West End veteran and double Olivier Award winner Michael Ball is set to step inside the chocolate factory as the eccentric confectioner Willy Wonka. He will star in a brand-new musical revival of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The production will run at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited 12-week engagement from June 4 to September 18, 2027, with a press night scheduled for June 20.
- Production Timeline and Creative Team
- A Blend of Original Scores and Classic Film Songs
- Venue Details and Ticket Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory playing at the London Coliseum?
- Who plays Willy Wonka in the West End production?
- Who wrote the music for the stage musical?
- Where did Charlie and the Chocolate Factory previously play in London?
- Who is directing the 2027 revival?
The upcoming staging marks another major milestone in a celebrated 40-year theatrical career for Ball. He previously won Olivier Awards for his performances in Sweeney Todd and as Edna Turnblad in the original West End production of Hairspray. Speaking ahead of a concert tour performance in Brighton, the singer reflected on his early beginnings as a drama student performing in public spaces before achieving major West End stardom.
Production Timeline and Creative Team
The reimagined production will originate with a Christmas premiere at the Leicester Curve in late 2026. Actor Jonny Fines will initially lead that run as Willy Wonka. Following the regional premiere, the show will transfer to London. Ball will take over the title role exclusively for the London Coliseum engagement. An alternate performer for the role will be announced at a later date.
The revival is directed by Nikolai Foster, artistic director of the Leicester Curve. His recent West End credits include The Wizard of Oz, A Chorus Line, and Kinky Boots. The creative team features choreography by Ebony Molina, set design by Leslie Travers, costume design by Olivier Award winner Katrina Lindsay, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher, and video design by George Reeve.
Additionally, the production incorporates complex theatrical elements. These include illusions by Chris Fisher, puppet design by Rachael Canning, wigs and makeup by Campbell Young Associates, and prop supervision by Marcus Hall Props. Musical supervision is handled by Stephen Brooker, with orchestration adaptations by George Dyer and musical direction by Isaac McCullough.
A Blend of Original Scores and Classic Film Songs
Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved 1964 children’s novel and the Warner Bros. films, the musical features a book by David Greig. The score is composed by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, known for their work on Hairspray and Smash.
For this new London staging, the score will incorporate three iconic songs written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley straight from the 1971 movie musical Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory:
- “Pure Imagination”
- “The Candy Man”
- “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket”
Venue Details and Ticket Information
The London Coliseum, located on St Martin’s Lane, serves as the home for the production. Designed by Edwardian architect Frank Matcham and featuring 2,389 seats, it is the largest theatre venue in the West End. It frequently hosts major musical productions and opera seasons.
Tickets for the London Coliseum run start at £20 and go on general sale on September 29, following priority booking periods. Performances will generally run Tuesday through Saturday. Evening shows begin at 7:00 pm, and matinees take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory playing at the London Coliseum?
The production runs from June 4 to September 18, 2027, with an official press night on June 20, 2027.
Who plays Willy Wonka in the West End production?
West End star Michael Ball will play Willy Wonka for the London Coliseum engagement. Jonny Fines will tackle the role during the show’s initial run at the Leicester Curve in late 2026.
Who wrote the music for the stage musical?
The score features music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It also includes classic songs (“Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket”) written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1971 film.
Where did Charlie and the Chocolate Factory previously play in London?
The musical previously ran at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from May 2013 to January 2017, directed by Sam Mendes and starring Douglas Hodge as Willy Wonka.
Who is directing the 2027 revival?
Nikolai Foster, artistic director of the Leicester Curve, is directing the production.
