Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Just a Truly Scrumptious show!   A wonderful, colourful, energetic explosion of musical theatre hit Wakefield Theatre Royals stage with Wakefield West Ridings production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.   Audiences expect high quality shows from WWRTC and this one did not fail to impress with a strong cast, confident ensemble and two fabulous troupes of children – it was Lollipops at the matinee, but the writer is assured that Tootsweets are just as fabulous

The gasps from the audience were audible when Chitty began to fly.  In a matinée production when often sweet wrappers and toilet visits are the main interruption the audience were transfixed by the wonderful production directed and choreographed by Dee Bennie-Marshall.   With a high-spec LED wall as the backdrop, the colours and costumes seemed to bring the theatre to life and transported everyone to middle-England and then on a journey to Vulgaria.

Geoff Fenwick was excellent playing both Mr Coggins and The Toymaker.  The later he played with a wonderful air of anxiety and fluster, building the tension as the characters and audience learn of the terrors taking place in Vulgaria.  Under the rule of the wicked Baron and Baroness Bomburst (Jonathan Cannon and Christine Kenny) the country is a place where children are not welcome and the childish behaviours of the Baron are all condoned by his wicked wife.  Cannon and Kenny played these parts to perfection.  Their strong acting ability came through in these roles which are very funny characters.  The ‘Bombie Samba’, enhanced by a strong Dance Team and Ensemble, really demonstrated the strengths of these two actors and the whole cast.  Working for the Baron were the Vulagrian Spies, Boris and Goran, who were excellently played by Rachel Hirst Marshall and Claire Hookham Williams – this hilarious comedy duo performed to the audience and made everyone laugh whilst clearly playing it ‘straight’ – fabulously done.  The other dreadful inhabitant of Vulgaria is the Child-Catcher.  The silhouette and physicality of this character is entrenched in the mind of anyone who has seen the 1968 film and Josef Summerscales captured the part perfectly.   Still only a teenager Summerscales completely embodied the image of our worst nightmares and demonstrated huge promise for the future.

Back in middle England, hapless inventor Caractacus Potts is scraping a living whilst bringing up his small children.  Richard Longbottom as Potts had a strong voice and confidently tackled the dancing of the part.  His love interest Truly Scrumptious was beautifully played by Kati Gill, a stunning voice and wonderful interaction with the children, especially in ‘Lovely Lonely Man’.  The perfection of her Truly was really embedded in the climax of the story when she sang ‘Doll On A Music Box’ – it was wonderful and fabulously followed by Caractacus reprising ‘Truly Scrumptious’ – the whole scene looked and sounded beautiful.  Head of the Potts family is Grandpa Potts (David Hookham) – a stand out performance from this talented actor and singer.  Hookham really did own the role, whilst reflecting on the performance of the late Lionel Jeffries, made famous in the film, he brought new energy and extra comedy to the part – an excellent performance.  And finally to the Potts children – without whom the story of Chitty would never need to be told.  Jemima and Jeremy were confidently, articulately and adorably played by Aurora Harris and Chester Williams.  They were both naturally comfortable on stage with strong sense of knowing exactly what needed to be done, doing it just as required whilst still clearly having fun.  Their delivery was exceptional and their dancing in time and in step.  Two very large parts for two young children – well done.

The singing was clear and strong throughout and the eleven-piece band led by James Greatorex, Musical Director, supported the wonderful harmonies from the cast.  The production was two and half hours of absolute joy and sincere congratulations should be given to the Cast, Crew and Production Team.

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