Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | Watermill Theatre

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a beloved quintessential British classic, was originally by Ian Fleming in 1964 before being turned into the wildly successful 1968 movie starring Dick Van Dyke. It then graced the London theatre scene in 2002 with a musical adaption by Jeremy Sams, Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. This musical has since been delighting audiences for over two decades with many revivals and tours. Now in 2026, the Watermill Theatre, a truly wonderful gem of a theatre tucked away in Bangor Newbury, brings the magic back to life with its own production.

The Watermill Theatre, known for its incredible quality of work and distinguished revivals, reinvents the musical with a new sense of magic as audiences are quite literally invited into the world of the Potts family. As expertly done in previous productions, the musical not only fills the intimate theatre, but spills out onto the gorgeous lawn, with a funfair (complete with games to enjoy pre/post show), creating an all round immersive experience.

Directed by Paul Hart, this production accelerates into the whimsical world of the Potts family. The warmth of the story is ever blazing; and a lot of heart leads this production, allowing for audiences to really fall in love with these characters. Despite being an intimate 200-seater, the production feels as magnificent as one would expect to see on a West End stage; with the added bonus of feeling welcomed. Hart prioritises the characters and their relationships, allowing for each of them to feel special and important. Hart acknowledges that many of the older audiences members would feel nostalgic, paying particular attention to the most iconic moments of the show, including its titular song, but also doesn't lose sight that this may be the introduction of this family favourite musical for younger audience members and chooses to wow them at every turn.

Katie Lias' staging is an intricate design; taking place in the Potts household with the family's functional inventions lining the proscenium arch, and hidden doorways that double as the children's beds and secret entrances. The back wall is lined with drawings and odd parts that all come together to create a chaotic and yet cosy environment, much like Caractacus Potts himself. The funfair scene, although short, really has replicated the feeling of being at a fair with audiences sat on wooden benches under a large tent, dressed up with colourful flags and fairlights. Lais has also designed costumes that are both practical and innovative, whilst feeling very rooted in the time period. Particular mention to the Baron and Baroness' full fledged outfits, and the little matching accessories that the ensemble emulate.

Jai Morjaria's lighting design aids the show, especially during the stormy sequence and when first introducing the Child-Catcher. The show otherwise bathes in a rosy glow that feels nostalgic and beautiful. Tom Marshall's sound design allows for the hollow sewers to come to life, whilst also providing clear sound quality even when there are many simultaneous events occurring. However, it's the outdoors portion in the large funfair tent that really highlights the brilliant work of Marshall and the entire tech team. Daniel Denton's video design allows for the Potts' household to transform into other locations such as the junkyard, sweet shop, seaside, and more, as it creates a picture perfect new location.

Marc Parrett as puppet designer, maker and director, does an incredible job with the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car. A lightweight replica of the front of the car provides a vintage look, yet also purposely looks made of recycled material; which is perhaps one of the most exquisite choices of The Watermill's production. The car is brought to the life with the talents of the ensemble who create such a life-like portrayal of the car, one would believe it were genuinely humming and rattling away. The show also features a miniature version of Grandpa and his shed, and an adorable dog, both of which brought audible gasps in the audience.

Anjali Mehra creates a stand out dance section at the funfair. With a larger space to move, and performing in the round, Mehra has created the musical's most jaw-dropping moment. The energy is at full speed as the talented ensemble and Caractacus Potts create a sensational piece of theatrical magic in the tent that soars (perhaps even more than the beloved car itself). It was truly such a spectacular moment that the audiences seemed reluctant to leave the magic of this outdoor funfair, as enjoyable as the rest of the show was, and that's a true testament to Mehra and Hart. Mehra's choreography is brilliant throughout, with the small inclusions in the first act on stage, but really comes live in act two as the Baroness decides to perform a Samba number, that once again had the audience in a stunned silence before a monumental applause.

Jemima and Jeremy Potts are played by a revolving cast of four duos; and at this performance Aila McLeish and Bodhi Allnut graced the stage; delivering charming performances full of humour and heart. The mega talented ensemble includes Sameer Dhanjee, George Hales, Tasha Chu, Maya Khatri Chhetri, Javai James, and Josh Rosewood, who are excellent throughout; but particularly so in the bamboo dance sequence. Theo Diedrick as Coggins creates a generous portrayal of the junkyard owner, and is particular enjoyable to watch in the background of scenes as his reactions are delightfully dramatic.

