Michael Ball Is Willy Wonka: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory London 2027 Guide

A golden ticket is heading back to the West End—and this time, Michael Ball will be behind the counter. A new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is scheduled for a strictly limited engagement at the London Coliseum in summer 2027, giving families, musical-theatre fans and Roald Dahl devotees a sparkling date for the diary.

Michael Ball steps into Wonka’s world

The Olivier Award-winning performer will play Willy Wonka. Ball is a celebrated musical-theatre presence whose stage credits include Olivier-winning performances in Sweeney Todd and Hairspray, as well as Les Misérables – The Staged Concert, Chess, Mack and Mabel and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. His casting brings a major West End name to one of theatre’s most eccentric and beloved roles. LondonTheatre.co.uk reports on Ball’s casting and stage credits.

The production will be directed by Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director of Curve in Leicester, where this staging will originate. Additional casting for both the Curve run and London Coliseum engagement is still to be announced, so there is more news to come as the 2027 musical takes shape.

A classic story, reimagined for the stage

Based on Roald Dahl’s novel and the familiar film story, the musical follows Charlie Bucket after he finds a golden ticket and earns entry to Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory. Grandpa Joe joins him on the adventure, alongside the other ticket winners: Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee. It is a story built for theatrical wonder, where a humble boy, a mysterious chocolatier and a factory of impossible surprises meet under one roof.

The score combines original music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and a book by David Greig. The stage adaptation also includes additional songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from the 1971 Warner Bros. film. Playbill’s announcement provides the musical’s creative credits and story details.

London Coliseum dates and venue guide

Performances are announced for 4 June to 18 September 2027, with an opening night scheduled for 20 June, according to Playbill. That limited window makes advance planning especially worthwhile for visitors arranging a London theatre weekend, a family day out or a wider West End itinerary.

The show will play at the London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES. The venue first opened on Christmas Eve 1904 and describes itself as the largest theatre in London’s West End. Its grand Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture and four seating levels promise a suitably spectacular setting for Wonka’s fantastical world. Explore the venue’s official history and seating information, and check Official London Theatre’s London Coliseum guide for practical visitor and access details.

When can you book?

At the time of the announcement, tickets were not yet on general sale. Playbill states that tickets are due to go on sale on 29 September 2026, while the originating announcement advises audiences to check back for ticket information. Fans should use the production’s official channels and trusted theatre ticketing services for the latest booking updates, performance availability and access arrangements.

Whether you know Dahl’s story from the page, the screen or an earlier production, this new musical offers a joyful reason to return to the West End. With Michael Ball as Willy Wonka, a fresh creative team and a short London run, the 2027 engagement looks set to be a golden-ticket event for musical theatre lovers.