Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (musical)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a musical based on the 1964 children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, with book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Official London artwork
Music	Marc Shaiman
Lyrics	Marc Shaiman Scott Wittman
Book	David Greig
Basis	Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Productions	2013 West End 2017 Broadway 2018 1st U.S. tour 2020 2nd U.S. tour 2022 U.K. tour

Directed by Sam Mendes, the musical premiered in the West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in June 2013 and ran for 3 years and 7 months before closing on 7 January 2017. In 2013 the production broke the record for weekly ticket sales in London.^[1] While receiving mixed reviews from critics, the show won two Laurence Olivier Awards in 2014 for Best Costume Design and Best Lighting Design. The show was reworked for a Broadway production opening in April 2017 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and ran almost nine months before closing in January 2018. A U.S. Tour opened 21 September 2018 at Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York and an Australian Tour at Capitol Theatre on 11 January 2019. A second U.S. Tour launched on 1 January 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Broadway version of the musical has been acquired for licensing rights in North America, Europe and Australia by Music Theatre International.^[2]

Background

The musical is based on the 1964 children's novel by Roald Dahl.^[3] Producers held a first reading of the first act from the show in New York City in May 2010, with the intention of opening in London the following year.^[4][5][6]

Officially confirmed on 18 June 2012, producers announced that the show would play the London Palladium beginning in May 2013, with tickets going on sale in October 2012, before the venue was later changed to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.^[7][8]

The book was written by playwright David Greig with original score composed by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman.^[9] The production was directed by Sam Mendes, with choreography by Peter Darling, accompanied with the assistance of Brandon Duncan, set design by Mark Thompson and lighting design by Paul Pyant.^[10]

The show presents a more contemporary version of the original story.^[11][12] During previews, many changes were made, most significantly the addition of the Great Glass Elevator.^[13]

Production history

West End (2013–2017)

 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory bill boards at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 2014.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was scheduled to begin previews on 17 May 2013, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, before holding its official opening night on 25 June 2013.^{[14][15][16][17]} The show was originally scheduled to open at the London Palladium.^[18] Previews of the show were delayed by five days until 22 May, due to "unforeseen problems in the delivery of a piece of stage engineering by a contractor".^[19][20] Shortly after opening night the show's producers extended booking period through May 2014,^[21] with a further extension to November 2014, after ticket sales of approximately 300,000 through October 2013.^[22] In February 2015, the production booking further extended through 3 December 2016.^[23] The show currently holds the record for the highest weekly gross in the West End, with an income of £1,080,260 during the week commencing 30 December 2013.^[24] The first major cast change took place in May 2014, when Alex Jennings replaced Hodge as Wonka.^[25] In May 2015 a second cast change took place, with Jonathan Slinger as Wonka.^[26]

On 23 February 2016, producers once again extended booking through January 2017. The production closed on 7 January 2017.^[27]

Broadway (2017–2018)

A reworked version of the show opened on Broadway in Spring 2017 with changes including new direction by Jack O'Brien, new choreography by Josh Bergasse and a new set design by original designer Mark Thompson.^[28] Due to other commitments, Mendes stayed as producer only, but did participate in the selection of O'Brien as replacement director.^[29] O'Brien stated the score would pay homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley songs written for the 1971 film and would also feature the songs written by Shaiman and Wittman.^[30] In August 2016, O'Brien confirmed that "The Candy Man" and "Pure Imagination" would be included in the musical.^[31]

On 9 May 2016, producers announced that the show would open at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre starring Christian Borle as Willy Wonka, Jake Ryan Flynn, Ryan Foust, and Ryan Sell as Charlie Bucket, John Rubinstein as Grandpa Joe, Emily Padgett as Mrs. Bucket, Jackie Hoffman as Mrs. Teavee, Kathy Fitzgerald as Mrs. Gloop, Alan H. Green as Mr. Beauregarde, Trista Dollison as Violet Beauregarde, Ben Crawford as Mr. Salt, Mike Wartella as Mike Teavee, Emma Pfaeffle as Veruca Salt, and F. Michael Haynie as Augustus Gloop.^[32][33] Previews began on 28 March 2017 with the opening night on 23 April 2017.^[34] Reviews of the production were mixed to negative, with some critics citing poor staging and restructuring of the story as primary issues.^[35]

