Will it be a Golden Ticket? Sam Mendes' Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens tonight

Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes will treat audiences to a musical feast when his new stage version of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory opens in the West End tonight.

Stars including Uma Thurman, Lily Allen, Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick are expected to attend the opening night of the new production at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Based on the much loved children's book by Roald Dahl, the show features all new songs and music, along with spectacular set and costume designs recreating the world of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.

Douglas Hodge stars as eccentric factory boss Willy Wonka, while the cast also includes former Young Ones star Nigel Planer as Grandpa Joe, and young newcomer Jack Costello as Charlie Bucket.

The story sees Charlie become one of the few lucky children to find a Golden Ticket and win a tour of the top secret sweet factory, run by the Oompa-Loompas.

PA