Cast update for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical

Alex Jennings has been cast in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. He will take over from Douglas Hodge in the role of Willy Wonka from 19 May 2014.

The musical, directed by Sam Mendes, opened at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, 25 June 2013, following previews from 18 May 2013 - now booking to 30 May 2015. Current cast includes Nigel Planer (Grandpa Joe), Clive Carter (Mr Salt), Jasna Ivir (Mrs Gloop), Paul J Medford (Mr Beauregarde), Iris Roberts (Mrs Teavee), Myra Sands (Grandma Georgina).

Alex Jennings's stage credits include Untold Stories, The Habit of Art , Collaborators, Stuff Happens, The Liar, The Wild Duck, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Country Wife. He has also appeared in a number of films, including The Queen, Smiley's People, Hancock and Joan and Cranford. Jennings is the only performer to have won an Olivier Award in the categories of Drama, Musical and Comedy, winning Best Actor for Peer Gynt in 1996, Best Actor in a Musical for My Fair Lady in 2003, and Best Comedy Performance for Too Clever By Half in 1988.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical has book by David Greig and new songs from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Designs & costumes by Mark Thompson, choreography by Peter Darling, lighting by Paul Pyant, sound by Paul Arditti.

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.

It is produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick. Besterman (orchestrations); Nicholas Skilbeck (Music Director), Jon Driscoll (Video and Projection Designer).