STAGE TUBE: New Cast and Video Released for West End's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY - Jonathan Slinger, Kraig Thornber, Lara Denning & More

As the hit West End show Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, approaches its second anniversary, producers today announced the cast that will take it into its third year. Alongside Jonathan Slinger as Willy Wonka will be Kraig Thornber (Grandpa George), Lara Denning (Mrs Bucket) and Mark Oxtoby (Jerry), among other new names. Originating company members Ross Dawes and Derek Hagen will take over the roles of Mr Salt and Mr Bucket respectively.

Almost two-thirds of the current cast will be staying with the show for another year in Wonka's factory, including Myra Sands, Roni Page, Jasna Ivir, Ross Dawes, Paul J. Medford, Derek Hagen, Kate Graham and Joe Allen, who have all been with the show since it opened in Spring 2013.

The producers of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory also announced today that the show's popular 'Golden Ticket' Gift Tokens are now available to purchase online, just in time for Easter. The vouchers are valid for any performance of the show (currently booking until June 2016), and make the perfect gift for any special occasion.

Full cast (from 4 May 2015): Jonathan Slinger, Barry James, Ross Dawes, Josefina Gabrielle, Jasna Ivir, Paul J. Medford, Lara Denning, Derek Hagen, Roni Page, Myra Sands, Kraig Thornber, Joe Allen, Meg Astin, Joel Baylis, Andy Brady, Simon Campbell, Georgia Carling, Andrew Carthy, Collette Coleman, Dan Cooke, Divine Cresswell, Billy Cullum, Connor Dowling, Kelly Edwards, Gemma Fuller, Kate Graham, Sam Lathwood, Lucinda Lawrence, Mark Oxtoby, Matthew Rowland, Rebecca Seale, Steven Serlin, Gregory Sims, Robert Tregoning, Tara Verloop, Michelle White, Mark Williamson.

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 more than 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.

Golden Ticket Gift Tokens can be purchased online at www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.com, in person at the box office, or by phone on 0844 874 0664, and redeemed at the box office or by phone.

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.

This world premiere musical is produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Langley Park Productions.

www.CharlieandtheChocolateFactory.com
Box Office: 0844 858 8877
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5JF
Booking until 4thJune 2016