First listen: Michael Ball as Willy Wonka

Watch a video of Michael Ball as Willy Wonka singing Pure Imagination, ahead of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opening at the London Coliseum in 2027.

Double Olivier Award-winning and Grammy-nominated recording artist Michael Ball OBE has released a music video of himself performing ‘Pure Imagination’ ahead of his run as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , which opening at the London Coliseum in 2027.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is originating at The Leicester Curve, before transferring to the West End from 4 June 2027.

Watch: Michael Ball performing ‘Pure Imagination’

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About Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Based on the much-loved Roald Dahl story and the Warner Bros. 1971 film, this musical adaptation has an original score by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and a book by David Greig. It also features the classic film’s best-loved songs, ‘Pure Imagination’, ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

The story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows Charlie Bucket on the adventure of a lifetime when he finds a golden ticket and discovers a world of wonder behind closed doors, stepping through the factory gates into a world where chocolate rivers flow, Oompa-Loompas sing, and every room holds a delicious surprise. 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.

Michael Ball as Willy Wonka

Ball’s casting brings one of British musical theatre’s most decorated stars to the role, following his double Olivier Award-winning career and Grammy nomination. The newly released music video gives audiences their first taste of his take on the iconic ‘Pure Imagination’, ahead of the show’s West End arrival next summer.

The creative team

The production is directed by Nikolai Foster (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), with choreography by Ebony Molina, set design by Leslie Travers, and costume design by Olivier Award-winner Katrina Lindsey (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).

Lighting design is by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher, and video design by Tony Award-winner George Reeve. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is produced by ROYO, Fiery Angel, Gavin Kalin Productions and Curve.

Book tickets to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when they go on sale here