Michael Ball will star as Willy Wonka in a brand-new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, opening at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited run from 4 June to 18 September 2027.
Produced by ROYO, Fiery Angel, Gavin Kalin Productions and Curve, the musical is based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved novel and features songs from the classic 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, alongside the musical’s original score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
The new production will be directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, with a national press night scheduled for 20 June 2027.
Audiences will join Charlie Bucket on a magical journey after discovering a golden ticket that grants him access to Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory.
Inside, chocolate rivers flow, Oompa-Loompas sing, inventions defy imagination and every room offers fresh surprises as Charlie embarks on the adventure of a lifetime alongside Grandpa Joe and his fellow golden ticket winners.
Ball, one of Britain’s most celebrated musical theatre performers, brings more than four decades of stage experience to the role. His acclaimed career includes leading performances in Hairspray, Les Misérables, Chess, Sweeney Todd, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Phantom of the Opera.
A double Olivier Award winner and Grammy-nominated recording artist, Ball has also enjoyed success as a broadcaster, author and recording artist, recently releasing his 23rd solo album, Glow.
Foster’s creative team for the production includes choreographer Ebony Molina, set designer Leslie Travers, costume designer Katrina Lindsey, lighting designer Ben Cracknell, sound designer Adam Fisher and video designer George Reeve.
The production will originate at Curve, Leicester, before transferring to the London Coliseum for its summer season.
Tickets go on sale on 29 September, with audiences able to sign up via the show’s website for access to an exclusive priority booking window.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
