A classic family favourite is getting a magical new stage adaptation.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will run at Newbury’s Watermill Theatre from Tuesday, May 26 to Sunday, September 13.
The new adaptation of the much-loved story is directed by Watermill’s artistic director, Paul Hart.
Mr Hart said: "We're absolutely thrilled to announce full casting for this summer's brand-new production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
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"I know we say this every year, but this really is our most ambitious one to date.
"This will include the back lawn becoming a fair ground in which Me Ol’ Bamboo will take place in a tent outside.
"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."
The cast includes Christian Edwards as Caractacus Potts, Lydia Louise as Truly Scrumptious in her professional debut, and Mark Curry as Grandpa Potts.
Susannah van den Berg will play The Childcatcher, with Samuel Morgan-Grahame as Baron Bomburst and Mairi Ikegami as Baroness Bomburst.
Watermill Theatre is known for its immersive summer musicals, each year transforming its theatre and grounds into the world of the show.
Past summer productions include The Lord of the Rings, Barnum, and the 2025 UK Theatre Award-winning Jesus Christ Superstar.
Mr Hart said: "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.
It will include the classic songs Truly Scrumptious, Hushabye Mountain, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The creative team features set and costume designer Katie Lias, musical supervisor Stuart Morley, choreographer Anjali Mehra, and puppet director Marc Parrett.
Lighting design is by Jai Morjaria, with sound by Tom Marshall and video design by Daniel Denton. Casting is led by Cydney Beech.
The stage management team includes Cat Pewsey as company stage manager and Geoffrey Field as stage manager.
Alice Barber serves as deputy stage manager, with Fern Bamber and Hanna O’Connor as assistant stage managers.
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