In May this year Jonathan Slinger will be stepping into Willy Wonka’s shoes replacing Alex Jennings in the smash hit West End production
Jonathan Slinger named as the new Willy Wonka
On Monday May 4, 2015, Jonathan Slinger will join the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory cast.
A foremost Shakespearean actor
The talented British actor boasts an extensive stage career that spans two decades. With numerous appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Slinger is recognised as one of the leading Shakespearean actors of the modern era.
After graduating at RADA in 1994, Slinger went on to work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. At the RSC the actor has played many leading roles, including Macbeth, Hamlet, Richard II and Richard III, Prospero in the Tempest, Malvolio in the Twelfth Night, Dromio in the Comedy of Errors and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
It was 20 years ago when Slinger made his debut on the National Theatre stage in Richard II. The prospering young actor went on to appear in The Duchess of Malfi, The Coast of Utopia and Power.
A musical debut in Urinetown
Last year, Slinger made his musical debut, impressing audiences as Officer Lockstock in the highly acclaimed West End production of Urinetown.
The versatile London-based actor looks set to augment the incredible success of Sam Mendes’ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Since it opened in June 2013, Road Dahl’s much-loved story of Charlie Bucket and the unconventional Willy Wonka, has seen by more than 1.25 million people at Royal Drury Lane. The energetic production, which has broken multiple records, has become one of the West End’s most successful and popular musicals.
Directed by Skyfall’s Sam Mendes, Road Dahl’s captivating story is brought to life for the stage with the help of music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, a book by the award-winning playwright David Greig, choreography by Peter Darling and set and costume design by Mark Thompson.
This mesmerising production of Road Dahl’s iconic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is currently booking until June 2016.
