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O’Brien Returns as Child Catcher, Two Weeks Only

Richard O'Brien will return to play The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a role he created in the original London cast, for a strictly limited two week run at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 3 September.

O’Brien says of his latest engagement, “I’m thrilled to re-create one of the legendary baddies of all time here in Southampton for the first time since leaving the London Palladium production in August of 2002 – I promise it will spine tingling!” He spent six months with the Palladium production which opened on 16 April 2002 with an £8 million advance (See News, 16 Apr 2002).

With a cast and crew of over 100 (including 10 dogs), sensational sets and stunning special effects this action-packed adventure is the story of the magical car, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, and his two children Jemima and Jeremy alongside Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, all try and outwit the dastardly Baron and the evil Child Catcher.

In addition to his role in Chitty, the actor is perhaps best known for his enduring hit musical The Rocky Horror Show, last staged in the West End in January 2007 starring David Bedella, which premiered at The Royal Court's Theatre Upstairs in 1973. His other credits include hosting The Crystal Maze on Channel Four, and roles in films such as Ever After with Drew Barrymore; Dark City with Rufus Sewell and Dungeons and Dragons with Jeremy Irons.

O’Brien takes over the role of The Child Catcher from Russ Spencer, joining a cast featuring Craig McLachlan as Caractacus Potts and Tony Adams as Grandpa Potts until 15 September. The production is directed by Adrian Noble, designed by Anthony Ward with lighting by Mark Henderson, choreography by Gillian Lynne and is presented at the Mayflower by Michael Rose.

- by Tom Atkins

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