The Watermill Theatre has developed a reputation for imaginative actor-musician productions, and its latest offering, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, continues that tradition with a charming and inventive reimagining of the beloved family musical.
Rather than attempting to replicate the spectacle of previous West End and touring productions, this version embraces the Watermill's intimate setting and creates something entirely its own. The story remains faithful to the classic audiences know and love, but thoughtful creative choices and clever staging allow it to feel fresh and exciting.
The production follows eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, his children Jeremy and Jemima, and the wonderful Truly Scrumptious as they embark on a magical adventure with the legendary Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Along the way they encounter spies, royalty, villains and plenty of chaos, all brought to life with warmth and humour.
From the opening number, the audience is drawn into the production's unique style. Familiar songs are reimagined, creating an immediate sense of excitement and even a few goosebump moments.
Christian Edwards is excellent as Caractacus Potts, carrying the production with warmth, charm and an effortless sense of fun. Lydia Louise delivers a delightful performance as Truly Scrumptious, bringing a fresh interpretation to the role while remaining instantly likeable. This evening's young performers, Auora Breslin and Francis Adams as Jemima and Jeremy, impressed throughout with strong characterisation, excellent energy and plenty of heart.
Elsewhere, Samuel Morgan-Grahame and Mairi Ikegami prove a hilarious pairing as the Baron and Baroness Bomburst, with several modernised script updates generating some of the evening's biggest laughs. The two spies, played by Sam Pay and Alexander Zane, are equally engaging, consistently delivering well-timed comic moments. Susannah van den Berg's Childcatcher is both chilling and commanding, reminding audiences exactly why the character remains such an iconic villain.
As with many Watermill productions, the ensemble are central to the show's success. Serving as performers, musicians and storytellers, they seamlessly move the action forward while playing instruments throughout. Their contribution is remarkable and provides the backbone of the production. Their puppetry work is particularly impressive, bringing a range of characters and moments to life with creativity, precision and charm.
The staging is where this production truly shines. Every nook and cranny of the venue is utilised, creating a fully immersive experience. Even the outdoor spaces become part of the storytelling, most notably during a wonderfully creative rendition of “Me Ol' Bamboo” that delighted the audience. Katie Lias' set and costume design perfectly complements the production's inventive approach, creating a world that feels both playful and magical while making full use of the Watermill's unique space. The actor-musician format works beautifully, while the design proves that imagination can often be more effective than spectacle alone.
Of course, much anticipation surrounds how Chitty herself will be realised. The answer is through clever theatrical ingenuity. The audience reaction when she appears speaks for itself, and the creative approach perfectly reflects the production's overall philosophy.
Visually engaging, musically strong and packed with heart, this is a beautifully crafted production.
Whether you're local to Newbury or travelling from further afield, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is well worth the journey. This magical reimagining proves that, with enough imagination, even the most familiar stories can take flight once again.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, until 13 September 2025. Tickets are available here.
Review: Alistair Lowe Photos: Pamela Raith