TV & MEDIA - THEATRE

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Returns With Two New Willy Wonkas

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory returns with Jonny Fines playing Willy Wonka in Leicester and Michael Ball taking the role in London.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is returning to the stage with two different actors taking on the role of Willy Wonka, as productions prepare to open in Leicester and London.

Jonny Fines will lead Curve's Christmas production later this year, while Michael Ball will play the eccentric chocolate maker when the musical arrives at the London Coliseum in summer 2027.

Leicester Welcomes Willy Wonka First

Curve's production opens on 21 November 2026 and runs until 16 January 2027, with Fines playing the mysterious owner of the chocolate factory.

The Leicestershire actor has previously appeared in Curve productions including The Wizard of Oz, My Beautiful Laundrette and Grease, as well as appearing in television dramas including EastEnders and Coronation Street.

Four young performers will share the role of Charlie Bucket, with Lucas Kerr, Jett Moises, William Stafford and Theo Wake taking turns as the boy who wins a visit to Wonka's extraordinary factory.

David-Michael Johnson joins the company as Grandpa Joe, with Molly Lynch playing Mrs Bucket.

The production is directed by Curve artistic director Nikolai Foster and has already extended its original booking period.

Michael Ball Takes Over in London

The musical will also return to London's West End in 2027, with Michael Ball playing Willy Wonka at the London Coliseum.

Ball's musical theatre credits include Les Misérables, Hairspray and Sweeney Todd, and his involvement brings another familiar name to the much-loved story.

Both productions feature the world of Charlie Bucket, the golden tickets and the chocolate factory, with music including the well-known Pure Imagination.