Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (musical) recently closed Broadway version (instead of the West End one) and will feature only 4 child actors who will alternate the role of Charlie. The remainder of the "child" characters will be played adult actors. On 13 October the primary cast was announced and includes U.S. actor Paul Slade Smith (who played Grandpa George in the original cast of Charlie on Broadway) as Willy Wonka alongside Australian actors Tony Sheldon as Grandpa Joe and Lucy Maunder as Mrs Bucket. The role of Charlie will be shared between Tommy Blair, Ryan Yates, Xion Jarvis and Oliver Alkhair.. The play opens with
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator monsters, known as Vermicious Knids, which form a letter of the word 'SCRAM'. Recognising the danger, Mr Wonka orders everybody off the Space Hotel. Upon the Elevator's departure, the monsters consumed some people aboard. Charlie suggests towing the shuttle back to Earth. Whereupon Willy Wonka returns the Elevator with the shuttle to Earth, the monsters are incinerated in the atmosphere. Mr Wonka releases the shuttle, and the Elevator then crashes down through the roof of the chocolate factory. Back in the chocolate factory, three of Charlie's grandparents refuse to leave their bed. Mr Wonka gives them a rejuvenation formula. They