Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2013

Run Time:
Two hours and 30 minutes
Ages: 6+
Opened: June 11, 2013
Closing: January 07, 2017

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - 2013 - West End History , Info & More

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Catherine Street London WC2B 5JB London

ROALD DAHL's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka comes to life in a brand new West End musical directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes.

When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it's the chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets he's always dreamed of. But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.

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 Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (Grammy winners for Hairspray; Smash), a book by award-winning playwright and adaptor David Greig (The Bacchae; Tintin In Tibet), set and costume designs by Mark Thompson (Mamma Mia!; One Man, Two Guvnors) and choreography by Peter Darling (Billy Elliot The Musical; Matilda The Musical).

A chocolate garden, an army of squirrels and the curiously peculiar Oompa-Loompas must be believed to be seen in this gigantic new musical that is choc-full of fantastical treats to dazzle your senses.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - 2013 - West End Cast

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West End CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Sets Closing; Broadway Next?
by Christina Mancuso - February 23, 2016

The award-winning West End production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, continues to capture the imagination of audiences as it enters its fourth and final year at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

West End's CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Plays Special Relaxed Performance Today
by BWW News Desk - January 19, 2016

The award-winning West End production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, mounts a special relaxed performance at 6pm tonight 19 January 2016.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Announces Special Relaxed Performance, Jan. 19
by Christina Mancuso - September 11, 2015

The award-winning West End production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, will mount a special relaxed performance at 6pm on Tuesday 19 January 2016.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Celebrates Second Year on the West End Tonight!
by Nicole Rosky - June 25, 2015

The award-winning West End production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, will mark its second anniversary tonight with a gala performance and party for cast, crew and special guests.

BWW Interviews: Jonathan Slinger, Talking CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY!
by Carrie Dunn - June 1, 2015

When we speak, Jonathan Slinger is a couple of weeks into his run as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. He's had a lot of press interviews lately, and combined with the strenuous performance schedule, it's no wonder he's a touch tired.

URINETOWN's Jonathan Slinger Is West End's New 'Willy Wonka', Beginning Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 2, 2015

URINETOWN's Jonathan Slinger is set to star as 'Willy Wonka' in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, beginning toinght, May 2, 2015 for a run through April 2016. He follows Alex Jennings in the role.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to Release Piano/Vocal Selections Next Month
by BWW News Desk - April 30, 2015

Dazzle your audience (friends, family, judges, casting directors, you name it!) with your own rendition of 'Pure Imagination' when Piano/Vocal Selections for the hit West End show CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY become available mid-May!

STAGE TUBE: New Cast and Video Released for West End's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY - Jonathan Slinger, Kraig Thornber, Lara Denning & More
by Christina Mancuso - March 25, 2015

As the hit West End show Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, approaches its second anniversary, producers today announced the cast that will take it into its third year. Alongside Jonathan Slinger as Willy Wonka will be Kraig Thornber (Grandpa George), Lara Denning (Mrs Bucket) and Mark Oxtoby (Jerry), among other new names. Originating company members Ross Dawes and Derek Hagen will take over the roles of Mr Salt and Mr Bucket respectively.

Photo Flash: New Character Portraits Unveiled for West End's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
by Tyler Peterson - March 20, 2015

The hit West End show Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, today released new portraits of Alex Jennings as Willy Wonka, with the five lucky golden-ticket winners who win a tour of his chocolate factory - Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee. Check them out below!

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Names Recipients of 2nd Annual 'Golden Ticket' Competition
by Tyler Peterson - March 12, 2015

Five aspiring theatre technicians have been named as this year's recipients of the 'Golden Ticket' week-long paid work placements on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the hit Olivier Award-winning musical, directed by Sam Mendes.

Jonathan Slinger Named As New Willy Wonka In CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
by Carrie Dunn - February 27, 2015

Jonathan Slinger will play Willy Wonka in the West End production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the role currently played by Alex Jennings.

URINETOWN's Jonathan Slinger Is West End's New 'Willy Wonka'
by BWW News Desk - February 26, 2015

The Daily Mail writes that URINETOWN's Jonathan Slinger is set to star as 'Willy Wonka' in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, beginning May 2, 2015 for a run through April 2016. He follows Alex Jennings in the role.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Extends Booking Through October 2015
by Tyler Peterson - September 11, 2014

September will be a month to remember for the record-breaking and award-winning West End production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes. In the month that sees the book mark its 50th anniversary, and Roald Dahl Day celebrate Dahl's work, life and legacy, the production has sold its one millionth ticket, and today producers have announced an extension to its booking period, until 31 October 2015.

Photo Flash: Alex Jennings, Ben Forster, and More Celebrate West End's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY's One Year Anniversary
by Matt Smith - June 26, 2014

Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, last night marked the first anniversary of its opening at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane with a gala performance and party for cast, crew and special guests. Check out a first look at cast members on the red carpet below!

West End's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Announces 'Golden Ticket' Work Placement Recipients
by Tyler Peterson - March 17, 2014

Following a demanding assessment day at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Friday 7th March, Ruth Blakey, Kayleigh Chapman, Jenny Milner, Erin Rankin and Lois Taviner have been offered a week-long 'Golden Ticket' paid work placement, working backstage on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the seven-time Olivier Award-nominated musical.

Alex Jennings to Replace Douglas Hodge as 'Willy Wonka' in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Beg. May 19
by BWW News Desk - February 6, 2014

The West End is getting a new Willy Wonka. Taking over for Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor Douglas Hodge in Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be fellow Olivier-winner Alex Jennings, according to the Daily Mail. Directed by Sam Mendes, the production opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 25 June 2013 and recently extended through May 20, 2015. Hodge's last performance is set for May 17, with Jennings taking over May 19, 2014.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Overture
The Candy Man
Willy Wonka, Willy Wonka
Charlie, You and I
A Letter from Charlie Bucket
More of Him to Love
When Veruca Says
The Queen of Pop
What Could Possibly Go Wrong
If Your Father Were Here
I've Got a Golden Ticket
It Must Be Believed to Be Seen
Strike That, Reverse It
Pure Imagination / Grandpa Joe (Reprise)
The Oompa Loompa Song / Auf Wiedersehen
When Willy Met Oompa
Veruca's Nutcracker Sweet
Vidiots
The View from Here
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has had 4 productions including West End which opened in 2013, Broadway which opened in 2017, US Tour which opened in 2018 and US Tour which opened in 2021.
Overture
The Candy Man
Willy Wonka, Willy Wonka
Charlie, You and I
A Letter from Charlie Bucket
More of Him to Love
When Veruca Says
The Queen of Pop
What Could Possibly Go Wrong
If Your Father Were Here
I've Got a Golden Ticket
It Must Be Believed to Be Seen
Strike That, Reverse It
Pure Imagination / Grandpa Joe (Reprise)
The Oompa Loompa Song / Auf Wiedersehen
When Willy Met Oompa
Veruca's Nutcracker Sweet
Vidiots
The View from Here

Videos