Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ticketsAfter the success of Matilda the Musical, producers are again turning to beloved children’s author Roald Dahl for the next West End smash-hit. One of his most popular books, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will premiere as a new musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in summer 2013, with an official opening date of 25 June.

The show tells the story of a young boy, Charlie, who wins a golden ticket to tour the eccentric Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. With some spoilt, gluttonous, and mischievous co-winners in tow, Charlie’s lovable grandfather accompanies him on this adventure through a maze of candy-coated delights, from chocolate rooms to the inventing room, all presided over by Willy Wonka and his staff, the elfin Oompa Loompas. The book has been turned into a film on two occasions, the first being a musical starring Gene Wilder and renamed ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’, which featured songs such as “The Candy Man Can,” “I Want It Now,” “Pure Imagination,” and the unmistakable “Oompa Loompa.” The book then inspired the 2005 film adaptation directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka. Roald Dahl was famously displeased with the 1971 version, and his estate had full artistic control over this new movie, resulting in a darker tone more in keeping with the original book.

This brand new production is expected to take a fresh look at the popular story, and excitement is already mounting about the designs for the show, in particular the Oompa Loompas. After a number of workshops on key design elements, the producers are extremely happy with the visuals that have been created, and the show is promised to be a treat for audiences in many ways.

Cast and Creative Information

This new stage adaptation will feature an entirely new score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman, who created the music for Hairspray, the hit Broadway musical Catch Me if You Can and for the TV series ‘Smash’. A-list Hollywood director Sam Mendes has been involved with the project since its inception, and the production dates have been arranged around the filming schedule for his new film ‘Skyfall’, the latest installment of the Bond franchise. His previous film credits include American Beauty, Revolutionary Road, and Road to Perdition. He is no stranger to the London stage, however, having served as the artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse. He most recently directed Kevin Spacey in Richard III at the Old Vic.

Douglas Hodge will take on the iconic role of Willy Wonka, after winning both Olivier and Tony Awards for his performance in La Cage aux Folles. His plethora of stage credits also include Guys and Dolls, Inadmissable Evidence, Titus Andronicus, Three Sisters, Dumb Show, and The Winter’s Tale. Additional cast members include Nigel Planer as Grandpa Joe, Jasna Ivir as Mrs. Gloop, Clive Carter as Mr. Salt, Myra Sands as Grandma Georgina, Paul J. Medford as Mr. Beauregarde, Iris Roberts as Mrs. Teavee, Joe Allen, David Birch, Michelle Bishop, Mireia Mambo Bokele, Matthew Clark, Alex Clatworthy, Jennifer Davison, Luke Fetherston, Nia Fisher, Kate Graham, Clare Halse, Mark Iles, Daniel Ioannou, Kieran Jae, Jane McMurtrie, Natalie Moore-Williams, Sherrie Pennington, Damien Poole, Paul Saunders, Jack Shalloo and Jay Webb.

Show Length and Times

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will perform evenings from Monday to Saturday at 7:30pm, with matinee performances at 2:30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Preview performances begin on May 18th 2013. The running time is yet to be confirmed.

Video Introduction

Official Tickets

Official tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane are available by using the search box to the left of this site. Simply choose the month you wish to see the show, along with the number of tickets, and you will offered a variety of dates and seating options.