Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical

About this experience

What is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical about? Charlie Bucket has next to nothing, but he does have a golden ticket. When reclusive chocolatier Willy Wonka opens his gates to five lucky children, Charlie steps into a spectacular world where chocolate rivers flow, Oompa-Loompas sing and inventions defy imagination. Alongside Grandpa Joe, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee, Charlie discovers that nothing is quite as it seems inside Wonka's extraordinary factory. Based on Roald Dahl's much-loved novel, the musical serves up the story's dark wit alongside its sweetness. Michael Ball stars as Willy Wonka Double Olivier Award winner Michael Ball plays Willy Wonka, bringing one of British musical theatre's best-loved performers to one of its most delicious roles. From creating Marius in the original Les Misérables to his Olivier-winning turns in Sweeney Todd and Hairspray, Ball has been a West End fixture for four decades, and the London Coliseum is familiar territory after his acclaimed Hairspray there. At certain performances the role of Willy Wonka will be played by an alternate, to be announced, so check the current schedule when booking. Which songs are in the show? The score features the much-loved songs Pure Imagination, The Candy Man and I've Got a Golden Ticket from the classic 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. They join the musical's original songs by Hairspray's Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, with a book by David Greig. This brand-new production is directed by Nikolai Foster, whose Kinky Boots lit up the same stage. When and where is it playing? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical plays a strictly limited 16-week season at the London Coliseum from 4 June to 18 September 2027, with previews from 4 to 12 June. The Coliseum is the West End's largest theatre, a grand Edwardian house on St Martin's Lane just off Trafalgar Square, and a fittingly spectacular home for Wonka's factory. Why book with VervTrip? VervTrip brings together live availability and secure booking for London theatre in one place. Tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are on sale now. Choose your date to see live availability and book your seats for this limited season.

Highlights

• Michael Ball stars as Willy Wonka in a brand-new production
• Features Pure Imagination, The Candy Man and I've Got a Golden Ticket from the 1971 film
• Original songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book by David Greig
• Directed by Nikolai Foster, whose Kinky Boots also lit up the Coliseum
• Strictly limited 16-week season, 4 June to 18 September 2027
• Plays the London Coliseum, the West End's largest theatre

Before you go

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical plays the London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4ES, from 4 June to 18 September 2027. Preview performances run from 4 to 12 June 2027, with a national press night on Sunday 20 June 2027. Performances run Tuesday to Saturday at 7pm, with 2pm matinees on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. A handful of dates vary, including some added Sunday and Monday shows, so check the calendar for your date. Michael Ball plays Willy Wonka; at certain performances the role will be played by an alternate, to be announced. Access performances: captioned on Wednesday 23 June at 7pm, signed on Wednesday 14 July at 7pm and audio described on Tuesday 7 September at 7pm. The London Coliseum is a short walk from Leicester Square and Charing Cross stations, just off Trafalgar Square.