Nigel Planer has been cast as Grandpa Jo in the new stage musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London.
Nigel Planer who will play Grandpa Jo
Nigel is something of a lucky omen in Theatreland, having opened in the roles of four separate West End musicals, Evita, Chicago, We Will Rock You and Wicked all of which went on to have phenomenal success and extended long-runs. So all bodes well for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which starts its previews at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from the 18th May 2013.
Nigel’s first theatre role was at the Prince Edward theatre as understudy to David Essex as Che Guevara in the original West End run of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s hit musical, Evita. Evita opened in 1978 and was a huge sold-out success, it closed eight years later.
In 1997 Nigel was in the original West End cast of Chicago at the Adelphi theatre, as Amos Hart. The show went on to run for 16 years, only closing earlier this year.
In 2002 Nigel was also a member of the original London cast of the Queen musical We Will Rock You at the Dominion theatre, as ageing hippy, Pop. The show in London is still going strong today in its 11th year, a record for the Dominion theatre.
Nigel then starred as The Wizard in the original London show of Wicked the musical at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in 2006. Another hit show that continues to pack in audiences today.
More recently Nigel starred in another Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman musical as Wilbur in the award winning Hairspray at the Shaftesbury theatre in London.
Nigel is probably best known for playing hippy Neil in the BBC comedy TV series The Young Ones, written by Ben Elton, who also wrote the story for We Will Rock You. Lots of lucky coincidences here!
Nigel, now aged 60, is perfectly cast as Charlie’s kindly granddad who accompanies Charlie to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory after he wins the sought after Golden Ticket.
The musical stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s famous book is being directed by Sam Mendes, fresh from his award winning success in directing the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall. The show has music by Marc Shaiman. Marc Shaiman has also penned the lyrics alongside partner Scott Wittman, collaborators on Hairspray, which also starred Nigel Planer!
Amongst the cast already announced are award-winning theatre actor, Douglas Hodge, who stars as Willy Wonka; theatre legend, Clive Carter, who will appear as Mr Salt, and Jasna Ivir, will play Mrs Gloop. Former Eastender Paul J Medford will take on the role of Mr Beauregarde, while Iris Roberts stars as Mrs Teavee and Myra Sands will play Grandma Georgina.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the musical previews from the 17th May at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane with tickets discounted for the previews and the show will officially open at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 25th June 2013.
Tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are available to book on-line.
