Sam Mendes’ Olivier Award-winning musical Charlie And The Chocolate Factory will release more golden tickets this month after the show announced it will extend its booking period until 31 October 2015.
The musical adaptation’s extension comes in the month that marks the 50th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s enchanting story about one boy’s journey from poverty to the delectable delights of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
The production, which recently sold its millionth ticket, opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in June 2013, when it was described by Official London Theatre’s Charlotte Marshall as a “slick and visually spectacular take on the classic”.
Featuring music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, with a book by David Greig, the production’s musical numbers include The Double Bubble Duchess, If Your Mother Was Here, It Must Be Believed To Be Seen and the hit from the original film, Pure Imagination.
As part of the story’s anniversary celebrations, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory will also hold a national live-streamed event in which children from across the country join in a sing-along of Pure Imagination led by current Willy Wonka, Alex Jennings, and TV presenter Helen Skelton. Puffin Virtually Live will take place on 13 September, the date of Dahl’s birthday, live from the musical’s West End home.
Scores of volunteers, including members of the show’s production team, will also take part in a sponsored sky dive dressed as the tale’s miniature chocolate makers to raise money for the Roald Dahl Marvellous Children’s Charity.
Theatregoers eager to get their hands on a ticket for the new booking period and delve head first into the magical world of Oompa-Loompas, dancing squirrels and sugar-coated treats can do so on 19 September when the additional five months of performances go on sale.