This musical version builds up the character of Charlie's Grandpa Joe (the highly funny Nigel Planer). Even the character of Willy Wonka, the eccentric capitalist who seeks to monopolise the world's chocolate supply, is given a darker tone than you find in the 1964 book, but warmer than the Gene Wilder/Johnny Depp film characters. Musing musical pastiches with spirited performances from the ticket-finding youngsters: bloated Bavarian Augustus Gloop, indulged balletomane Veruca Salt, streetwise Californian Violet Beauregarde, and whey-faced bullet Mike Teavee with his neurotic mother bring humour to each demise of the characters. Charlie isnt a strong character in the book (too goody goody compared to other Dahl characters) but stands his ground in this play.
The awe inspiring sets designed by mark Thompson are truly remarkable, especially on arrival at the Wonka factory where the real fun starts revealing gadgets, candy-bright edible landscapes and imminent danger of death by chocolate.
Roald Dahls
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Directed by Sam Mendes
Book by David Greig
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
Set and costume design by Mark Thompson
Choreography by Peter Darling
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5JF
Box Office: 0844 858 8877
To Book online visit: www.CharlieandtheChocolateFactory.com
Performance Times:
Monday Saturday 7.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm
Ticket Prices:
£25.00, £32.50, £39.50, £49.50, £67.50
Booking fees apply
Group Rates:
12+ Group Rate
Top price seats reduced to £45.00
Valid Mon-Thu evening & Wed matinee performances
Excludes w/c 28 October 2013
Some restrictions apply
Subject to availability
Education Rates:
10+ Schools Rate
Seats up to £49.50 reduced to £25.00
Valid Tue-Wed evening and Wed matinee performances
Excludes 22 Jul 31 Aug 2013 and 28 Oct 3 Nov 2013
Some restrictions apply
Subject to availability
