Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical, Starring Douglas Hodge, Cancels First Two West End Preview Performances

The West End will have to wait a few more days to get a peek at Willy Wonka’s factory. The world premiere of the new musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has canceled its first two preview performances due to delays in the delivery of a piece of stage equipment. Originally scheduled to premiere May 17, the production will now begin performances May 22 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. To make up for the canceled performances on May 17 and 18, an extra performance has been added on May 22, with another performance to be scheduled during a forthcoming holiday period. Opening night remains June 25, as originally scheduled.

“The whole production team is frustrated by this unforeseen delay in what has otherwise been a very smooth and exciting rehearsal period,” said production spokesman Ryan Petersen in a statement. “We’re sorry to inconvenience people who have booked for these first previews but are putting on an extra performance next Wednesday evening which will become our first public preview.”

Featuring a book by David Greig and music and lyrics by Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s book. Directed by Sam Mendes, the new production stars Tony winner Douglas Hodge as Willy Wonka, Nigel Planer as Grandpa Joe, Clive Carter as Mr. Salt and Jasna Ivir as Mrs. Gloop. No casting for Charlie and the golden ticket winners have been announced.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features set and costume design by Mark Thompson and choreography by Peter Darling.

Click below to get a sneak peek of the new musical!