Cast update for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical Jonathan Slinger as Willy Wonka

Jonathan Slinger has been cast in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. He will take over from Alex Jennings in the role of Willy Wonka from 4 May 2015.

The musical, directed by Sam Mendes, opened at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, 25 June 2013, following previews from 18 May 2013 - booking to 4 June 2016. Current cast includes Barry James (Grandpa Joe), Clive Carter (Mr Salt), Josefina Gabrielle (Mrs Teavee), Jasna Ivir (Mrs Gloop), Paul J Medford (Mr Beauregarde ), Billy Boyle (Grandpa George), Richard Dempsey (Mr Bucket), Kirsty Malpass (Mrs Bucket), Roni Page (Grandma Josephine) and Myra Sands (Grandma Georgina).

Jonathan Slinger's stage credits include numerous appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, such as title roles in "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Richard II" and "Richard III". Slinger's most recent West End stage role was playing Officer Lockstock in Jamie Lloyd's acclaimed production of "Urinetown The Musical", at the Apollo Theatre.

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 and sound by Paul Arditti.

Synopsis: "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."

The show, which has broken multiple records at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it has been seen by over 1.25 million people since it opened, is produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick.