Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical Sets West End Start Date at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

The previously announced musical adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will play the West End's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane beginning May 18, 2013.  Directed by Sam Mendes, the musical features a book by David Greig and music and lyrics by Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Opening night is planned for a yet to be determined date in June. The musical was originally announced to play the West End's London Palladium, but has now changed venues as the Drury Lane’s current resident, Shrek The Musical, will vacate the theater in February. No casting has been announced at this time.

Based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows the adventures of young Charlie Bucket as he and four other children are invited into the strange and eccentric world of Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory. The musical will feature choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and set design by Mark Thompson.

The book was first adapted to the big screen in 1971 under the title Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and starring Gene Wilder. In 2005, Tim Burton directed a remake using the novel's original title, with Johnny Depp playing Wonka.