Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

If this report was just one word, that word would be ‘Wow’. Director Chris Howland and his creative team brought an impressive production to the Assembly Hall Theatre stage with excellent sets/props, beautiful costumes, spectacular choreography by Elizabeth Witt, topped by wonderful singing by ensemble and soloists alike, all accompanied by superb orchestration led by MD Samuel Richards. Well done to backstage, lighting and sound, without whom the magic would not have happened.

I am sure most people are familiar with the 1968 film of the same name starring Dick Van Dyke but it was pleasing to see Tom Tapsfield give his own interpretation of the inventor Caractacus Potts. Tom’s stage presence and lovely vocals, especially ‘Hushabye Mountain’, was a joy to watch. The rapport was great with his two children (Team Truly) Jess Fenn and Chloe Hinxman, who oozed confidence and would not look out of place on the professional stage. I loved the characterisation of Kevin Randall as Grandpa Potts and Megan Hardy as Truly Scrumptious was stunning, especially when she was the ‘Doll On the Music Box’. Truly’s father Lord Scrumptious (Simon Judd), although a small part, was certainly integral to the show as were all the other supporting characters. The  comic duo of Charlie Harden as Boris and Rebecca Clow as Goran gave us some lovely light-hearted moments, especially in Act English, mocking all things British. Their employers were the snivelling Baron and sneering Baroness  Bomburst played so well by Andrew Swann and Lelia Di Domenico who worked well together and were hilarious in their rendition of Chu-Chi Face. Lelia was able to show her impressive vocal range. Elliott Emanuel as The Toymaker gave a lovely gentle performance. What a wonderful, sinister Child Catcher Lee Beaney made, helped by excellent makeup. He certainly made his presence felt, judging by the ‘boos’ at the curtain call. All the other children (Team Truly) were wonderful, so well-disciplined as I am sure Team Potts were at other performances.

Did Chitty really fly? Of course it did, adding to the magic of this memorable production.

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