Susannah van den Berg delivers a strong performance as The Childcatcher, bringing a witchy and unsettling air to her performance with an impressive physicality. Mark Curry is lovable as Grandpa Potts, and is particularly strong in his song in act two The Roses of Success. Reuben Greeph as The Toymaker is fantastic in the role, delivering perhaps the most heartfelt and earnest performance in the show; with a caring and generous spirit.

Samuel Morgan-Grahame and Mairi Ikegami as the Baron and Baroness are a hilarious duo, with a performance that reminds one of a pantomime villain. Morgan-Grahame unleashes utter insanity on the stage, as he resembles an overgrown toddler as he twitches in search of toys, with an exaggerated performance that has the audience in splits every time he is on stage. Ikegami, too, revels in the absurdity of her affliction of children, jumping at the sound of them and fainting at the sight of them. Ikegami somehow manages to provide layers to the Baroness, as she flirts heavily with other men and tries to violently injure her husband whenever his back is turned, whilst also singing perhaps the most ridiculous love song. It's an impressive task that both performers get through Chu-chi Face every night with out corpsing, and even more so when they both deliver strong vocals. However, Ikegami really steals the show in The Bombie Samba, as she launches into full Samba choreography, complete with in-air turns.

Alexander Zane and Sam Pay are another stand out duo as Goran and Boris; the two spies appointed by the Baron and Baroness to steal Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the Potts family. This comedy duo bring slapstick comedy to the foreground along with unrestraint levels of buffoonery, that has the kids and adults alike laughing along. Pay takes on a witty style of comedy, which perfectly matches Zane's more dumb-witted yet more enthusiastic jokes. The duo are over the top comedically and audiences are promised a good time whenever either of them appear on stage. Zane particularly takes this up a notch, interacting and picking on audience members as he leaves the stage, and maintains a gaping face of confusion and pride throughout the show. Their song Act English is also one of the musicals's strongest moments.

Lydia Louise, in her professional debut, takes on the role of Truly Scrumptious. Louise's take on the role allows her to feel more defined as an individual with a more sarcastic and fiery introduction as a motorbike rider, and a genuine love for new inventions and imagination. That being said, her relationship as she bonds with the children and her slow romance with Caractacus is particularly endearing, and it's joyful to watch this family come together. Louise proves her might as a singer and actor, mostly in the number Doll on a Music Box, wherein her performance is mesmerising.

Leading the company as Caractacus Potts is the ever brilliant Christian Edwards, who is in fine form in this production. Edwards captures the spirit of Caractacus entirely, which is no easy feat having to follow the footsteps of British legend Dick Van Dyke. Edwards oozes of every positive connotation that one could hope for, dialing up his natural charm, warmth, love, creativity and protectiveness. Edwards truly feels like a father to both child actors and his very stage presence is reassuring for the audience. His childlike wonder and excitement when demonstrating the experiments is infectious and his determination to fulfill his children's wishes, despite struggling financially, makes him ever more endearing. Edwards' performance may be wonderful, but his vocals surpass even that with a beautiful rendition of Hushabye Mountain.

This production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has utilised the talent of actor-musicians, adding yet another element for audiences to be impressed by. The company's instruments are placed off stage and in the aisles of the theatre for the cast to quickly sit with as they exit the stage, whilst allowing audiences to not only see them play live but to really feel it. Zane is the onstage MD, (and Greeph as assistant onstage MD), and at my last count played over 7 various instruments throughout the musical, once again proving that he is a man of many hats... including the spy hat of Goran. For all the talents of individual cast members and their own songs, the show's title track remains its most iconic.

The 2026 Watermill production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has perhaps understood the musical better than most, bringing audiences within the world of the characters, delighting them with theatrical magic and incredible talents from cast and further company, without ever trying to upstage the warmth of the story with a spectacle. It's a charming production that will no doubt be a theatre highlight of the year for any who are lucky enough to adventure their way through the gorgeous town and theatre to watch it.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is currently playing at the Watermill Theatre until 13th September - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Pamela Raith