Lee Mead .. Timeline - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK tour 2016, Milton Keynes press night

Press night for Lee and the other cast members who had joined the tour or taken on new roles in Milton Keynes came just three shows in. Happily the mic problems that had beset Lee in the opening show, and the technical issues that brought that show to a halt for 30 minutes and limited Chitty's movements when it re-started, had both been resolved and the performance went without a hitch.

The reviews are glowing for the production and its entire cast, but I can't help but be thrilled for Lee that he receives such universal praise for his Caractacus. It's also lovely to hear from Lee himself in his video interviews with Aimee Vivian (right), Nancy Stevens (below) and Alan Wooding (on the Bedford Today website) how much he is enjoying the role. Read the press reviews in full HERE.

"Lee Mead .. is perfect for the role and the audience takes him to their hearts." About Milton Keynes

"Lee Mead certainly shines as wacky inventor Caractacus Potts and his voice is perfect for the part..." Bedford Today

"Lee Mead .. is completely charming as Caractacus Potts" One MK

"I was expecting big things from Lee Mead and he definitely rose to my expectations. With fantastic vocals and a spot-on performance from start to finish, he was very memorable." Phonebox magazine

"This role shows how much [Lee Mead] has matured as an actor and he brings a warmth and gentleness as the scatty inventor and widowed father.." MKFM

Finally, some production photos of the new cast - there are more on the show's Facebook page and more still featuring the original cast on the show's website).

Lee Mead, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 2016 UK Tour

Lee Mead and Carrie Hope Fletcher, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 2016 UK Tour

Full schedule and booking details can be found on the main tour page - at the date of writing there are still tickets available at all venues but the tour is very well sold, so if you want to see Lee in this wonderful show (and trust me, you DO want to see Lee in this wonderful show!), don't delay - book today!

Last updated: 9 May 2016