Michael Ball To Star In Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Michael Ball will step into Willy Wonka’s world when a new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory arrives at the London Coliseum in summer 2027. Running from 4 June to 18 September, the musical brings Roald Dahl’s beloved story back to the London stage for a strictly limited season.

For audiences planning a London theatre trip, the casting offers a chance to see one of British musical theatre’s best-known performers take on the mysterious chocolate maker. Ball won Olivier Awards for Hairspray and Sweeney Todd, with a career also spanning Les Misérables, Chess, Mack and Mabel and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

At the heart of the adventure is Charlie Bucket, whose discovery of a golden ticket opens the door to Wonka’s extraordinary factory. What begins as an unlikely stroke of luck becomes a journey into a world where chocolate, imagination and surprises are never far away.

Drawing on Dahl’s novel and the film, the musical features an original score by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and a book by David Greig. Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director of Curve, will direct the new staging, with choreography by Ebony Molina.

The production’s visual world will be shaped by set designer Leslie Travers and costume designer Katrina Lindsey. Illusions by Chris Fisher and puppetry by Rachael Canning add further creative possibilities to a story built around the unexpected.

Stephen Brooker provides musical supervision, alongside orchestration adaptations by George Dyer and musical direction by Isaac McCullough. Lighting, sound and video designs come from Ben Cracknell, Adam Fisher and George Reeve respectively.

With Michael Ball leading the cast and a summer run at the London Coliseum, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one to put on your 2027 theatre calendar. Start planning a visit to Wonka’s world while this limited season awaits.