Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

CRITICS CHOICE: Top 10 Musicals 1st May 2015

News, Reviews, West End
Imelda Staunton in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre London

What Musical should you see first in London? We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It’s just our view – and everyone has one – based on our Reviewers’ thoughts. We will update the list regularly so new productions get on your radar and when original casts change that is factored in. Musicals which have been running for more than three years are not included – this is a list for new or relatively new productions running in London. So go see them! 1. Gypsy Everyone in this company is superb in their part, everyone can really sing, really dance and really deliver the goods in terms of dramatic and comic acting. This is that rare beast: an exquisitely cast musical where the requirements of the parts have more importance in the casting process than potential box office draw or Twitter popularity. It … Read more

Critic’s Choice – Top 10 West End Musicals (31 March 15)

Features, News, West End
Siobhan McCarthy and Jeremy Secomb in Tooting Arts Club's Sweeney Todd.

What Musical should you see first in London? We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It’s just our view – and everyone has one – based on our Reviewers’ thoughts. We will update the list regularly so new productions get on your radar and when original casts change that is factored in. Plays which have been running for more than three years are not included – this is a list for new or relatively new productions running in London. So go see them! 1. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical The throbbing, majestic and luminous heart of this production comes from Katie Brayben’s faultless, radiant and absolutely triumphant turn as Carole King. Brayben recreates the feel, the sound, the look of Carole King in a completely authentic and resonant way – she feels like the natural woman. Read Our Review | Book Tickets 2. … Read more

New Cast Announced For Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical, News, West End
Charlie and the chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Dury Lane

Now approaching its second anniversary, producers of the hit musical Charlie And The Chocolate Factory have announced the cast that will perform in the show into its third year. It was previously announced that Jonathan Slinger will be taking on the role of Willy Wonka. Alongside Jonathan will be Kraig Thornber (Grandpa George), Lara Denning (Mrs Bucket) and Mark Oxtoby (Jerry), among other new names. Original company members Ross Dawes and Derek Hagen will take over the roles of Mr Salt and Mr Bucket respectively. An unheard of two-thirds of the current cast will continue performing in Wonka’s factory. The continuing cast includes Roni Page, Myra Sands, Ross Dawes, Jasna Ivir, Paul J. Medford, Kate Graham Derek Hagen and Joe Allen, who have all been with the show since it opened in Spring 2013. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory continues to be one of the West End’s most popular stage … Read more

Jonathan Slinger Named As New Willy Wonka

News, West End
Jonathan Slinger takes over the role of Willy Wonka from May 4 in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at London's Drury Lane Theatre

It was announced today that Jonathan Slinger will replace Alex Jennings in the role of Willy Wonka in the smash hit musical Charlie And The Chocolate Factory from Monday 4 May 2015. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has quickly become one of the West End’s most popular and successful stage musicals. It has broken multiple records at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it has been seen by over 1.25 million people since it opened in June 2013. It is currently taking bookings until 4 June 2016. In a stage career spanning two decades, Jonathan Slinger has cemented his position amongst the foremost Shakespearean actors of the age. His extensive appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company include the title roles in recent productions of Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard II and Richard III; Malvolio in Twelfth Night, Prospero in The Tempest and Dromio and Puck in The Comedy of Errors … Read more

London’s Ten Best Musicals – 6th February 2015

News, West End
Standing Ovation

10 Best New Musicals in the West End What Musical should you see first in London? We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It’s just our view – and everyone has one – based on our Reviewers’ thoughts. We will update the list regularly so new productions get on your radar and when original casts change that is factored in. Musicals which have been running for more than three years are not included – this is a list for new or relatively new productions running in London. There are some great deals available for some of the shows on the list where you can save up to 60% on tickets. So go see them! If you prefer plays check out our Top 10 London Plays list. 1. Assassins – SOLD OUT What is most impressive about Lloyd’s Assassins is the way it can … Read more

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Extends Booking Period

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical, News, West End
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical London

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory continues its record-breaking run at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane with the announcement that is will be extending bookings until 4th June 2016.  This new booking period will go on sale on 9th February 2015. Producers also revealed that Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory broke the record for the highest weekly gross sales for a third time, taking more than £1.1 million in the week commencing 29 December 2014. That week saw the 2,200 seat theatre – one of the largest in the West End – 100% full, for every single performance. The production celebrated its 700th performance in the West End on Saturday 24th January 2015. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is directed by Sam Mendes. Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the wonder of the original story that has captivated the world for almost 50 years is brought to life with music by Marc … Read more

14 Nov – Critics Choice – Top 10 West End Musicals

News, West End
Natalie Mendoza in Here Lies Love at the Dorfman Theatre

What Musical should you see first in London’s West End? We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It’s just our view – and everyone has one – based on our Reviewers’ thoughts. We will update the list regularly so new productions get on your radar and when original casts change that is factored in. Musicals which have been running for more than three years are not included – this is a list for new or relatively new productions running in the West End. So go see them! We’d like to know your thoughts. To vote for your favourite West End play and musical CLICK HERE 1. Here Lies Love – Imelda has done it again! ✭✭✭✭✭ 2. Urinetown ✭✭✭✭✭ 3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ✭✭✭✭ 4. Scottsboro Boys ✭✭✭✭✭ 5. Made In Dagenham ✭✭✭✭ 6. White Christmas ✭✭✭✭ 7. Once ✭✭✭✭✭ 8. … Read more