For this production, the characters of Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee are played by adult actors, unlike the child actors in the London production, while the character of Charlie is still filled by a child actor.^[36]

On 15 November 2017, producers announced that production would close on 14 January 2018, after 27 previews and 305 performances.^[37]

US National Tours (2018–2022)

The 1st National Tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory premiered on 21 September 2018 in Buffalo, New York at Shea's Performing Arts Center.^[37] It was a replica of the Broadway production, with an updated set, primarily using several LED screens around the stage. The show starred Noah Weisberg as Willy Wonka, James Young as Grandpa Joe and Amanda Rose as Mrs. Bucket, with the role of Charlie being alternated between Henry Boshart, Collin Jeffery and Rueby Wood.^[38] Reviews for the 1st National Tour were mixed. The production closed on 13 October 2019 in Tampa, Florida.

The 2nd National Tour started in Miami, Florida in January 2020 featuring Non-Equity actors. Willy Wonka was played by Cody Garcia, Grandpa Joe was played by Steve McCoy, Mrs. Bucket was played by Caitlin Lester-Sams, and the role of Charlie Bucket alternated between both Brody Bett and Ryan Umbarila.^[39] The 2nd National Tour had another update on set design, using one LED projection screen instead of several. This tour took a pause in March 2020 (while in Grand Rapids, Michigan), due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2nd National Tour resumed on 12 October 2021 in Syracuse, New York. As Charlie Bucket, the three boys alternating the role were Kai Edgar, Coleman Simmons, and William Goldsman. The tour closed on 19 June 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Eccles Theatre.

Australian Tour (2019–2021)

Previews of the Australian premiere of the musical was held at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on 5 January 2019 and opened on the 11th.^[40] The musical is a replica production of the US tour. On 13 October the primary cast was announced and includes U.S. actor Paul Slade Smith (who played Grandpa George in the original cast on Broadway) as Willy Wonka alongside Australian actors Tony Sheldon as Grandpa Joe and Lucy Maunder as Mrs Bucket. In Sydney, the role of Charlie was shared between Tommy Blair, Ryan Yates, Xion Jarvis and Oliver Alkhair.^[41] After ending its Sydney run on Sunday 28 July, the show transferred to Melbourne in August 2019 at Her Majesty's Theatre.^[42] The show was initially scheduled to head to Brisbane in March 2020 at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show reopened in Brisbane on 2 September 2021. Stephen Anderson, who previously played Mr. Salt in the production took over the role of Willy Wonka. The tour made its final stop Perth in November 2021.

UK and Ireland tour (2022–2023)

The musical had its UK regional premiere at the Leeds Playhouse on 18 November 2022 until 28 January 2023 in a new production directed by James Brining and designed by Simon Higlett.^[43] Following the run in Leeds, the production will tour the UK and Ireland from February 2023. The casting was announced on 26 September 2022 including Gareth Snook as Willy Wonka.^[44] Reviews for the UK and Ireland Tour so far have been positive to mixed. The role of Charlie is now able to be played by boys and girls.

Other international productions

The first non-English production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opened on 8 November 2019 at La Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan, Italy.^[45] The production starred Christian Ginepro as Willy Wonka, with the role of Charlie shared between Gregorio Jeesee Cattaneo, Alessandro Notari, and Alberto Salve.^[46] The show closed on 23 February 2020, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

A Norwegian production of the show opened on 9 November 2019 at Det Norske Teatret.^[47] Fridtjof Stensæth Josefsen portrayed Willy Wonka, while Ole Opsal Stavrum and Peter Andreas Hjellnes Moseng shared the role of Charlie.

A Brazilian production was announced in November 2019, produced by Atelier de Cultura. Cleto Baccic stars as Willy Wonka. The five children are played by child actors, as in the original London production. The show was planned to open in March 2020, at the Teatro Alfa in São Paulo. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the season was postponed. The show eventually opened on 17 September 2021 at the Teatro Renault.^[48] The production closed on 19 December 2021.

