Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Teamwork really did make the dream work in Carmarthen Youth Opera’s 40th anniversary production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  To produce such a technically demanding show is certainly a challenge, but one well met by the Director and Stage Crew. A couple of opening night glitches can be overlooked due to the amount of work that had obviously gone in to meet the technical demands of this production. The set was impressive as expected and Ceri James’s lighting plot served to show it off well. Gen 11 was used very effectively and the audience were suitable impressed.

Right from the Overture from Gareth Kirby and the impressive orchestra, the audience knew they were in for a treat and the Prologue set the tone from the enthusiastic and well-drilled ensemble. Choreography from Director Dan Williams and Rachel Saddler was clean and effective. I especially enjoyed the Bombie Samba routine and of course Me Ol’ Bamboo! It was a lovely touch to include past members as the Inventors and The Roses of Success had me smiling from beginning to end. Ffion Moore handled the musical box choreography with confidence and I loved Jordan Dickin’s ragdoll.

Ffion Moore gave a lovely, gentle performance as Truly Scrumptious. Once opening night nerves settled, her performance became more confident and I enjoyed her singing voice very much, everything you want Truly to be. Jordan Dickin’s Caractacus Potts was an assured performance from a young man who is fast becoming one to watch in our area. Jordan’s ability to capture the range of emotions this part requires, especially at only 21, is remarkable. I’m not ashamed to say Hushabye Mountain brought tears to my eyes and both his and Ffion’s interaction with the children was handled beautifully.

Speaking of the children, a big well done to Alys Bowen-Price and Liam Rice, who played Jemima and Jeremy Potts. Two fantastic performances, word perfect and not a hint of nerves! I only wish I could have returned to see the alternate cast, but under the direction of Dan Williams, I am sure that Oliver, Martha, Isabelle and Harry gave equally enjoyable performances.

Chitty has some wonderful, colourful characters and this production did not disappoint. Joseph Pilkinton brought Gandpa Potts to life with ease. A very confident performance, especially playing up to Grandpa’s age! The flying shed was especially impressive. Great characters too from the perfectly cast Gabby Roberts-Jones and Carwyn Davies as Baron and Baroness Bomburst. Harry Williams-Potter and Rhys Morgan were hugely enjoyable as the hapless spies Boris and Goran.

We did struggle to hear some dialogue in places, especially when under-scored. If I were to give any constructive feedback to the cast, it would be not to wholly rely on microphones to carry your voices right to the back of the auditorium. Projection can be more difficult when speaking in an accent or changing the tone of your natural voice, but it’s still important to try. It’s much easier for the sound engineer to turn your microphone down than up!

This production really was a result of what can be achieved with teamwork. The whole cast seemed to be enjoying every minute on the stage and the audience enjoyed it just as much. Congratulations to everyone involved. Bravo Carmarthen Youth Opera!

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