Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a timeless classic that originally graced the cinema screen over half a century ago, has continued to captivate audiences worldwide since its stage adaptation in 2002. Its enduring appeal transcends age groups, offering a captivating blend of magic, humour, and villainy. This recent production proved no exception, delivering an enchanting evening for families to cherish.

Costumed young hosts welcomed patrons to The Barn Theatre with youthful enthusiasm and infectious smiles, immediately immersing the audience into the show's ambiance. This thoughtful touch set the tone for an engaging theatrical experience.

The meticulously crafted programme provided a wealth of content that proved equally fascinating to peruse at home. Its clear layout and readability, even in low lighting, ensured accessibility. It stands as a cherished keepsake, preserving valuable insights for all involved in the production.

While the basic set design remained understated, the production team's ingenuity allowed the inclusion of two full-sized vintage cars on the relatively modest stage of The Barn Theatre. Each scene seamlessly transitioned with appropriate props, furniture, and backdrops. Special commendation goes to the crew's adept management of these changes, with a notable highlight being the captivating smoke effects from the kitchen stove.  The synergy of lighting and sound effects proved integral to elevating the atmosphere across all scenes. Throughout the production, the costumes displayed remarkable attention to detail, enhancing each scene's authenticity. From eye-catching pink striped aprons in the sweet factory to the explosion of colour and glamour in the samba dresses, the costumes vividly brought characters to life. Particularly impressive was the planning involved, considering the short timeframe for involving the younger cast members.

The musical backbone of the show under the direction of Michael Burbridge, achieved an excellent balance between instrumental support and vocal performance. The harmonious blend between the band and the singers was consistently maintained, contributing to an auditory delight. Both the principal cast and chorus were captivating in their vocal delivery.

Director Ros Broyd deserves accolades for orchestrating the rapid transformation of a talented group of young performers into a cohesive ensemble within just 10 days. Throughout the production, the cast exuded genuine enjoyment while executing their roles and dialogue with confidence.

While it's challenging to individually address all contributors, a few standouts warrant recognition.  Malachy Jensen's portrayal of Caractacus Potts displayed a remarkable ease and naturalness, effectively embodying his character's depth.  Matthew Parker and Alicia Love, as Jeremy and Jemima Potts, exuded poise and confidence, staying true to their characters. Ellis Wilson's depiction of Grandpa Potts delivered standout songs, particularly alongside Jeremy and Jemima.  Rosie Ellis embodied Truly Scrumptious with undeniable charisma, supported by her exquisite costumes. Seb Davies and Emilia Perdita Kavanagh, as the Baron and Baroness, showcased a harmonious partnership in both dance and song. The comedic duo of Scarlet Louca and Isaac Rogers, as Boris and Goran, captivated the audience with their eccentric accents and well-received song, "Act English."

The entire production was a triumph, characterized by a very high standard of singing, dancing and acting. Natasha Rose and Aylish Moore's choreography, suited to both the cast and stage, accentuated the ensemble numbers. Michael Burbridge's direction of the young performers underscored their polished confidence in acting and singing. The remarkable achievements of the ensemble within a limited rehearsal period are praiseworthy. Their focused acting and confident singing united to craft a remarkable evening's entertainment for audiences young and old. Heartfelt congratulations extend to all involved with the Kenley Holiday Workshop for this exceptional production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

Kay Rowan – South East Regional Councillor      

 

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