In November 2019, Alexandre Piot announced that a French production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory would open in Paris on 23 September 2020 at the Théâtre du Gymnase Marie Bell,^[49] with Arnaud Denissel in the role of Willy Wonka. Like the London production, the five kids are all played by child actors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show was postponed. The show opened on 31 October 2021. The show moved to the Théâtre Marigny on 18 February 2022 and closed on 9 April 2022.

A Danish production opened at the Aarhus Theatre on 6 May 2021.^{[citation needed]} Simon Mathew played Willy Wonka and Anders Baggesen played Grandpa Joe, while the role of Charlie was shared between Bertram Jarkilde and Oskar Mehlbye. The production closed at the Aarhus Theatre on 19 June 2021. The show transferred to the Østre Gasværk Teater on 11 February 2022 with Cartsen Svendsen in the role of Willy Wonka, alongside Kurt Ravn as Grandpa Joe and Bertram Hasforth Klem and Bertram Jarkilde sharing the role of Charlie. The production closed on 10 April 2022.

In June 2020, Deep Bridge announced a Flemish production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Nordin De Moor as Willy Wonka. Originally scheduled to open in December 2021, this production opened on 11 December 2022 at Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen.^[50] The making of this production and the reveal of the actors playing Charlie were discussed in the documentary series "Getekend Charlie Bucket" ("Signed Charlie Bucket"). The show will be returning in the 2024 holiday season.^[50]

A Dutch production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory began touring the Netherlands on 26 August 2022 at the Zaantheater.^[51] Much like the West End production, the five kids are played by child actors. In July 2022, it was announced that Remko Vridag will play Willy Wonka.^[52]

A Spanish production ran form 22 September 2022 to 9 April 2023 at Espacio Ibercaja Delicias in Madrid, with Edu Soto as Willy Wonka.^[53] After closing in Madrid, the show toured Spain from 6 October 2023 to 4 February 2024, with Daniel Diges as Willy Wonka.

A Japanese production opened on 9 October 2023 at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, with Koichi Domoto from KinKi Kids as Willy Wonka, Alisa Mizuki as Mrs. Bucket, Kumiko Mori and Honoka Suzuki as Mrs. Gloop, Yūji Kishi as Mr. Salt, Kazumasa Koura as Mr. Beauregarde, Mao Ayabuki as Mrs. Teavee and Kazuki Kosakai as Grandpa Joe.^{[citation needed]} As in the London production, the five children are all played by child actors with Osuke Ono, Cho Shi and Koki Wakusawa sharing the role of Charlie Bucket, Ryunosuke Kuroiwa and Reisa Goto sharing the role of Augustus Gloop, Aone Maisaki and Rimu Miyake sharing the role of Veruca Salt, Hiname Utada and Yuzuki Doi sharing the role of Violet Beauregarde and Hisato Suzuki and Seita Nakano sharing the role of Mike Teavee.

On 2 October 2023, it was announced a Swedish production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will premiere in September 2024 at the Gothenburg opera house. ^[54]

Musical numbers

London

Act I

• "Almost Nearly Perfect" - Charlie Bucket
• "The Amazing Fantastical History of Mr. Willy Wonka" - Grandparents
• "A Letter from Charlie Bucket" - Charlie Bucket, Mr. Bucket, Mrs. Bucket, and Grandparents
• "More of Him to Love" - Mrs. Gloop, Augustus Gloop, and Mr. Gloop
• "When Veruca Says" - Mr. Salt and Veruca Salt
• "The Double Bubble Duchess" † - Mr. Beauregarde, Violet Beauregarde, and Ensemble
• "It's Teavee Time!" - Mrs. Teavee and Mike Teavee
• "If Your Mother Were Here" - Mr. Bucket and Mrs. Bucket
• "Don'cha Pinch Me, Charlie" - Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, Grandparents, Mr. Bucket, and Mrs. Bucket
• "It Must Be Believed to Be Seen" - Willy Wonka

