Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Close in the West End; Broadway on Deck

That golden ticket’s good for one more year. The West End production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is set to close in 2017. The production, which began in 2013 at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, is currently on sale through January 7. No official closing date has been announced.

The musical adaptation of the Roald Dahl story is also eyeing a Broadway bow in the 2016-17 season. Tony winner Jack O’Brien is reportedly on tap to direct the production on this side of the pond, taking over for Sam Mendes.

Based on Dahl’s 1964 children’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features a book by David Greig and music and lyrics by Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It follows the adventures of young Charlie Bucket as he and four other children win golden tickets to visit the strange and eccentric world of Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory.

The West End cast currently features Jonathan Slinger as Willy Wonka, Joe Butler-Smith, Noah Crump, Johnny Evans-Hutchison and Zachary Loonie alternating in the role of Charlie Bucket. Also on board are Barry James as Grandpa Joe, Ross Dawes as Mr. Salt, Josefina Gabrielle as Mrs. Teavee, Jasna Ivir as Mrs Gloop, Paul J. Medford as Mr. Beauregarde, Claire Carrie as Grandma Josephine, Lara Denning as Mrs. Bucket, Myra Sands as Grandma Georgina, Kraig Thornber as Grandpa George and Chris Grahamson as Mr. Bucket.