From the producers of Les Misérables, Let the People Sing, Brighton Theatre Group have returned with the most fantasmorgorical musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It flew into Brighton last night on magical wings of sheer delight.
One of the world’s favourite family musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang had the audience of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and comedy.
BTG have proven themselves on their professional standards in performance, over the last 58 years, and they didn’t miss a beat with this production. It was off the scale brilliant – they couldn’t have flung more at it – directed by Michael Burnie.
As soon as the curtain, to reveal a stage full of singers, dancers and actors, was up my 7-year-old granddaughter stopped asking when it was going to start and was transfixed throughout. Quite rightly so, as we follow the Potts family through their thrilling adventures with Chitty.
Stunning costumes from Donna Harrop and her team – going totally and deliciously overboard with those for Baroness Bomburst (Jodie Michele). The make-up team headed up by Chris Horlock surpassed themselves. Not only did Michele deliver the most wonderful performance in that role but she also choreographed the show whose dances were easily as good as a west end production. My favourite routine was that of the fun fair with its tumbling, dancing, costumes and makeup.
The set was from Scenic Projects Ltd and Chitty Hire. Projections and painted back drops, as well as the delightful props created a magical effect throughout. Chitty Hire also provided the stunning car itself.
The cast, led by Carl Lovejoy as Caratacus Potts, were flawless throughout. The comedy timing didn’t miss a beat personified by Dean Cowland (Boris) and Philip Lloyd Davis (Goran) who praised my granddaughter’s headband as he passed by in the crowd, making her night. She was terrified by Jake Beniston’s Child Catcher so well done to him!
Although no one performer should be singled out, the children from the two Potts downwards delivered great performances. They danced, sung and acted their little hearts out throughout.
As a dog person, myself, it was lovely to see so many dogs on stage but when Edison (Marco) arrived the crowd, as they say, went wild.
The ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ song got everybody clapping and singing along with gusto. My favourite has always been ‘Hushabye Mountain’ and I wasn’t disappointed tonight in the delivery from Lovejoy. ‘The Old Bamboo’ went down a storm with its accompanying, intricate dance routine.
Congratulations to all and thanks to Theatre Royal and Brighton Theatre group for inviting me to such a magical evening. It’s running until Sunday (16 August) so take yourself with or without kids as I know you’ll have the best of times.
Tickets and venue
Theatre Royal Brighton
Wednesday 12 August – Sunday 16 August 2026
New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD
This show has an interval
Wed – Sat at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sun at 1pm and 6pm
