One of the world’s best-loved family musicals is about to land on New Road. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton takes off at Theatre Royal Brighton from 12 to 16 August 2026, staged by Brighton Theatre Group — the local company behind the acclaimed Les Misérables – Let the People Sing. Expect a flying car, a live orchestra and a cast drawn from across the city, led by Brighton’s own Carl Lovejoy as Caractacus Potts.
Fans of theatre will not want to miss Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton, a performance that promises to be unforgettable.
We caught up with him ahead of opening night.
A hometown leading man
Born in Greenford, Carl has called Brighton home since 2005 — “and if I have any say it will be for a long time to come”, he says. He first joined Brighton Theatre Group’s youth section in 2011 for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, having discovered the company through family who had seen their shows, and was immediately struck by the creative energy of the place.
Carl’s journey in theatre brings him to the highly anticipated Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton, where he hopes to inspire young audiences.
Singing came first: he started lessons at 11, and describes it as a powerful form of expression, capable of carrying stories and emotion when words alone fall short. His mother, he’s quick to note, has been instrumental throughout — driving him to countless rehearsals over the years. His first major role came at 13, playing Gavroche in Les Misérables, and he still remembers being gobsmacked to be trusted with it.
Playing Caractacus Potts
Taking on the role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton is a dream come true for Carl, melding his passion with professional experience.
Potts brings something new. “It’s my first time playing a father,” Carl says — daunting at first, though he credits the young performers playing Jeremy and Jemima with making it a joy. Rehearsals, he reports, have been a lot of fun, with the cast constantly finding fresh moments together.
His favourite part of the role? Getting to share the stage with nearly everyone in the show — and, of course, playing with all the inventions, from the breakfast-making machine to the Spiffing Automatic Haircut machine, and Chitty herself.
Why Brighton Theatre Group is a city institution
The excitement for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton is palpable, as fans eagerly await the show’s opening night.
Brighton Theatre Group is a registered charity that brings together performers of all ages and walks of life, and for Carl that mix is the whole point. He describes the rehearsal room as a constant source of inspiration, where finding chemistry with other actors makes him a better performer — and where the fun the cast have together spills straight into the show.
Every rehearsal for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton showcases the talent of local artists, fostering community spirit and creativity.
This is familiar ground for him at Theatre Royal, too: he played Willy Wonka in the group’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Thénardier in Les Misérables on the same stage. He’s looking forward to the spacious backstage, the welcoming staff, and the humbling sense of history in a theatre that has hosted so many stars.
Five reasons to book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Brighton
Don’t miss your chance to see the spectacular Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton, a true highlight of the theatre season.
- The songs — Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweet, Posh and Me Ol’ Bamboo, all performed with a live orchestra.
- The car — the famous flying Chitty, brought to life on stage.
- The villains — Baron Bomburst and the sinister Child Catcher, as Potts, Truly, Jeremy and Jemima try to outwit them.
- A genuine community cast — local performers aged 8 to 80-plus, from a charity that has been part of Brighton’s cultural life for decades.
- The spectacle — Carl promises dazzling lights, striking sets and impeccable costumes from a production team who, he says, have spared no expense.
As he puts it: they’ve had far too much fun making this show for it not to be contagious.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton: dates and tickets
Mark your calendars for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton and prepare for a magical experience!
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- Where: Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD
Attending Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton at the Theatre Royal is the perfect way to experience local talent.
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- When: Wednesday 12 – Sunday 16 August 2026
Enjoy the atmosphere of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton with family and friends for a memorable outing.
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- Times: Wed–Sat at 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Sun at 1pm and 6pm
- Tickets: via the Theatre Royal Brighton box office
Tickets for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton are available now; make sure to secure yours early!
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. Brighton Theatre Group is a registered charity (no. 258846).
An experience like none other, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Brighton will leave you enchanted.
- Brighton Theatre Group —
https://brightontheatregroup.com - Theatre Royal Brighton (билеты) —
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/whats-on/
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