The new musical stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is set to open at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane next summer.
Previously billed to play at the London Palladium, Sam Mendes’ production of the much-loved classic will replace the fairytale-tastic Shrek The Musical, which is also produced by Mendes’ Neal Street Productions.
Currently starring Carley Stenson, Richard Blackwood, Neil McDermott and Dean Chisnall, the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre and his life-changing adventures with loveable sidekick Donkey will close on 24 February following a successful run in the West End, which saw the fairytale musical nominated for four Olivier Awards.
Talking of the show’s closure, Bill Damaschke, Chief Creative Officer for DreamWorks Animation and producer of Shrek The Musical, said: “It is not without sadness that we have decided to leave next year but it is some consolation that Sam Mendes and Caro Newling, our producing partners at Neal Street Productions, will retain the lease of this remarkable building.”
The musical tale of a boy who wins the chance to visit the famous chocolate factory owned by the mysterious Willy Wonka, which features a book by Scottish playwright David Greig and new songs from Hairspray writing duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, will play from 18 May.
Tickets for Charlie And The Chocolate Factory The Musical will go on sale in October.