Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

This mesmerizing, spectacular production of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ will undoubtedly live in the memories of not only the cast and technical team of SLO but also the audiences who came to see this show. From the opening bars of the overture, played by an orchestra, who made a glorious sound supporting the singers so that every word could be heard, right through to the final bows we were taken on a magical journey of comedy, fun and occasional fright with considerable expertise.

A most accomplished cast of principal characters and a very strong ensemble of more than 60 adults and a youth cast of around 40 sang with gusto and were obviously enjoying being part of this stunning and most entertaining production. All of the big company numbers were attacked with verve and excitement showing 100% commitment by all on stage.

The choreography and staging in big group routines and smaller group numbers were neat and precise and flowed easily even although the characters involved were many. ‘Toot Sweets’ number had a real visual impact with its imaginative movement and beautiful costumes. The lively ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’ was another energetic show stopper with great precision by the dancers whilst ‘The Bombie Samba’ was an exhilarating dynamic number with all on stage and in the pit really letting rip.

Caractacus Potts, a widower trying to do his very best for his young family is the central character who takes us on the fascinating journey with his family as he tries to restore an old broken down racing car and keep it out of the clutches of the Vulgarians. Rory MacLean excelled in this demanding role. Rarely off the stage this was a performance delivered with confidence and security both vocally and dramatically. His glowing personality brought the show to life with a real warmth leaving us in no doubt that he was a truly doting dad. ‘Hushabye Mountain’ as he sings to his children was sung so sensitively and brought a tear to the eye. The heartfelt ‘You Two’’ absolutely convinced us that his children meant everything to him.

The two Potts children Jeremy and Jemima played by Sam Gill and Heidi Russell at the performance I attended were an absolute delight. It is easy to forget how many lines they have to remember but both appeared nerveless and secure with a natural stage presence. Their ‘Truly Scrumptious’ number was quite enchanting. The parts of Jeremy and Jemima were double cast and I’m sure that Oliver Thomson and Martha Broderick were equally charming.

Completing the Potts family is Grandpa Potts. Keith Kilgore was a loveable, eccentric old grandpa constantly repeating his old stories and jokes when everybody knew the punch line. ‘Posh’ was wonderfully energetic as was ‘Roses Of Success’ with the inventors in Act 2.

These 4 characters were a realistic family unit as they sat round the table and Grandpa assuring us that ‘Them Three’ meant the world to him.

Truly Scrumptious, the daughter of Lord Scrumptious the sweet factory owner, eventually comes into the lives of the Potts family and Tanya Williamson paired very well with Rory. Very much at ease and relaxed in her presentation of Truly she subtly brought out the humour in her lines and had a most natural, warm, caring relationship with the children. One of the special memorable moments for me in the show was ‘Doll on a Music Box.’.The mechanical movement and singing on the box was so precise and sharp and teamed with Potts as the floppy rag doll singing the counter melody. Beautiful.

There is much comedy along the way in this musical. Peter Tomassi and Padraic Hamrogue as the spies Goran and Boris were a brilliant pairing. With flawless comedic timing they were a hilarious double act interacting perfectly and looking so ridiculous in their various absurd costumes. ’Act English’ was so much fun.

Another perfect partnership was Gary Gray’s Baron Bomburst and Cathy Geddies’s Baroness Bomburst. Both are accomplished performers who squeezed out every bit of humour and absolutely threw themselves into the characters. ‘Chu-Chi Face’ with it’s exaggerated mannerisms and moves was fabulous and they really went to town in a most exuberant ‘Bombie Samba.’

The Baroness hates the ‘C’ word, children, and has employed a Childcatcher to deal with any coming her way. Charles Leeson-Payne looked amazing and was a most frightening, sinister Childcatcher who made me sit up and take note.

The group of children who had been captured were full of life and displayed real confidence both vocally and in their movement. They were so well drilled not putting a foot wrong and absolutely demonstrated the importance of ‘Teamwork.’

The small group of Inventors with their ‘Back to the Future’ look alike costumes and wigs were over the top characters having great fun with Grandpa. Their vocal harmonies were strong and clear. In contrast to some of the rather boisterous characters, Scott Walker portrayed a very gentle, genuinely caring Toymaker.

The other supporting characters were all convincing in their parts. The feelings and emotions created by all the characters came over well to the audience.

Of course ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is really a musical about a car and what a car it turned out to be. Towards the end of Act 1 when the Potts family and Truly eventually sit in the car the anticipation of what was going to happen next was tangible in the audience. As the number ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ started there was sheer delight and disbelief as the car flew out over the orchestra pit. This was indeed a breathtaking, emotional moment. Awesome and jaw dropping, this was certainly real theatre magic. What a thrill it must have been for those on board who I am sure will never forget that experience.

Moments like this can only happen with an experienced and dedicated technical team. Stunning lighting, numerous splendid props, special effects which were indeed stupendous, vibrant eye catching costumes and imaginative stage imagery by a backstage team who worked tirelessly from the ‘get in’ to the final curtain ensured this whole magnificent spectacle.

This was a stunning, joyous production which had the audience engaged from start to finish. Congratulations SLO for taking on the challenge of staging this large project and delivering such a mesmerizing production to well nigh full houses in this large Festival Theatre. Playing to more than 1530 people at the Saturday matinee is the biggest audience SLO have had on any one performance since its inception 125 years ago!

I’m sure many of the audience leaving the theatre must have felt they had just been to a West End production. With so much activity on on stage I wish I could have seen it for a second time! Brilliant!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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