Review: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, The Watermill Theatre, Newbury
Pamela Raith
Nestled on the idyllic, picturesque banks of the River Lambourn in rural West Berkshire, the 200-seat Watermill Theatre has long held a reputation for being small but mighty. But with their latest production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, they haven't just punched above their weight—they have completely redefined what immersive, regional theatre can achieve. This is, without a doubt, the most creative, enjoyable, and downright hilarious production of Chitty you will ever see. The theatre of the year has the show of the year!
The magic doesn't wait for the house lights to dim; the tone is spectacularly set the moment you roll into the car park. The Watermill has transformed its gorgeous grounds into a carnival of delights. Audiences are greeted by sweet stalls, popcorn stands, garden games, Grandpa Potts’ infamous invention hut, and even a replica Chitty car for the ultimate photo op.
Following the theatre's genius streak with Jesus Christ Superstar, director and team have once again blurred the lines between the auditorium and the great outdoors. Halfway through the first act, the audience is ushered outside into a vibrant funfair tent. What follows is pure entertainment: a breathtaking, high-energy performance of Me Ol’ Bamboo (complete with popcorn thrown in!)) and a hilariously chaotic rendition of the film’s iconic "haircut gone wrong" scene. It is pure magic, seamlessly executed.
The intimate space demands powerhouse performances, and this cast delivers!
Christian Edwards anchors the show with immense charm and warmth as the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts. Lydia Louise, making her professional debut as Truly Scrumptious, is an absolute revelation, matching Edwards note-for-note with a performance that feels effortlessly seasoned. Mark Curry brings wonderful, nostalgic comedy to Grandpa Potts, while Susannah van den Berg turns the terrifying Childcatcher into a delightfully menacing, scene-stealing force. The comedic heavy lifting from Samuel Morgan-Grahame (Baron Bomburst) and Mairi Ikegami (Baroness Bomburst) provides non-stop laughs, expertly supported by Sam Pay (Boris/Lord Scrumptious), Alexander Zane (Goran/Onstage MD). Backing them is an incredibly tight, multi-talented ensemble (led by Dance Captain Tasha Chu) who breathe frantic, joyous life into every single musical number.
What elevates this production into something truly sublime is the breath-taking utilisation of an actor-musician format. Watching the cast seamlessly pivot from delivering razor-sharp comedic dialogue to shredding on instruments right before our eyes is nothing short of exhilarating. Lead characters, villains, and ensemble members alike double as the live orchestra, incorporating pianos, guitars, flutes, clarinets, brass and percussion directly into the storytelling. This multi-tasking mastery injects the show with an infectious, organic energy. You can feel the sheer joy vibrating from the performers as they play, sing, and dance simultaneously, giving the iconic Sherman Brothers score a vibrant, handcrafted heartbeat that a hidden orchestra pit could never replicate.
But... Does the Car Fly?
It’s the question everyone asks! Without a West End budget or a massive fly floor, how does a 200-seat barn lift a car? The answer is a masterclass in theatrical ingenuity. Through a clever, breath-taking use of puppetry, stagecraft, and a generous dash of imagination, Chitty does indeed take to the skies. It is a delightful, awe-inspiring moment that proves you don’t need millions of pounds of hydraulics when you have pure artistic vision.
This is theatre at its absolute best. It is inventive, profoundly joyful, and packed with heart. I can 100% assure you I am already booking my tickets to go back and see it again. Do not miss it!
***** Five Stars
Reviewed by Ryan Bishop
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