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Golden Tickets at the Ready: Michael Ball Is Bringing Willy Wonka to the London Coliseum
A brand-new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is heading to the London Coliseum, and Michael Ball is stepping into the legendary role of Willy Wonka.
There is something deliciously nostalgic about the thought of stepping inside Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, and in summer 2027, London audiences will get the chance to do exactly that.
A spectacular new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical, based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, will arrive at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited run from 4 June to 18 September 2027, with double Olivier Award-winner Michael Ball OBE taking on the iconic role of Willy Wonka.
For anyone who grew up dreaming of chocolate rivers, golden tickets and mysterious factory doors, this is one West End announcement worth paying attention to.
A golden ticket for musical-theatre fans
The story needs little introduction. Charlie Bucket discovers a golden ticket and finds himself invited into the extraordinary world of Willy Wonka, where chocolate rivers flow, Oompa-Loompas sing and every room promises another impossible surprise.
Joining Charlie on the adventure are some of Roald Dahl’s most unforgettable characters, including Grandpa Joe, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee.
But this isn’t simply a recreation of the familiar 1971 film.
The new production features the musical’s original score by Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman and a book by David Greig. Fans of the classic film will also be treated to beloved songs including “Pure Imagination”, “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket”, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.
The production will be directed by Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director of Leicester’s Curve, with a major creative team behind the visual world of the factory, including set designer Leslie Travers, Olivier Award-winning costume designer Katrina Lindsey, illusion designer Chris Fisher and puppet designer Rachael Canning.
And if the production’s creative credentials are anything to go by, expect plenty of theatrical magic.
Michael Ball as Willy Wonka
For theatre lovers, the casting is arguably the biggest piece of news.
Michael Ball is one of Britain’s most recognisable musical-theatre performers, with a career spanning more than four decades. He is a double Olivier Award winner, Grammy-nominated recording artist and multi-platinum-selling performer, with credits ranging from Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera to Sweeney Todd, Hairspray and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
He has also played the London Coliseum before, including Anatoly in Chess and Edna Turnblad in Hairspray.
Now, he’ll be swapping those roles for Wonka’s famous top hat.
The production website describes Ball as “Britain’s leading musical theatre star”, while confirming that he will play Willy Wonka in the new production.
It is worth noting that Michael Ball will only perform at the London Coliseum, and an alternate Willy Wonka will play certain performances. Audiences should therefore check the performance information when booking if seeing Ball is a priority.
When is it on?
The London production runs from:
4 June – 18 September 2027
at the London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES.
Preview performances begin on Friday 4 June 2027, with previews running until Saturday 12 June.
The regular schedule is:
- Tuesday–Saturday: 7pm
- Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 2pm matinees
- Additional performances are scheduled for Monday 7 June, Sunday 20 June, Sunday 25 July and Sunday 1 August.
There will also be accessible performances, including captioned, signed and audio-described performances during the run.
When do tickets go on sale?
This is the important bit for anyone already imagining themselves inside Wonka’s factory.
Tickets go on general sale from Tuesday 29 September 2026, with prices starting from £20 according to the production’s press information.
However, there is a way to get ahead of the crowd.
The official production website is currently inviting audiences to sign up for priority ticket access, with an exclusive priority booking window ahead of the general sale.
Where should you buy tickets?
Our advice: use the official production website first.
Head to charliethemusical.com and sign up for priority ticket access. The site is the official home of the production and currently confirms the 29 September ticket-sale date.
The press release also lists the London Coliseum box office number as 020 7845 9300.
As with any highly anticipated West End production, we’d recommend booking through an official theatre or production ticketing channel rather than an unfamiliar resale site, particularly if you’re looking for specific Michael Ball performances.
A summer of pure imagination
With Charlie and the Chocolate Factory running through the heart of summer, the timing couldn’t be more tempting.
Whether you’re introducing a new generation to Charlie Bucket’s story, revisiting a childhood favourite or simply looking for a spectacular family theatre experience in London, the combination of Roald Dahl’s world, Michael Ball’s Willy Wonka and a purpose-built West End production makes this one to put firmly on the calendar.
And with tickets starting at £20, there could be a golden-ticket-sized opportunity to see one of London’s most anticipated family musicals without spending a fortune.
Just don’t wait until the chocolate river starts flowing.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical
London Coliseum
4 June – 18 September 2027
Tickets from £20
General sale: 29 September 2026
Priority access: sign up now at charliethemusical.com
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