Michael Ball performs “Pure Imagination” from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The producers of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical have released a new music video of “Pure Imagination” performed by Michael Ball.

As previously revealed, Ball is set to take on the role of Willy Wonka, when the production is staged at the London Coliseum from 4 June until 18 September 2027. A national press night is scheduled for 20 June.

You can watch the full performance below:

Based on Roald Dahl’s novel and the Warner Bros film, the musical follows Charlie Bucket after he finds a golden ticket giving him access to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory – alongside Grandpa Joe and fellow ticket winners Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee.

It has a book by David Greig and a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, which also incorporates Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley’s songs “Pure Imagination”, “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It was last seen in the West End in 2017, having spent three years playing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in a production directed by Sam Mendes.

The revival will originate at Curve in Leicester (21 November 2026 to 16 January 2027) before transferring to the West End, with Curve artistic director Nikolai Foster directing. Ball will perform as Willy Wonka at the London Coliseum only (with Curve casting already confirmed). An alternate for the role will be announced at a later date.

The 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. Casting is by Olivia Laydon for Jill Green Casting, while Jordan Isaac is associate director, Ollie Durrant is associate sound designer and Dale White is associate choreographer. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is produced by ROYO, Fiery Angel, Gavin Kalin Productions and Curve.

Tickets for the London Coliseum are on sale today from 2pm.