The Watermill Theatre has released rehearsal images and announced full casting for its summer production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, running from 26 May to 13 September 2026.
Directed by Artistic Director Paul Hart, the new production promises to transform the theatre and its grounds into an expansive, immersive world, following recent sell-out successes including Jesus Christ Superstar and The Lord of the Rings.
Leading the cast is Christian Edwards as Caractacus Potts, alongside Lydia Louise making her professional debut as Truly Scrumptious.
Mark Curry will play Grandpa Potts, with Susannah van den Berg as the Childcatcher, while Samuel Morgan-Grahame and Mairi Ikegami appear as Baron and Baroness Bomburst.
The story follows eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, his children Jeremy and Jemima, and Truly Scrumptious on a fantastical adventure driven by a magical car with a life of its own.
Paul Hart said “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce full casting for this summer’s brand-new production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I know we say this every year, but this really is our most ambitious one to date! Following on from our shows in recent years, we’ll be taking over the entire site to bring you the Watermill’s unique take on this iconic musical. This will include the back lawn becoming a fair ground in which Me Ol’ Bamboo will take place in a tent outside. The designs for the car are also looking absolutely incredible!”
He continued, “We have had an epic time casting this massive piece, meeting incredible actor-musicians and building a wonderful ensemble. As part of this, we’ve met hundreds of talented young people from across the region who will be the absolute heartbeat of this show. We’ve also met an incredible array of recent graduates and have offered five ensemble roles to talented individuals for whom this will be one of their first professional roles. All of which has fed into creating a really special group of people, onstage and off, who will be bringing this magical show to life.”
The production features music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, with classic songs including “Truly Scrumptious”, “Hushabye Mountain” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Katie Lias, choreographer Anjali Mehra, musical supervisor Stuart Morley and puppet designer Marc Parrett.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
