Jonathan Slinger Named As New Willy Wonka In CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Jonathan Slinger will play Willy Wonka in the West End production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the role currently played by Alex Jennings.

Slinger's first performance will be on Monday 4 May 2015.

Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has quickly become one of the West End's most popular and successful stage musicals. It 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 4 June 2016.

In a stage career spanning two decades, Jonathan Slinger has cemented his position amongst the foremost Shakespearean actors of the age. His extensive appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company include the title roles in recent productions of Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard II and Richard III; Malvolio in Twelfth Night, Prospero in The Tempest and Dromio and Puck in The Comedy of Errors and A Midsummer Night's Dream respectively. His credits at The Globe include The Maid's Tragedy and The Winter's Tale.

Jonathan Slinger first appeared on the National Theatre stage in Richard II 20 years ago with subsequent credits there including Power, The Duchess of Malfi and The Coast of Utopia. Other theatre includes Yes, Prime Minister at Chichester Festival Theatre, Uncle Vanya at the Young Vic and As You Like It at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Last year, Jonathan made his musical theatre debut playing the role of Officer Lockstock in Jamie Lloyd's acclaimed production of Urinetown in London's West End.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is directed by Sam Mendes. Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the wonder of the original story that has captivated the world for 50 years is brought to life with music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, a book by award-winning playwright and adaptor David Greig, set and costume designs by Mark Thompson and choreography by Peter Darling.

The Official Cast Recording album is available on Sony Records, on CD and download.