Charlie and the Chocolate Factory extends run
Casting news
SAM Mendes’ production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has once again extended its booking period at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, this time until October 31, 2015.
Previously Posted: Further cast changes have been announced for Sam Mendes’ production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is currently booking at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until May 30, 2015.
Joining the previously announced Alex Jennings (as Willy Wonka) from May 19, 2014, are Barry James (Grandpa Joe), Josefina Gabrielle (Mrs Teavee), and Richard Dempsey and Kirsty Malpass (Mr and Mrs Bucket).
Charlie Bucket loves chocolate and Mr Willy Wonka, the most wondrous inventor in the world, is opening the gates of his amazing chocolate factory to five lucky children. It’s the prize of a lifetime and more than anything else, Charlie would like a ticket.
This stage adaptation, which opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in June 2013, has a book by David Greig and new songs from Hairspray‘s Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The production has just been nominated for seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical (see nominations in full)
Barry James theatre credits include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Little Shop of Horrors (West End).
Josefina Gabrielle, who has received a 2014 Olivier Award nomination for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Merrily We Roll Along, has also appeared on stage in Two Into One (Menier Chocolate Factory), Puss in Boots (Hackney Empire), Me and My Girl (Sheffield Crucible) and Sweet Charity (Menier Chocolate Factory/West End).
Richard Dempsey’s stage work includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merchant of Venice (World Tour) and Dirty Dancing (West End).
Kirsty Malpass has previously appeared in Jerry Springer the Opera and Lord of the Rings (West End) and Stroke of Luck (Park Theatre).
Continuing in their roles are Clive Carter (Mr Salt), Jasna Ivir (Mrs Gloop), Paul J Medford (Mr Beauregarde), Billy Boyle (Grandpa George), Roni Page (Grandma Josephine) and Myra Sands (Grandma Georgina).
New ensemble members include Dan Cooke, Divine Cresswell, Connor Dowling, Gemma Fuller, Robert Jones, Matthew Rowland, Rebecca Seale, Gregory Sims, Paulo Teixeira and Laura Tyrer, with further casting to be announced.