Roald Dahl’s captivating dark story of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka is brought to life in a new West End musical directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes.
When Charlie gets to win a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime to feast on the sweets he’s always dreamed of.
But on the far side of the gates incredible amazement awaits him, as down the sugary corridors and among the incredible edible delights, the five lucky winners find out not everything is as sweet as it first appears to be.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features inventive stagemanship, the captivation of the original story that has captivated the world for nearly 50 years is brought to life with music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (Grammy winners for Hairspray; Smash), book by award-winning playwright and adaptor David Greig (The Bacchae; Tintin In Tibet), set and costume designs by Mark Thompson (Mamma Mia!) and choreography by Peter Darling (Billy Elliot and Matilda).
A garden made of chocolate, together with an army of squirrels and the curious and peculiar Oompa-Loompas must be seen to be believed in this spectacular new musical that is choc-full of treats to dazzle your senses.
REVIEWS:
Genni Trickett “This play is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to indulge in pure, delightful, spectacular fantasy. When you leave the theatre after seeing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory you will have, in the words of Willy Wonka himself, a Smile in your Step, and a Spring in your Heart.” Genni Trickett
Tori Jo Lau “This adaptation for the stage is stunning to look at. The sets, from the detailed mess of the Bucket household to the outstanding rooms in Willy Wonka’s factory are some of the best you can see in the West End today. It was movie magic for the stage, with great detail and care. The audience was awestruck at moments, particularly when a paper plane flew across the room. So simple, and so effective.” Tori Jo Lau
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Address: Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF
Evenings: Monday to Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees: Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm
Age Restrictions: Recommended for ages 7+ (Under 5’s will not be admitted)
Booking Until: 31st May 2014
Venue and Travel Information
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Tube Lines: Piccadilly
Directions from nearest tube: (5mins) Go right on Long Acre; turn right into Bow Street and after 100 metres it will be on your left in Russell Street/Catherine Street.
Railway Station: Charing Cross
Bus Numbers: (Aldwych) 6, 11, 13, 23, 59, 68, 87, 171, 172, 188, RV1, X68
Night Bus Numbers: (Aldwych) 6, 23, 188, N11, N13, N26, N47, N68, N87, N89, N155, N171, N551
Car Park: Drury Lane, Parker Street (5mins)
Within Congestion Zone: Yes
Venue Facilities: Air-conditioned, Bar, Disabled toilets, Infrared hearing loop, Toilets, Wheelchair accessible
A spectacle of a show with some wonderful moments not the least of which is Douglas Hodge as the mysterious Willy Wonka!
A must see however in places diction is a real problem so be prepared to ignore that and just enjoy this colourful fantasmagorical enchantment of a show!