Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a film that all generations can enjoy together and the musical version, adapted from Ian Fleming’s novel with music and lyrics by the legendary Sherman brothers is no exception. It was evident from the demographic mix in the full auditorium that whole families had come to see this and enjoy live theatre together.

Throughout the show, the audience shares the adventures of inventor Caractacus Potts, his charming children and their life at home with the eccentric Grandpa Potts. In the beginning, his children become captivated by the wreck of an old ex-champion racing car which is threatened with the scrap heap and beg their dad to buy it for them. Caractacus manages to get the money together to buy it, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is given a new lease of life. Along the way. the family stumble across the beautiful Truly Scrumptious and she joins them on their adventures.

Robin Walsh gave an energetic and enthusiastic performance as Caractacus and had a singing voice that was smooth and velvety in tone and suited the character perfectly. His training clearly showed as he sang and danced his way through the show with ease. The relationship he developed with Danielle Williams as Truly Scrumptious was perfect with some initial angst turning into tender moments and true love. Danielle gave a delightful and delectable performance. She has a lovely soprano singing voice that was a joy and a delight to listen to. When she became the toyshop “doll”, her mechanical dance actions were absolutely spot on!

The Baron and Baroness Bomburst of Vulgaria, played by Paul Richmond and Kimberley Bates gave a different dynamic to the show as they brought their respective evil and funny characters to life. They were outrageous and over acted with great accomplishment and it looked like they were having a blast doing so. They were aided and abetted in their funny nastiness by two Vulgarian spies, Boris (Alistar Cheetham) and Goran (Ian Wilson), who turned up throughout the show in various outrageous costumes and various places in the theatre acted themselves silly to great effect.

The eccentric Grandpa Potts was characterised by Colin Harris and most definitely had an air of Lionel Jeffries about him whilst Gareth Dickinson’s portrayal of The Child Catcher was very menacing and reminiscent of Robert Helpmann. It was a brave decision to cast a female in the role of The Toymaker, but Lottie Farrell brought her own interpretation to it that showed warmth and compassion. 

However, this show wouldn’t be the same without the children and this production had talented children in abundance. On the night I attended, I was able to see the wonderfully talented duo of Hermione Hollinson and Xander Harrop. They were totally confident with their script, songs and dance routines and showed no signs of nerves at all despite it being the first time either of them had taken on principal roles. I am of course, sure that the other duo of children were equally fantastic.

Team work makes the dream work’ is a recurring phrase within this musical and certainly applies to this production. Co-producers Adele Taylor and Michael Hellawell must be given credit for their vision and working hard to ensure that every character had the chance to shine individually. Adele also choreographed the show and her slick routines gelled perfectly to ensured that the principals and ensemble came together to create a strong and united cast. The ensemble singing was of high quality, with Robert Durkin, the Musical Director drawing fine performances of the songs from the company.

But, this show is all about the car! I am always apprehensive as to whether it will work as it should after it broke down in the early performances on the West End. I needn’t have worried, as the moment it “flew” in the Act One Finale was a defining moment in the show, and certainly brought much visual joy to all in the audience. The stage crew worked tirelessly to ensure that ‘the magic’ happened each time and should be praised for their efforts.

There were some sound issues throughout the show, particularly the volume of the music in the first act. It was often difficult to hear script during underscore and sometimes the lyrics were lost in songs but I did notice that it had been turned down for the second act. My only other wish, was that it had been a live band playing the music as I feel it adds to the whole atmosphere of a show, however, I am aware that to hire Chitty comes at great cost and sacrifices must be made elsewhere.

Overall, this was more than a spectacular show, it was fantasmagorical! Well Done to all involved.

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