It has been announced that Claire Sweeney will play the role of Baroness Bomburst in the UK tour of the Sherman Brothers musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the 3rd August 2016. 

The production currently touring the UK until February 2017, currently stars Michelle Collins as the Baroness and whose last performance on the tour will be on the 30th July.

Michelle Collins said of the news: “I will be really sorry to leave the fantastic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tour after my dates at the New Wimbledon Theatre and six months on the road. I love playing the all singing and dancing Baroness Bomburst, but have been advised that the knee problem I have been managing along the way will not fully recover if I carry on for the rest of the 12-month tour. I wish Claire Sweeney every success when she takes over the role this summer.”

Claire Sweeney began her career in Channel 4’s Brookside. Her many theatre roles have included Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls and can be currently be seen as Velma Van Tussle in the UK tour of Hairspray.

She joins Lee Mead, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Shaun Williamson, Matt Gillett, Andy Hockley in the cast from the 3rd August.

Meanwhile, Jason Manford will return to play Caractacus Potts on the 21st September, while Phil Jupitus will return to the roles of Lord Scrumptious and Baron Bomburst on the 24th August.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the classic musical featuring music and lyrics by the Sherman Brothers who were also responsible for Mary Poppins, The Slipper and the Rose, The Aristocats and The Jungle Book.

This new production is directed by the West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang features set and costume designs by Simon Higlett, lighting by Tim Mitchell and sound by Ben Harrison.

For a full list of dates and venues that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be flying to then visit: http://www.chittythemusical.co.uk/.