New Cast for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Sam Mendes' Olivier Award nominated musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has today announced new principal cast, which will include Josefina Gabrielle as Mrs Teavee from 19 May 2014.

The musical, which features an original score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman, originally opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 25 June 2013, following previews from 22 May. It has since been nominated for seven Olivier Awards, including the award for Best New Musical.

Joining the previously announced Alex Jennings as Willy Wonka, who takes over the role from Douglas Hodge, will be Josefina Gabrielle as Mrs Teavee, Barry James as Grandpa Joe, Richard Dempsey as Mr Bucket, and Kirsty Malpass as Mrs Bucket.

Clive Carter (Mr Salt), Jasna Ivir (Mrs Gloop), Paul J Medford (Mr Beauregarde), Billy Boyle (Grandpa George), Roni Page (Grandma Josephine) and Myra Sands (Grandma Georgina) will all remain in the cast.

New ensemble members include: Dan Cooke, Divine Cresswell, Connor Dowling, Gemma Fuller, Robert Jones, Matthew Rowland, Rebecca Seale, Gregory Sims, Paulo Teixeira and Laura Tyrer.

Josefina Gabrielle, who is currently starring in Two Into One at the Menier Chocolate Factory, trained as a ballet dancer, and has featured in many West End productions, including 'Fame', 'Sweet Charity' and 'Chicago'. She starred in Trevor Nunn's revival of 'Oklahoma!' at the National Theatre playing the lead role of Laurey opposite Hugh Jackman. She recently starred in the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of 'Merrily We Roll Along' which transferred to the Harold Pinter, for which she has just been nominated for Best Supporting Role in a Musical.

Barry James's theatre credits include 'Les Miserables', 'Little Shop of Horrors' and 'Beauty and the Beast'. He also took part in the 25th Anniversary performance of 'The Phantom of the Opera' at the Royal Albert Hall. Richard Dempsey's credits include the UK Premiere of 'Dirty Dancing' and the recent production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at the Noel Coward Theatre. Kirsty Malpass last performed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 'Lord of the Rings the Musical' and has since taken lead roles in 'The Sound of Music' and 'Jerry Springer the Opera'.

The new cast begin performances at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 19 May 2014. The show is currently booking until 30 May 2015.