Everything You Need to Know About Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Cast, Songs & London Tickets
Published on 22 October 2026
Summary
- Michael Ball will star as Willy Wonka in a brand-new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical.
- The musical will play at the London Coliseum from 4 June to 18 September 2027.
- Discover everything you need to know about the new production, including the cast, creative team, performance dates and more.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical returns to the West End, but this time with a brand-new production starring Michael Ball as Willy Wonka. Based on Roald Dahl's much-loved children's novel, the musical plays at the London Coliseum from 4 June to 18 September 2027.
Here's what to know about the new production, its leading star and the music behind one of the best-known stories in children's literature
Michael Ball Stars as Willy Wonka
Michael Ball OBE will play Willy Wonka in the new London production. The Olivier Award-winning performer has starred in some of musical theatre's best-known productions, including Les Misérables, Hairspray and Sweeney Todd.
Ball's casting brings a familiar West End name to the role of the eccentric chocolatier. Further casting for the production is to be announced.
What Do We Know About the New Production?
The 2027 production is a brand-new staging of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical, directed by Nikolai Foster, whose credits include Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde and The Sound of Music.
Set design is by Leslie Travers, with costumes by Olivier Award-winning designer Katrina Lindsey. The production has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
The musical plays at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited season from 4 June to 18 September 2027.
What Songs Are in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical?
The musical features music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It also includes songs from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.
Among the best-known songs associated with the story is 'Pure Imagination', which accompanies Willy Wonka's introduction to his extraordinary world in the 1971 film.
The combination of an original musical score and familiar songs brings Roald Dahl's story to the stage.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory London Tickets
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical plays at the London Coliseum from 4 June to 18 September 2027.
With Michael Ball as Willy Wonka, the new production is a chance to see Roald Dahl's story on the West End stage. The limited run covers the summer of 2027.
Book your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tickets today.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory FAQs
Who is starring in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical?
Michael Ball OBE stars as Willy Wonka in the 2027 London production. Further casting is to be announced.
When is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical playing in London?
The musical runs from 4 June to 18 September 2027.
Where is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical playing?
The production plays at the London Coliseum in London's West End.
What songs are in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical?
The musical features music by Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It also includes songs from the 1971 film, including 'Pure Imagination', written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.
Is the 2027 production the same as the original West End musical?
No. The 2027 London Coliseum production is a brand-new staging directed by Nikolai Foster. The original West End production played at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 2013 to 2017.
Is Michael Ball performing at every performance?
Michael Ball is not scheduled to perform at certain performances during the London run. Check the published cast absence dates on our show page and please note that the appearance of any individual performer cannot be guaranteed.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical plays at the London Coliseum from 4 June to 18 September 2027. Book your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory London tickets to see this brand-new production.
By Hay Brunsdon
I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.