Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

 

 

This classic children’s film celebrates its Golden Anniversary this year. Based on the original story by Ian Fleming, who invented stories of a flying car, for his son, the 1968 film has become a firm favourite over the years.

Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company are proud to have secured the rights to perform this musical and it has certainly proved to be a big box-office success for the Company.

The Production Team of Howard Raw, Director, Dave Thomas, Musical Director and Danielle Woodhouse, Choreographer, were faced with a daunting task of tackling this complex piece of Theatre.

The integral, central role is taken, by the flying car, which presented many technical problems for both cast and crew. Congratulations for the excellent staging and the smooth running of the show by the well-drilled backstage staff. We the Audience, adult and children alike, were delighted by the effects created and we will certainly remember the moment when the car took to the air.

Being up-staged by a car must be unsettling for members of the cast but on the whole, they coped admirably.

 Caractacus Potts, the Eccentric Inventor, was played by the experienced Andrew Tuton, who sang well and his terpsichorean skills proved to be a pleasant surprise and added to his many talents. He had a great rapport with his two stage children, Millie Lyon, Jeremy and Erin Greaves, Jemima, who appeared to be having  a great time and had great stage presence. This also applied to all youngsters taking part.

Amy Atkinson, played Truly Scrumptious with style, only occasionally, did her accent slip. Jack Evans was outstanding as The Child Catcher. His character was truly frightening and adults and children soon started booing at each entrance.      (In true Pantomime fashion). The experienced Lynne Nolan and Ian Fox played to their strengths as the villainous Baroness and Baron Bomburst, the scheming pair who wished to steal the  “magic” car.

It was unfortunate that the Sound system was such that often it was difficult to hear what was said or sung and the balance was also faulty.

 Director, Howard Raw, ensured that all on stage kept the show moving at just the correct pace and each member of the Ensemble were focused at all times. Musical Director, Dave Thomas had a difficult task of timing the Orchestra with the on stage technical effects but he coped admirably whilst Choreographer, Danielle Woodhouse successfully provided the iconic dance routines. I must congratulate the Costume Department on providing an impressive “wardrobe”. Everyone on stage had been supplied with outstanding costumes.

I made a point of asking the younger members of the audience what they thought of the show and without exception, they told me they had a great time, proof indeed that this was another successful Production, by this talented company.The overall impression of the evening was that the technical challenges were overcome with great professionalism.

Thank you for your kind welcome.

 

 

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