Sam Mendes to direct Willy Wonka musical

 

Robert Dex

Monday 18 June 2012

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Oscar-winning film-maker Sam Mendes is returning to the West End with a musical version of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.

The production, which will open at the London Palladium next June, includes new songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who wrote the musical Hairspray.

Roald Dahl's 1964 novel, which tells the story of Charlie Bucket's visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious factory, has twice been made into a hit film.

The 1971 film starred Gene Wilder as the mysterious Mr Wonka, with Johnny Depp taking the role in the 2005 re-make.

Mendes, who is currently working on the new James Bond film, made his name in theatre working at the Donmar Warehouse in Covent Garden.

His first film, American Beauty, won five Oscars including Best Director and Best Picture.

Mendes was married to Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet for almost seven years before the couple separated in 2010.

PA

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