you will find great ticket offers. Ensure you book your tickets early as there is bound to be a big demand for this new show in London especially during school holidays.
Be amongst the first to experience this sensational new London show!
