Latest Update
Michael Ball OBE will star as Willy Wonka in a brand-new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the London Coliseum from 4 June to 18 September 2027. The production opens first at Curve, Leicester, before its strictly limited London run.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday 29 September 2026, with an exclusive priority booking window available via the official Charlie the Musical website.
Overview
Based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved novel and the Warner Bros. film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket and enters Willy Wonka’s extraordinary factory.
The score combines songs from the classic 1971 film — including Pure Imagination, The Candy Man and I’ve Got a Golden Ticket — with the musical’s original score by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and a book by David Greig.
Cast
Michael Ball OBE — Willy Wonka
Michael Ball is confirmed for the London Coliseum run only. At certain performances, the role of Willy Wonka will be played by an alternate, who is still to be announced. Check the official website for performance-specific casting before booking.
Further casting is still to be announced.
Creative Team
- Director: Nikolai Foster
- Choreography: Ebony Molina
- Set Design: Leslie Travers
- Costume Design: Katrina Lindsay
- Lighting Design: Ben Cracknell
- Sound Design: Adam Fisher
- Video Design: George Reeve
- Wigs, Hair & Make-up: Campbell Young Associates
- Illusion Design: Chris Fisher
- Puppet Design: Rachael Canning
- Prop Supervision: Marcus Hall Props
- Musical Supervision: Stephen Brooker
- Orchestration Adaptations: George Dyer
- Musical Direction: Isaac McCullough
- Casting: Olivia Laydon for Jill Green Casting
Dates, Venue and Tickets
London Coliseum
St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2N 4ES
Run: 4 June – 18 September 2027
Previews: 4 – 12 June 2027
Tickets from £20. General ticket sales open Tuesday 29 September 2026. Priority booking is available by signing up at charliethemusical.com.
Box Office: 020 7845 9300
Why See It?
There is a lot here for musical theatre fans: Michael Ball stepping into one of musical theatre’s most recognisable roles, the return of songs including Pure Imagination, and a creative team packed with major West End credits.
It is also a strong family-theatre booking for summer 2027, with the London run stretching across the school summer holiday period.
Accessibility
Confirmed access performances currently listed:
- Captioned: Wednesday 23 June 2027, 7pm
- Signed: Wednesday 14 July 2027, 7pm
- Audio Described: Tuesday 7 September 2027, 7pm
Further venue accessibility details should be checked directly with the London Coliseum before publication rather than assumed.
Practical Information
This is a limited London engagement rather than an open-ended West End run, so it is worth booking early for popular summer holiday dates and access performances.
FAQ
When is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the London Coliseum?
The musical runs from 4 June to 18 September 2027.
Who is playing Willy Wonka?
Michael Ball OBE will play Willy Wonka during the London Coliseum run, with an alternate performing at certain performances. Alternate casting is still to be announced.
When do tickets go on sale?
General ticket sales open Tuesday 29 September 2026, with priority booking available through the official website.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are listed from £20.
More Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
More family theatre, West End news and 2027 musical guides will be linked here as our coverage grows.
Press information supplied to Clarissa’s Corner. Press assets were provided separately by the production team; all photographer and PR credits will be preserved when supplied.