Act II

• "Strike That! Reverse It!" - Willy Wonka and Ensemble
• "Simply Second Nature" - Willy Wonka
• "Auf Wiedersehen Augustus Gloop" - Oompa-Loompas and Willy Wonka
• "Juicy!" - Oompa-Loompas and Willy Wonka
• "Veruca's Nutcracker Sweet" - Oompa-Loompas
• "Vidiots" - Oompa-Loompas, Willy Wonka and Mrs. Teavee
• "Pure Imagination" †† - Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket
• "A Little Me" - Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, Oompa-Loompas, Mr. Bucket, Mrs. Bucket, and Grandparents
• "It Must Be Believed to Be Seen" (Reprise) - Willy Wonka

† Replaced, as of 2016, by "The Queen of Pop".

†† Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Music by Anthony Newley for the 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Broadway

Act I

• "The Candy Man" † - Willy Wonka and Ensemble
• "Willy Wonka! Willy Wonka!" - Charlie Bucket and Ensemble
• "The Candy Man" (Reprise) † - Charlie Bucket
• "Charlie, You and I" - Grandpa Joe
• "A Letter from Charlie Bucket" - Charlie Bucket, Mrs. Bucket, and Grandparents
• "More of Him to Love" - Mrs. Gloop, Augustus Gloop, and Ensemble
• "When Veruca Says" - Mr. Salt and Veruca Salt
• "The Queen of Pop" - Mr. Beauregarde, Violet Beauregarde, and Ensemble
• "What Could Possibly Go Wrong?" †† - Mrs. Teavee, Mike Teavee, and Ensemble
• "If Your Father Were Here" - Mrs. Bucket
• "I've Got a Golden Ticket" † / "Grandpa Joe" - Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, Grandparents, and Mrs. Bucket
• "It Must Be Believed to Be Seen" - Willy Wonka and Company

Act II

• "Strike That! Reverse It!" - Willy Wonka and Company
• "Pure Imagination" † / "Grandpa Joe" (Reprise) - Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, and the Golden Ticket Winners
• "The Oompa Loompa Song" † - Oompa Loompas
• "Auf Wiedersehen Augustus Gloop" - Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas
• "When Willy Met Oompa" - Willy Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas
• "Veruca's Nutcracker Sweet" – The Squirrels
• "Vidiots" – Willy Wonka, Mrs. Teavee and the Oompa-Loompas
• "The View From Here" - Willy Wonka and Charlie

† Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Music by Anthony Newley for the 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

†† Replaced by "That Little Man of Mine" starting from the 1st National Tour and every professional production following that. A reprise of "That Little Man of Mine" by Mrs. Teavee was also added after "Vidiots".

UK Tour

Act I

• "Almost Nearly Perfect" - Charlie Bucket
• "Charlie, You and I" - Grandpa Joe
• "The Amazing Fantastical History of Mr. Willy Wonka" - Grandparents and Charlie Bucket
• "A Letter from Charlie Bucket" - Charlie Bucket, Mrs. Bucket, and Grandparents
• "More of Him to Love" - Mrs. Gloop, Augustus Gloop, and Mr. Gloop
• "When Veruca Says" - Mr. Salt and Veruca Salt
• "The Queen of Pop" - Mrs. Beauregarde, Violet Beauregarde, and Ensemble
• "Charlie, You and I" (Reprise) - Grandpa Joe
• "The Teavee Family" †† - Mrs. Teavee, Mike Teavee, and Ensemble
• "The Candy Man" † - Mrs. Bucket
• "Almost Nearly Perfect" (Reprise) - Charlie Bucket
• "Don'cha Pinch Me, Charlie" - Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, Grandparents, Mrs. Bucket, and Ensemble
• "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" / "It Must Be Believed to Be Seen" - Willy Wonka and Ensemble

