Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book, the hit musical directed by Sam Mendes celebrated its second anniversary in the West End with a special gala performance and party for cast, crew and special guests on Thursday night.

But the celebration also marks a new change in cast for the production, which now stars Jonathan Slinger as Willy Wonka and Zachary Loonie as one of the four boys playing Charlie Bucket.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has quickly become a firm favourite with families in the West End, with its bucket loads of energy, colour and enthusiasm.

While I enjoyed it the one and only time I have seen it during previews  – I thought some improvements could be made so I really need to make a return visit to see how the show has developed and settled down at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

The show originally opened at the theatre in June 2013 and for those who aren’t familiar with the story here is a basic plot for you:

Charlie Bucket and his family are struggling to make enough money to survive properly until one day Charlie wins a golden ticket to meet WIlly Wonka and visit his extraordinary factory where anything can and does happen…

The new cast change also means that there is a new trailer for the show which can be watched here:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is currently booking until the 4th June 2016.