Michael Ball to star as Willy Wonka in the musical adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory next summer.
Based on the much-loved story by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will open at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited run between 4th June and 18th September 2027.
Directed by Curve Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster, the production will star Michael Ball OBE as the mysterious Willy Wonka. Further casting is yet to be announced.
Visitors can expect to enjoy fan favourites including Pure Imagination and I’ve Got a Golden Ticket from the original 1971 film adaptation, as well as new tracks from Marc Shaiman.
A stage sensation
Michael Ball OBE, 64, is a double Olivier award-winning musical star, grammy nominated artist and acclaimed television presenter.
With a career spanning more than 40 years, Ball is one of the UK’s leading figures in musical theatre, known for his roles in Hairspray, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Alongside his stage career, Ball has also enjoyed success with his chart topping albums, having sold more than 1.6 million copies in the UK.
Earlier this year saw the release of his 23rd solo album, Glow, with a collection of original, self-written songs, set to form an upcoming theatre show in the works.
About Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlie Bucket, a young boy living in extreme poverty, is offered the adventure of a lifetime when he finds his golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
On the tour, Charlie discovers a world of wonder behind closed doors, where chocolate rivers flow, Oompa-Loompas sing and everything is edible. But all is not what it seems.
The original story was published in 1964 by Roald Dahl, later being shown on the big screen in 1971, starring Gene Wilder. Johnny Depp has also tackled the role of Willy Wonka in Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation.
The classic children’s story made its musical debut in London in 2013 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, before touring the UK.
Group bookings
Tickets are now on sale for group bookings to the production, with prices starting at £20 per person, subject to availability.
For group enquiries, contact trade@londoncoliseum.org