Act II

• "Strike That! Reverse It!" - Willy Wonka and Company
• "Pure Imagination" † - Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, and the Golden Ticket Winners
• "Auf Wiedersehen Augustus Gloop" - Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas
• "You Got Whacha Want" - Oompa-Loompas and Willy Wonka
• "Veruca's Nutcracker Sweet" - Oompa-Loompas
• "Vidiots" - Oompa-Loompas, Willy Wonka and Mrs. Teavee
• "A Letter from Charlie Bucket" (Reprise) - Charlie Bucket
• "The View From Here" - Willy Wonka and Charlie
• "The Candy Man" (Reprise) - Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, Mrs. Bucket, and Grandparents
• "Almost Nearly Perfect" (Reprise) - Willy Wonka

† Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Music by Anthony Newley for the 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

†† “The Teavee Family” is the same song as “It's Teavee Time!" with a different title.

Cast albums

Original London cast recording

A London original cast album was released on 7 October 2013.^[55]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical
Soundtrack album cast recording by Various
Released	7 October 2013 (2013-10-07)
Length	69:08
Label	Sony Classical Records^[56]

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Opening"	0:46
2.	"Almost Nearly Perfect"	2:57
3.	"The Amazing Fantastical History Of Mr. Willy Wonka"	5:23
4.	"A Letter From Charlie Bucket"	3:33
5.	"News Of Augustus"	1:03
6.	"More Of Him To Love"	2:12
7.	"News Of Veruca"	0:36
8.	"When Veruca Says"	1:34
9.	"News Of Violet"	0:26
10.	"The Double Bubble Duchess"	2:48
11.	"News Of Mike"	0:09
12.	"It's Teavee Time"	3:27
13.	"If Your Mother Was Here"	3:41
14.	"Don'cha Pinch Me Charlie"	6:04
15.	"It Must Be Believed To Be Seen"	4:35
16.	"Strike That, Reverse It"	5:30
17.	"The Chocolate Room"	1:32
18.	"Simply Second Nature"	3:24
19.	"Augustus' Downfall"	0:38
20.	"Auf Wiedersehen Augustus Gloop"	2:34
21.	"Gum!"	0:53
22.	"Juicy!"	2:20
23.	"Veruca's Nutcracker Sweet"	2:15
24.	"Vidiots"	3:02
25.	"Pure Imagination"	3:40
26.	"A Little Me"	2:40
27.	"It Must Be Believed To Be Seen (Reprise)"	2:06

Original Broadway cast recording

A Broadway cast recording was released digitally on 2 June and in stores on 23 June on the Masterworks Broadway label.^[57]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical
Soundtrack album cast recording by Various
Released	2 June 2017 (2017-06-02) (Digital) 23 June 2017 (2017-06-23) (CD)
Length	57:00
Label	Masterworks Broadway

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Overture"	0:26
2.	"The Candy Man"	3:11
3.	"Willy Wonka! Willy Wonka!"	2:47
4.	"Charlie, You And I"	1:34
5.	"A Letter From Charlie Bucket"	3:23
6.	"More Of Him To Love"	2:07
7.	"When Veruca Says"	1:43
8.	"Queen of Pop"	2:34
9.	"What Could Possibly Go Wrong?"	2:15
10.	"If Your Father Were Here"	2:49
11.	"I've Got A Golden Ticket/Grandpa Joe"	4:13
12.	"It Must Be Believed To Be Seen"	4:24
13.	"Strike That, Reverse It"	5:32
14.	"Pure Imagination/Grandpa Joe (reprise)"	3:30
15.	"The Oompa Loompa Song/Auf Wiedersehen Augustus Gloop"	2:18
16.	"When Willy Met Oompa"	3:55
17.	"Veruca's Nutcracker Sweet"	1:36
18.	"Vidiots"	2:42
19.	"The View From Here"	6:03

Orchestrations

The West End production had a 16 piece orchestra + conductor, which was orchestrated by Doug Besterman. The Broadway production had a 17 piece orchestra + conductor, which was also orchestrated by Besterman and with additional orchestrations by Michael Starobin.

