Michael Ball to star as Willy Wonka in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY at London Coliseum
It has been announced that a brand-new production of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, the musical adaptation, based on the much-loved story by Roald Dahl, will open at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited run from 4 June - 18 September 2027, starring double Olivier Award-winning, Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Michael Ball OBE*.
The musical will feature the much-loved songs ‘Pure Imagination’, ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’ from the classic 1971 film WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. They join the musical’s original score by Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and a book by David Greig, based on the novel by Roald Dahl and the Warner Bros. film.
Michael Ball OBE is one of Britain's best-loved entertainers, a double Olivier Award-winning musical theatre star, Grammy-nominated recording artist and acclaimed radio and television presenter. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he has become one of the UK's leading figures in musical theatre, earning critical acclaim on both the West End and Broadway.
*Michael Ball will only be performing at The London Coliseum. At certain performances, the role of Willy Wonka will be played by the alternate, to be announced in due course. Please check the show website for dates.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY will originate at Curve, Leicester, and will be directed by Nikolai Foster, with choreography by Ebony Molina, set design by Leslie Travers, costumes by Katrina Lindsey, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Adam Fisher, video design by George Reeve, wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates, illusion design by Chris Fisher, puppet design by Rachael Canning, musical supervision by Stephen Brooker, orchestration adaptations by George Dyer, musical direction by Isaac McCullough, and casting by Olivia Laydon for Jill Green Casting.
For more info on CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, please click here.
