Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Welcomes John O’May
From Dec 4
One of Australia’s most experienced musical theatre performers, John O’May, will soon step into the shoes of Grandpa Joe in the spectacular musical Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which is currently playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre before transferring to the Lyric Theatre, QPAC in Brisbane.
Tony Sheldon, who won a Helpmann Award for his portrayal of Grandpa Joe, makes his last performance on Sunday 1 December, before John O’May takes over on 4 December.
Also, don’t miss Kid’s Week at Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from 4-8 December 2019. During this week, every child 15 years and under will receive a free ticket to the show when accompanied by a full paying adult! Plus, as a special behind the scenes bonus, children will get to experience the fun, the people and the magic behind the show. This is a first for the Australian theatre industry.
Read our review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Melbourne here.
Most recently seen in The Production Company’s Ragtime and Grey Gardens, John O’May has trodden the boards more than 50 times since his debut in 1972 in the original Australian production of Godspell. He is probably best known for his portrayal of Che in the original Australian production of Evita, and Monsieur Andre, a role he played for three years in the original Australian production of The Phantom of The Opera. John has worked many times for the Sydney and Melbourne Theatre Companies, toured internationally as Cardinal Felici in The Last Confession opposite David Suchet, and played the roles of Georges in La Cage aux Folles, Captain Bracket in the acclaimed Opera Australia production of South Pacific, Priam in Paris – The Concert Version, Herr Schultz in Cabaret and Sergeant Farratt in The Dressmaker.
“While we’re very sorry to see Tony Sheldon leave this wonderful cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I’m thrilled that John O’May will take over the role,” said producer John Frost. “Audiences are loving this beautiful musical, and the relationship between Charlie and Grandpa Joe is crucial to its success. The show is in great hands with John O’May and I know people will continue to flock to see the Roald Dahl story they love and hear the beautiful songs they know.”
Final tickets for the Melbourne season of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will go on sale next week, with presales from 2 December. After six glorious months, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will play its final performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday 2 February 2020.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is perhaps Roald Dahl’s best-known story and has proved to be one of the most enduring children’s books of all time. The story of Charlie Bucket, the five Golden Tickets, the Oompa-Loompas and the amazing Willy Wonka has become firmly embedded in our culture since it was first published in 1964. Conservative estimates suggest the original book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide; it is now available in 61 languages.
Join us in the final weeks of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne. Be prepared for the Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!
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