Sam Mendes - Sam Mendes To Direct 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory' Musical

Sam Mendes will be directing the show though it is not yet known who'll be playing the charismatic owner of the factory Willy Wonka - previously portrayed by first Gene Wilder and then Johnny Depp in film versions. Mendes of course has a glittering career, having won an Oscar for directing 'American Beauty', in 1999, whilst on the stage he has been at the helm of a revival of 'Oliver!' which opened in 1994 also in London. He is currently directing latest James Bond film 'Skyfall'.

What is known is that Warner Bros are behind the new musical adaptation, along with producer Kevin MCCormick and Mendes' Neal Street Productions. Songs for the show will be written by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the Tony-winning team behind the musical 'Hairspray' and Us Tv series 'Smash'. Meanwhile Scottish playwright David Greig is writing the script and Peter Darling - a recent Olivier winner for his work on Matilda the Musical - will provide the choreography.