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Michael Ball to star in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the West End next year
The Roald Dahl musical returns to London next summer with Michael Ball in an iconic role
Michael Ball is set to star in a new production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory next summer, as the musical makes a return to the West End. Based on the book by Roald Dahl and the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the musical follows Charlie Bucket, whose discovery of a golden ticket in a chocolate bar opens up a world of imagination – and an unprecedented opportunity for his struggling family.
Michael Ball will return to the London stage in the role of Willy Wonka. The show will originate at Curve in Leicester before transferring to the London Coliseum from 4 June to 18 September 2027. The new production will be directed by Curve artistic director Nikolai Foster.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It also includes songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from the 1971 film – namely ‘Pure Imagination’, ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘I’ve Got A Golden Ticket’.
The show first came to the West End in 2013, where it ran for three years and seven months at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, closing it 2017. It was directed by Sam Mendes.
The new production will have choreography by Ebony Molina, set design by Leslie Travers, costume design by Katrina Lindsey, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher and video design by George Reeve. Campbell Young Associates will provide wigs, hair and make-up design, with illusion design by Chris Fisher, puppet design by Rachael Canning and prop supervision by Marcus Hall Props. Stephen Brooker is musical supervisor, with orchestration adaptations by George Dyer and musical direction by Isaac McCullough.
Michael Ball will not perform at Curve, joining the production at the London Coliseum only. An alternate for the role will be announced at a later date, as will further casting for the show’s London run.
