South Pacific Eyes London Palladium; Willy Wonka Delayed

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific may head to the West End's London Palladium this fall, with Samantha Womack as Nellie Forbush, according to the U.K.'s Daily Mail. No official casting or start dates for the possible Palladium run, based on Lincoln Center Theater's Tony-winning revival, have been confirmed. Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman’s musical adaptation of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, had originally been eyeing the Palladium this fall, but is now planning a fall 2013 opening.

Based on the book Tales of the South Pacific, the musical follows the love story between a young nurse and a Frenchman involved in a World War II military mission. The revival originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre in 2011, starring Broadway cast members Paolo Szot (who earned a Tony Award for playing Emilie de Becque) and .

Womack is currently starring as Nellie in the U.K. touring cast of South Pacific. Her West End credits include Grease and Guys & Dolls.