	West End	Broadway
	Conductor	Conductor
Rhythm Section	Keyboard 1 Keyboard 2 Keyboard 3 Drums Percussion Bass (String and Electric) Guitars	Keyboard 1 Keyboard 2 Keyboard 3 Drums Percussion Bass (String and Electric) Guitars
Reeds	Reed 1: Flute/Piccolo/Alto Sax/Clarinet Reed 2: Tenor Sax/Clarinet/Soprano Sax/Flute Reed 3: Baritone Sax/Bassoon/Clarinet/Bass Clarinet	Reed 1: Flute/Piccolo/Alto Sax/Clarinet Reed 2: Oboe/English Horn Reed 3: Tenor Sax/Clarinet/Soprano Sax/Flute Reed 4: Baritone Sax/Bassoon/Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Brass	Trumpet/Piccolo Trumpet/Flugelhorn Trombone French Horn	Trumpet/Piccolo Trumpet/Flugelhorn Trombone French Horn
Strings	Violin 1/Concertmaster Violin 2 Cello	Violin 1/Concertmaster Violin 2 Cello

Principal roles and cast members

Character	West End ^[58]	Broadway	1st US Tour	2nd US Tour	UK Tour
	2013	2017	2018	2020	2022
Willy Wonka	Douglas Hodge	Christian Borle	Noah Weisberg	Cody Garcia	Gareth Snook
Charlie Bucket	Jack Costello Tom Klenerman Isaac Rouse Louis Suc	Jake Ryan Flynn Ryan Foust Ryan Sell	Henry Boshart Collin Jeffrey Rueby Wood	Brody Bett Ryan Umbarila	Amelia Minto Kayleen Nguema Isaac Sugden Noah Walton
Grandpa Joe	Nigel Planer	John Rubinstein	James Young	Steve McCoy	Michael D'Cruze
Mrs. Bucket	Alex Clatworthy	Emily Padgett	Amanda Rose	Caitlin Lester-Sams	Leonie Spilsbury
Mrs. Gloop	Jasna Ivir	Kathy Fitzgerald		Audrey Belle Adams	Kate Milner-Evans
Mr. Salt	Clive Carter	Ben Crawford	Nathaniel Hackmann	Scott Fuss	Christopher Howell
Mr. Beauregarde	Paul J. Medford	Alan H. Green	David Samuel	Branden R. Mangan	Julie Mullins ^[note 1]
Mrs. Teavee	Iris Roberts	Jackie Hoffman	Madeleine Doherty	Katie Fay Francis	Leonie Spilsbury
Augustus Gloop	Harrison Slater Jenson Steele Regan Stokes	F. Michael Haynie	Matt Wood	Sam St. Jean	Robin Simões da Silva
Veruca Salt	Polly Allen Tia Noakes Ellie Simons	Emma Pfaeffle	Jessica Cohen	Angela Palladini	Kazmin Borrer
Violet Beauregarde	India Ria Amarteifio Adrianna Bertola Jade Johnson Mya Olaye	Trista Dollison	Brynn Williams	Zakiya Baptiste	Marisha Morgan
Mike Teavee	Jay Heyman Adam Mitchell Luca Toomey	Michael Wartella	Daniel Quadrino	Matthew Boyd Snyder	Teddy Hinde
Grandma Josephine	Roni Page	Kristy Cates	Jennifer Jill Malenke	Jenna Brooke Scannelli	Kate Milner-Evans
Grandpa George	Billy Boyle	Paul Slade Smith	Benjamin Howes	Ryan Kiernan	Christopher Howell
Grandma Georgina	Myra Sands	Madeleine Doherty	Claire Neumann	Nicole Zelka	Julie Mullins
Mr. Bucket	Jack Shalloo	Ryan Breslin	David Paul Kidder	Daniel Pahl	—
Mrs. Green	Michelle Bishop	Kyle Taylor Parker	Clyde Voce	Domanick Anton Hubbard	Victoria Nicol
Jerry	Ross Dawes	Jared Bradshaw	Joel Newsome	Justin White	Ewan Gillies
Cherry	Kate Graham	Stephanie Gibson	Sarah Bowden	Nicole Hale	Lucy Hutchison

Notable West End replacements

• Willy Wonka - Alex Jennings, Jonathan Slinger
• Grandpa Joe - Barry James, Kraig Thornber, Billy Boyle
• Mrs. Teavee - Josefina Gabrielle
• Mr. Bucket - Richard Dempsey

Critical reception

West End

The West End production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory received mixed to positive reviews from critics.^[59] While the physical production and quality of the performances were generally praised, the score and storytelling received criticism.

