Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang

FADLOS in East Anglian Amateur Premiere of ‘Chitty’ and what a fabulous magical evening we all enjoyed, definitely a ‘feel good atmosphere’ for all involved both on stage and in audience.

In spite of all the many difficulties in staging this show in a small community hall venue, you have worked miracles with the structural survey, the reinforcement of stage, the rebuilding of stage surface just before opening, all for that car from Blue Chilli which was total magic and something not expected to happen in Fakenham. And add in the LED screen hired from Viking with images from Ronnie West plus an imaginative set, and the whole feeling was out of this world and we were transported like magic, many congratulations to all involved in this massive project. (I dare not think of the cost but the full houses must give some comfort for the outlay). Add in the beautiful and stunning costume plot from Dereham Theatre Costumes for the icing on the cake. Lighting plot added to feel good atmosphere.

Lucy Ferris as Director had all the cast on her side and how well they fitted the many roles and lifted the action. Choreography from Ben Francis and Danielle Standing was lively and well drilled and gave the energetic chorus some good numbers (loved the Bombi Samba). And Joanna Kemp is always such an excellent MD, and her orchestra is always such a joy to listen to, we know from the moment the overture begins that we are in for a treat.

The two children, Jemima and Jeremy Potts, from Molly Freestone and Teejay Standing, were quite exceptional with their clear voices and projection, singing voices, acting skills, and energetic approach to the roles. And in the family, just loved Robin Hawkes as Grandpa Potts in whiskers and tales of India. As lead Caractacus Potts, Ben Francis had a huge part for leading the tale and singing the songs, dancing the dance, and all the action with great interaction with all his fellow actors, plus controlling those magical moments of the car in flying. And opposite him as Truly Scrumptious, Tilly Baron was a delight with those true notes and her movement, her empathy to the family, her style, elegance and looks, a special performance.

The comedy stakes well brought out in this production: Boris and Goran (Phoebe Caesari and Kerry Davis) as the two Vulgarian spies had good timing and movement in their interference throughout.  And the rulers of Vulgaria, Baron and Baroness Bomburst (Scott Meacock and Emma Galley) were hilarious in all ways with their relationship, their outlandish behaviour, the toy fetish, really this couple a superb and talented comedy team with singing and dance skills.

Alex Chidichimo as Toy Maker contributed to the story in fine style, and also Peter Blakeley as Lord Scrumptious and Michael Silvester as a very frightening Child Catcher: all so important to the story balance, plus the many small cameo roles throughout.

But it is the great ‘company’ feel of fun and enthusiasm with great energy and joy of performing that is the overwhelming feel good factor to take home after the standing ovations of full houses and never ending applause of yet another chorus of ‘chitty’ as the car rose and flew with magic.   

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