Good Companions flying in to Derby Theatre for historic first-Ever Derby production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Credit: Good Companions Musical Theatre

Acclaimed local society Good Companions Musical Theatre will make history this autumn by bringing the iconic family musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to the city of Derby for the first time ever.

Running at Derby Theatre from 4th to 8th November 2026, this spectacular, high-flying production features unforgettable classic songs like Hushabye Mountain, Me Ol’ Bamboo, and the legendary title track, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, promising a magical theatrical adventure complete with the world’s most famous flying car.

Based on the beloved 1968 film adaptation of Ian Fleming’s book, the musical follows eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, his children Jemima and Jeremy, and the delightful Truly Scrumptious as they battle the greedy Baron Bomburst. Good Companions’ ambitious production scales up the local theatre scene with dynamic choreography, a stellar local ensemble, and fully accessible British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances.

Staging a show of this technical magnitude as a city premiere is a major milestone for the company.

Phil Simcox, Director, said: “Bringing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Derby Theatre is an enormous and exciting challenge. With a cast of 75, spectacular musical numbers, iconic moments and, of course, a real flying car, the production demands creativity, precision and teamwork to bring this magical, much-loved story thrillingly to life on stage

The excitement is equally high among the principal cast, who are stepping into some of cinema’s most iconic roles.

Martin Counter, who plays the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, added: “During school holidays I used to visit my grandparents who had four family friendly VHS
tapes in the cupboard, one of which was ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, which was watched often on rainy days. I was terrified of the Child Catcher however, the famous songs from the show have stuck with me and I couldn’t be more pleased to be playing Caractacus Potts. Dick Van Dyke was one of my childhood heroes, who doesn’t love an eccentric inventor!”

For the younger members of the cast, taking to the stage in a magical story is a dream come true.

Ebony, sharing the role of Jemima Potts, said: “I am so thrilled to be back performing with Good Companions, having previously been in ‘Made in Dagenham’ and ‘Shrek’. I have made loads of new friends in the cast and connected with old ones. I love attending rehearsals and learning so much from the production team. A special highlight is that my Dad is playing Caractacus! We are making memories that will last a lifetime.”

Tickets for this historic city premiere are selling fast. Performances run nightly at 7:00pm from 4th to 8th November 2026, with additional matinee performances scheduled across the weekend. Tickets can be secured directly through the Derby Theatre Box Office.