Broadway

The Broadway production received mixed to negative reviews from critics.^[35] Despite the enormous overhaul to both the book and score from the London production, critics noted that the storytelling was still choppy and relied too heavily on humor. Criticism was also drawn to the decision to cast adults as the Golden Ticket winners instead of children, as well as the lackluster sets redesigned for Broadway. However, Christian Borle received widespread praise for his performance as Willy Wonka, even amongst negativity towards other aspects of the show.

Australia Tour

Like the Broadway production, the Australian tour received mixed to poor reviews, as critics compared it unfavorably with the recent musical production of another Roald Dahl children's story, Matilda. Critic Tim Byrne found the original music "bland and unremarkable" likewise the sets and costumes, but praised the performances of Paul Slade Smith and Tony Sheldon, and the "ingenious" puppetry of the Oompa Loompas.^[60] Critic Cameron Woodhead didn't mind the sets and costumes but said deep structural issues remained leaving "a show that's too focused on showing off to remember the importance of the simple things".^[61]

Awards and nominations

London production

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref
2013	Evening Standard Award	Best Night Out		Nominated^[62]	^[62]
2014	Laurence Olivier Award	Best New Musical		Nominated	^[63]^[64]
		Best Actor in a Musical	Douglas Hodge	Nominated
		Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical	Nigel Planer	Nominated
		Best Set Design	Mark Thompson	Nominated
		Best Costume Design		Won
		Best Lighting Design	Paul Pyant	Won
		Best Theatre Choreographer	Peter Darling	Nominated

Broadway production

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref
2017	Chita Rivera Award	Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show	Josh Bergasse	Nominated	^[65]
		Outstanding Female Dancer in a Broadway Show	Emma Pfaeffle	Nominated
	Drama Desk Award	Outstanding Puppet Design	Basil Twist	Won
	Drama League Award	Distinguished Performance Award	Christian Borle	Nominated

Australian production

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref
2019	Helpmann Awards	Best Musical		Nominated	^[66]
		Best Direction of a Musical	Jack O'Brien	Nominated
		Best Choreography in a Musical	Joshua Bergasse	Nominated
		Best Male Actor in a Musical	Paul Slade Smith	Nominated
		Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical	Lucy Maunder	Nominated
		Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical	Tony Sheldon	Won

Notes

1. The character of Mr. Beauregarde was changed to Mrs. Beauregarde in the first UK and Ireland tour.

References

1. "West End Winners". theatrebookings.com. from the original on 3 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
2. "MTI Acquires Rights to Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Music Theatre International. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
3. Sherwin, Adam (19 June 2012). "Sam Mendes to direct West End version of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory". The Independent. London. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
4. Fleming, Mike Jr. (2 June 2010). "Sam Mendes Sweet On 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
5. Trueman, Matt (12 December 2011). "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical could be a golden ticket". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
6. Shenton, Mark (3 June 2010). "Musical Version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" Eyes West End Premiere; Sam Mendes May Direct". Playbill. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
7. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to open in West End". BBC News. 18 June 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
8. Hodari, David (18 June 2012). "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical to open next year". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
9. "About". Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Official Website. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
10. Mitford, Oliver (21 August 2013). "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Review". Best of Theatre. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
11. Brantley, Ben (26 June 2013). "Bratty Children, Beware". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
12. Taylor, Paul (26 June 2013). "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a skilful confection, but leaves you wanting more". The Independent. London. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
13. "How Douglas Hodge shaped Willy Wonka for the stage". BBC News. 21 June 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
14. "Shrek musical makes way for Charlie show". BBC News. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
15. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory show to open in London". Newsround. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
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External links

• Official website