The much-loved family musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is heading to Oxford Playhouse this April, with more than 50 young performers from across Oxfordshire taking to the stage.
Presented by the Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO), the production runs from Wednesday 1 April to Saturday 4 April 2026 and brings one of the best-known family musicals back to Oxford in a lively local staging.
Based on the story by Ian Fleming and made famous by the classic film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang follows inventor Caractacus Potts, his children and the magical flying car at the centre of the adventure.
With familiar songs including Toot Sweets, Truly Scrumptious and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the show is aimed at family audiences and children aged five and over.
Performance details
- Show: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Company: Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO)
- Venue: Oxford Playhouse
- Dates: Wed 1 – Sat 4 April 2026
- Age guidance: 5+
- Tickets from: £15
- Interval: Yes
Local cast highlights
The Musical Youth Company of Oxford production features a large cast of young performers from across Oxfordshire.
- Caractacus Potts – Giacomo Ruffman
- Jeremy Potts – Ed Fitter
- Jemima Potts – Ella-May Higgins
- Grandpa Potts – Ozzy Phelan
- Baron Bomburst – Max Abecassis-Loyer
- Baroness Bomburst – Ava Lea-James
- Childcatcher – Caleb Gill
- Toymaker – Isabella Aravejo
- Spies – Elsie Talbut and Jasper Carter
What is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang about?
The musical follows widowed inventor Caractacus Potts and his children as they rebuild an old racing car and discover it has extraordinary powers.
Joined by Truly Scrumptious, they are swept into a fantasy adventure involving the sinister Child Catcher and the eccentric Baron and Baroness Bomburst.
It is one of those rare family shows that combines big spectacle, well-known songs and a story that still appeals across generations.
Why this Oxford production stands out
This is not a visiting national tour. It is a local production by MYCO, one of Oxfordshire’s best-known youth theatre companies.
The cast includes more than 50 young performers from across the county, giving local audiences the chance to see home-grown talent on one of Oxford’s biggest stages.
Leading the cast as Caractacus Potts is Giacomo Ruffman, who previously appeared at Oxford Playhouse in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
He said: “I am really excited about the challenges, including operating the car, and bringing this amazing show to life.”
Ella-May Higgins, who plays Jemima Potts, said: “Everyone needs to come to watch MYCO in this absolutely magical production. I am in love with this show and its heartwarming, fun storyline.”
The ensemble also includes Ike Talbut, who viewers may recognise from the BBC adaptation of Lord of the Flies.
Creative team behind the show
The production is:
- Directed by Julie Todd
- Musically directed by Laura Marr
- Choreographed by Catie Simpson
Oxford Playhouse describes the show as a visually striking production packed with energy, music and family appeal.
Why families may want to book early
The run is short, with only five performances across four days.
Because the musical is well known, family-friendly and staged during the school holiday period, it is likely to be one of the more popular local theatre bookings of the month.
Tickets start from £15, which also makes it a relatively accessible option for families looking for a live show in Oxford.
Performance details
| Detail | Information |
| Show | Chitty Chitty Bang Bang |
| Company | Musical Youth Company of Oxford |
| Venue | Oxford Playhouse |
| Dates | Wed 1 Apr to Sat 4 Apr 2026 |
| Age guidance | 5+ |
| Tickets from | £15 |
| Interval | Yes |
Performance times
- Wednesday 1 April at 7.30pm
- Thursday 2 April at 7.30pm
- Friday 3 April at 5pm
- Saturday 4 April at 2.30pm
- Saturday 4 April at 7.30pm
If you are looking for a family show in Oxford this Easter break, this has all the right ingredients: a recognisable title, classic songs, a magical story and a large cast of young Oxfordshire performers.
To book tickets, visit Oxford Playhouse or call the box office on 01865 305305.
