About
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s all-time favourite story, returns to London with a brand-new production. Gracing the stage of the spectacular London Coliseum next summer, the show stars the incomparable Michael Ball as Willy Wonka, the eccentric factory owner and dreamer.
Follow the heartwarming and extraordinary story of young Charlie Bucket as he embarks on a sweet-filled adventure inside Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory, alongside the lucky winners of the golden tickets. Make sure to secure your own golden ticket to see the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory London show and immerse yourself in a world of pure imagination, where anything is possible.
What is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical about?
Meet Charlie Bucket, a poor boy with a kind heart, who dreams of finding one of the golden tickets and stepping inside the world’s greatest chocolate maker’s factory. When he gets his hands on one of the precious golden tickets, joining four other lucky winners, Charlie is in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Alongside four other children, Charlie embarks on a tour of the secretive chocolate factory, led by the eccentric Willy Wonka. His fellow golden ticket winners include the gluttonous Augustus Gloop, the demanding Veruca Salt, the gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde and the telly-obsessed Mike Teavee.
Inside, Charlie discovers a world beyond his wildest dreams, where every room holds its own surprises, from a flowing chocolate river and extraordinary inventions to singing Oompa-Loompas. But as the adventure unfolds, he soon discovers that nothing is quite as it seems inside Wonka’s extraordinary factory.
What to expect from the musical
The scrumptious new musical adaptation of one of theatregoers’ all-time favourite stories is more than a revival of a much-loved musical. This brand-new production brings Roald Dahl’s chocolate-filled tale to life in spectacular fashion. Opening at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited 12-week run, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is directed by Nikolai Foster, the name behind the 2026 production of Kinky Boots.
The imaginative world of Willy Wonka comes to life through spectacular set designs by Leslie Travers (Road, Royal Exchange Theatre) and costumes by Olivier Award-winning Katrina Lindsay (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), creating a magical theatrical experience sure to delight audiences.
The new London production features music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, alongside much-loved songs from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, including the iconic Pure Imagination.
Who is in the London cast?
Two-time Olivier Award winner Michael Ball leads the London cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring as Willy Wonka, the extraordinary chocolate maker. An icon of the West End, Michael Ball has previously starred as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Javert in Les Misérables, the title role in Sweeney Todd and many more.
Please note that Michael Ball will not be performing as Willy Wonka on the following dates. An alternate lead will be announced.
- 23 and 29 June at 7pm
- 6 and 13 July at 7pm, and 25 July at 3pm
- 1, 8 and 15 August at 3pm, and 17, 24 and 31 August at 7pm
- 6 and 13 September at 7pm
Further casting for the London production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is yet to be announced.
Book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory London tickets
You can now book your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tickets with Visit London using the booking button on this page.
You'll be able to view the seating plan, choose your preferred seats and select the performance date and time that suits you best.
The new London production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs for a strictly limited summer season from 4 June to 18 September 2027.
Where is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory playing in London?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is showing at the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane (WC2N 4ES), which is right on the doorstep of Trafalgar Square and the shops of nearby Covent Garden.
How to get there:
- Underground – The nearest Tube stations are Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines), Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines), which are all under a 10-minute walk from the theatre.
- Bus – The following buses stop nearby: 14, 139, 176 and N25.
- Cycle – Hire a Santander Cycles bike and ride direct to the London Coliseum. The closest docking station is within walking distance of the venue on William IV Street.
When is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory showing in London?
Evening performances take place on Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7pm and matinees are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory London FAQs
What is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical about?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story of the same name, following young Charlie Bucket and four other lucky golden ticket winners invited to explore Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory. As they journey from room to room, meeting the Oompa-Loompas and discovering all sorts of surprises, Charlie discovers a world where imagination knows no limits.How long is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical runs for approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including one 20-minute interval.What songs are in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical?
The musical is set to feature the much-loved songs Pure Imagination, The Candy Man and I’ve Got a Golden Ticket from the classic film, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.Which age is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory suitable for?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a family-friendly musical recommended for children aged seven and over.How much are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory London tickets?
Book tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory London online with Visit London and view a seating plan to pick where to sit using the booking button on this page.
| Adult ticket | £17.25 to £276.75 per ticket |
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