Sneak peek at... the new cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

First production images have been released featuring the new West End cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory who join the show from tonight (4th May 2015). Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

Directed by Sam Mendes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is currently booking at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane to 4th June 2016. The show has been seen by 1.25 million people since it opened in June 2013.

Jonathan Slinger plays Willy Wonka alongside Kraig Thornber (Grandpa George), Lara Denning (Mrs Bucket) and Mark Oxtoby (Jerry). Originating company members Ross Dawes and Derek Hagen take over as Mr Salt and Mr Bucket respectively.

Jonathan Slinger to star as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

It has been confirmed that Jonathan Slinger will star as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The actor recently starred in Urinetown (St James/Apollo).

Slinger will play his first performance on Monday 4th May 2015 and, according to the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, is contracted to star in the show until April 2016. He takes over from Alex Jennings.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has broken multiple records at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it has been seen by over 1.25 million people since it opened in June 2013. It is currently taking bookings until 4th June 2016.

Review: Urinetown at the Apollo Theatre

Urinetown

Apollo Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 8th October 2014

★★★★★

Jonathan Slinger

For the past few months I've been telling everyone who missed Urinetown during its sell-out run at the St James Theatre to make sure they catch the musical in its new West End home. Of course the reply I always receive is, "What on earth is that about?" 

To put it simply, instead of retelling a love story or following a journey to self-discovery as many musicals do, Urinetown looks into how the world would cope if we lost the privilege to pee. Those who break the rules are sent to Urinetown but, of course, there is a rebellion.

It's important to point out that Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis' show is a satirical musical comedy. The tone is perfect with the Narrator, Officer Lockstock (Jonathan Slinger) and Little Sally (Karis Jack) making fun of musicals in general as well as Urinetown's dark story and peculiar title. The piece is written cleverly and it's so refreshing to see it in the West End. The satirical humour makes Urinetown totally unique and I am confident it could build up a hugely dedicated audience.

Urinetown confirms further casting for West End transfer

Producers of Urinetown have confirmed casting details for the musical's West End transfer. As we reported last night, Jenna Russell (pictured right) and Jonathan Slinger will reprise their performances as Penelope Pennywise and Officer Lockstock

Marc Elliott, Rosanna Hyland and Karis Jack will also reprise their performances as Mr. McQueen, Hope Cladwell and Little Sally.

Further confirmed casting (from Urinetown’s original UK premiere run at the St James Theatre) includes: Chris Bennett (Swing), Katie Bernstein (Little Becky Two Shoes/Mrs. Millennium), Cory English (Old Man Strong/Hot Blades Harry), Madeleine Harland (Soupy Sue), Julie Jupp (Old Woman/ Josephine Strong), Aaron Lee Lambert (Billy Boy Bill/ UGC Executive), Mark Meadows (Senator Fipp), Joel Montague (Swing) and Jeff Nicholson (Tiny Tom/ Dr. Billeaux).