A magical flying adventure is one step closer to taking off in Clacton this spring, as the Princes Theatre announces the principal cast for its upcoming production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The Princes Youth Theatre will be bringing the much loved musical to the Tendring District Council run (TDC) venue from 9 to 12 April 2026.
Audiences can expect a heart-warming, high flying adventure as eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, played by Albie Oxley, restores a scrapped race car with the help of his children Jeremy and Jemima, portrayed by Lucas Dew and Jessica Cox.
What begins as a simple restoration project soon takes flight - quite literally - as the family discovers their beloved car possesses magical powers, from floating on water to soaring above the clouds.
Their journey soon entangles them with the evil Baron Bomburst, brought to life by Lewis Hogg, alongside a colourful cast of characters including the ever entertaining Grandpa Potts, played by Mars Senchell, and the charming Truly Scrumptious, played by Jess Burden.
Also joining the leading line up are Lily Norbury as the Baroness Bomburst, Luke Roberts as the sinister Childcatcher, and Mateusz Kokot as the Toymaker.
Supporting the production will be a talented team of senior and junior dancers, whose performances will add sparkle, movement and energy to this much loved musical.
This year’s senior dancers are Aisha Njane, Dulcie Tayler, Edie Joshua, Eloise Bryan, Erin Partridge, Erin Smee, Hollie Johnson, Alice King, Devon Kelly, Ivy Wraight, Lily Thomas, Lucy Warlow, Maddy Bracey, Maisie Brown, Melisa Smith, Remy Cowley, Robin Thomas, Mally Parker, Olive Sell Malone and Scarlett Metcalfe.
Melissa Wenn, who runs the Princes Youth Theatre and the Princes Acting Centre, said: “Our young cast have already brought so much enthusiasm, dedication and joy into rehearsals, and it’s wonderful to finally share their names with the public.
“This show is packed with magic, music and heart, and I know our audiences are going to be incredibly proud of what these performers achieve on stage.”
The spectacular production will also showcase an authentic, fully engineered ‘flying’ Chitty car — a favourite with audiences and a technical centrepiece of the show.
The musical also features cherished numbers such as Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Me Ol’ Bam Boo and, of course, the universally adored title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Councillor Gary Scott, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage, encouraged residents to support the young cast and enjoy the magic they bring to the stage.
“Our district is full of incredibly talented young people, and productions like this give them the perfect opportunity to shine.
“It’s inspiring to see them working together to create what is sure to be another fantastic show, and I’d encourage parents, grandparents and the wider community to come along and share in that pride.
“The Princes Theatre provides opportunities that families simply wouldn’t find anywhere else — from children discovering a love of performing to relatives watching them light up the stage.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team who work tirelessly to raise aspirations and creativity and broaden horizons for young performers across Tendring, and their passion is clear in productions like this.”
Tickets for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which runs from 9 to 12 April, are on sale now via the Princes Theatre website at www.princestheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01255 686633.
