The Watermill Theatre has revealed that its 2026 summer musical will be a brand-new production of the family classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The show will run from Tuesday 26 May to Sunday 13 September 2026, with a national press night on Thursday 4 June.
Audiences can expect a fantasmagorical new Watermill Theatre production of the iconic musical, featuring eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, his children Jeremy and Jemima, and Truly Scrumptious as they embark on an audacious adventure in a car with a big personality.
With music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams and based on the MGM motion picture, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be directed by Paul Hart. The production promises the Watermill’s signature storytelling, inventiveness and actor-musicianship at its heart.
Classic songs including “Truly Scrumptious”, “Hushabye Mountain” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” will be performed live by an ensemble cast. The creative team includes set and costume designer Katie Lias, musical supervisor and orchestrator Stuart Morley, choreographer Anjali Mehra, puppet designer Marc Parrett, and lighting designer Jai Morjaria, with further creatives and casting to be announced in spring.
Following three consecutive sell-out summer musicals — The Lord of the Rings, Barnum, and Jesus Christ Superstar — the Watermill will once again transform its theatre and gardens into a spectacular world of music, magic and imagination.
Paul Hart said:
“We are beyond thrilled to announce we will be staging one of the greatest pieces of musical theatre ever made in a version unlike anything seen before. We’ll be giving audiences the opportunity to step inside the creative mind of Caractacus Potts who sets out to do the impossible and create a flying car for his beloved children. How the hell are they going to do that at the Watermill? All will be revealed…”
Claire Murray added:
“The summer musical is the linchpin of our year. From The Lord of The Rings to Barnum and Jesus Christ Superstar, we’ve seen audiences grow and diversify over the last three years, and we can’t wait for every generation to see this much-loved classic in a new version for 2026. Transforming our site and placing actor musicianship at the heart of the show, audiences can expect a truly scrumptious experience full of imagination and pure joy!”
Tickets go on sale to members from Tuesday 2 December, with general booking opening Thursday 8 January. Memberships start from £35 per year.
The Watermill Theatre is also launching a search for young performers to join the company of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Roles include Jeremy, Jemima and the children of Vulgaria. Full details and guidance are available here.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
