Sam Mendes to Direct Stage Production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical

The much-loved Roald Dahl story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - which has already been adapted into two films - is now set to hit the stage next year in a new production directed by film Director Sam Mendes.

Here's the official press release...

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick Present Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY The Musical.

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick today announced that their production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will open at the London Palladium in June 2013 after a preview period.

The new stage musical will be directed by Sam Mendes, with a book by David Greig and new songs from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Set and costume design will be by Mark Thompson with choreography by Peter Darling. Other members of the creative team include: Doug Besterman (orchestrations); Nicholas Skilbeck (Music Director); Paul Pyant (Lighting Designer); Paul Arditti (Sound Designer) and Jon Driscoll (Video and Projection Designer).

The mysterious Willy Wonka is opening his Chocolate Factory for just one day, and for Charlie Bucket it promises to be a mouth-watering chance to feast his eyes on sweets beyond his wildest imagination. Academy Award®-winning film and theatre director Sam Mendes will bring Roald Dahl’s much-loved classic to life in this world premiere stage production.

Tickets will go on sale to the public in October 2012.

Further information is available from the website: www.CharlieandtheChocolateFactory.co.uk.