Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the iconic family film most people have seen was brought to Darlington as the stage musical, and we loved it, no more than that, we adored it. DOS broke into the family audience in a big way and hopefully have captured a young audience that will come again.

“The car is the star,” many would say, but I say there are many stars in the making in this show. Two children’s groups of twenty, appearing alternate nights, no mean feat for Joanne Hand to train these youngsters. Both groups gave impeccable performances with clear vocals, obviously enjoying been on stage, well done.

The Potts Children, Matthew Scott and Jamie Collict played Jeremy, and so Alex Lennie and Lily Singleton playing Jemima had a lot to live up to, but in fine style they did it. Thank you for impeccable performances.

Julian Cound took on the part of Potts, the children’s Father, he was ideal, showing empathy towards his children and the glance to the skies after singing his wifes lullaby brought reality to his character. His joy of dance shone through during “My old Bamboo” and congratulations on looking so relaxed while controlling Chitty, which I am sure is no mean feat.

Two young ladies took the part of Truly Scrumptious, Beth Hopper and Carolyn Lithgo, I saw both, and I know why the casting team could not choose between the two. Both ladies have a beautiful tone to their voices, so clear and true, a most enjoyable performance from you both.

Family back up team was David Murray, playing Grandpa Potts. I fell in love with him he gave such a likable character performance.

Baron Bombhurst, (Leighton Taylor Jones) and his Baroness (Hannah Teesdale) gave such an energised performance, Zippy and full of life, a great pair giving us so many comic moments, particularly in the musical number “Chu-Chi-Face”.

The Spies Boris (Nic Myers) and Goran (Eddie Taylor-Jones) made Stupidity an Art, what more can I say!!

The Iconic Child Catcher (Christopher McCann) gathered Boo’s as were his due, Snooty, wicked and mean was he. It is a shame he is not on stage more.

So many other cameo parts played, all giving attention to detail, but I must mention the Inventors, which were such fun.

The adult ensemble gave us a beautifully costumed opening and followed on with many types of dance flavours through the show, a great vibrant team.

Thank you to Joanne Hand, Director and Choreographer, so much work here but the end product was truly magical.

Thank you also to Stephen Hood, Musical Director, and your Orchestra, Beautiful sound and a well trained Cast and Chorus.

Finally, Backstage and Technical crew, slick and quick, just what the audience wants.

Thank you all for an evening of fun and joy.

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