A new musical based on Roald Dahl’s classic, Charlie and the chocolate factory, will open in the West End next June. The BBC News website reports that Sam Mendes, he of American Beauty fame, will direct the show. Dahl is a firm favourite with children and adults alike and Charlie and the chocolate factory is one of his best known books. It has already been adapted for the big screen twice – once in 2005 starring Johnny Depp and before that Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory was released in 1971 and starred Gene Wilder. (The 2005 version is on telly this weekend if you fancy a look!)
The producers are sure to be hoping that Charlie can replicate some of the success of the RSC’s production of Matilda the musical, also based on one of Roald Dahl’s books. Matilda has not only proved popular with audiences, but also won a record breaking seven Laurence Olivier Awards this year.
As you’d expect, Matilda and Charlie and the chocolate factory are available, along with lots of other Roald Dahl books, from Townhill Library’s Teaching Practice collection. If you haven’t already read it (or if you have!), Dahl’s autobiography, Boy, is well worth a look. His preoccupation with the sweet shop and his boarding school’s location next to the Cadbury factory might offer clues as to his inspiration for Charlie and the chocolate factory!
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