REVIEW: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal Drury Lane ✭✭✭✭

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory At The Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Sam Mendes’ production of the musical adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is in excellent shape. Nothing indicates that more clearly than the show not missing a beat despite the fact that three understudies were called upon to perform. The company didn’t hiccup. Routines are polished and well-drilled; Mark Thompson’s wonderfully colourful, and sometimes colourless, costumes and sets are in pristine shape and conjure up the requisite sense of magic effortlessly. The tunefulness and sprightly fun of Marc Shaiman’s music remains infectious and sweet.

New Cast Announced For Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

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