Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Everybody knows this children’s’ story, now a stage musical, which has a big pantomime feel about it. Then there is the Flying Car itself! Nothing daunted, the company tackled it all with verve and determination and, in doing so, brought out all the magic elements required for this famous tale. Two of the most important characters in the show are Jeremy and Jemima Potts – get them right, and the show will jolly itself along in fine style. And we had a cracking pair of young leads! Take a bow Roman Baradhi and Maeve Murray who filled the shoes of Jeremy and Jemima Potts without putting a foot wrong. Both showed excellent stage presence and they were secure in their songs with total verve and assurance. Two great performances! Then the further two leads - the wonderfully named Truly Scrumptious and the eccentric Caractacus Potts, the children’s father. They were deservedly on the Honours’ list as well! Louise Middleton was truly delightful and delectable in her part and had a happy-go-lucky attitude showing a light-hearted touch to her performance. Caractacus, an eccentric inventor, found the multi-talented Thomas Richmond proving to be an all-rounder in song, dance, music and acting. His Me Ol’ Bamboo number was a real hum-dinger – and an exhausting one too, as it crackled along at a great rate, but he carried it all off with total ease throughout the show. Then Grandpa Potts, an engaging Hugh Johnstone, made a great success in his Roses Of Success along with all his Inventor buddies. The show is full of funny pantomime characters who all played their roles perfectly. Kieron Bole and Connor Wilson were the zany and inane duo of Boris and Goran; in a part that could almost have been written for him, Craig Rose was fantastic as the bombastic, and childish, Baron Bomburst, with Zoe Glen playing his alluring Baroness, doing so with verve and vivacity – and don’t use the C word (children!) in front of her. Dave Mitchell was the understanding and kindly Toymaker and Stuart Whyte, in an all too short appearance made the most of the sly, conniving, devious, Childcatcher. And the flying car Chitty – it flew superbly in London – and it did here too, in spectacular fashion, an amazing sight! The show was colourful throughout and the ensemble made the most of all the show’s big song numbers! It was all just a great night out!

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