Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

If you need a lift, and want to watch a show that makes you smile, leave singing at least one of the songs then Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of those shows. When it is done well, I defy anyone not to enjoy it and Ormiston’s version was most definitely done well. From the moment we met Jemima (Lucy Skelton) and Jeremy (Harvey Doddington) racing along the beach in their old car the quality of performance, style and pace of the show was set. The part of their father Caractacus Potts (Harry Brookes), was in safe hands as he gave us everything you would expect for the character, good singing, very convincing acting and extremely energetic dancing. Truly Scrumptious (Amber Atkins) gave us a strong performance with good acting and her beautiful singing voice, you could easily see why the Potts family loved her so much. The final member of the family is Grandpa Potts (Charley Sell) who gave us a very accurate impression of Lionel Jeffries (the original Grandpa) and had the audience with him almost immediately. His exaggerated funny walk and his army bearing, with his swagger stick, made everybody wish he was their Grandpa.

As if laughing at Grandpa was not enough, we now meet the two most incompetent spies ever. Boris (Tallis Mitchell) and Goran (Libby Simpson) were a delight to watch and listen to. With their comedy antics and their amazing “cod” Vulgarian accents you could not help laughing. The man and woman ordering the spies were Baron (Matthew Patrick) and Baroness (Jennifer Lopes) Bombhurst. This child-loathing couple, with a toy obsession, entertained us with every appearance and the Baroness gave particularly strong performances during “chuchi face” and the samba.

Other stand out performances from the principals were The Toymaker (Patrick Kemp), giving us a sensitive portrayl and good vocals. The Childcatcher (AminaFoughali), suitably sinister and The Inventors (Cali Chapman, Brody Farrow, Emma Howard, Ellie Howes, Jessica Willetts and Sophie Wild) with a fabulous rendition of “Up from the Ashes”.

One more stand-out performance that cannot go unmentioned is the rest of the company. The singing and dancing were amazing. Filling in with the many small parts that make up this story and proving that with hard work and sheer effort a great result can be achieved.

This leaves only Chitty to mention. WOW what a car. As it sailed majestically into the air the audience were all blown away by this spectacular machine, it added another level of magic to this already scrumptious show.

Well done to all the crew, Directors (Dave Watson and Lucy Dalgleish), Musical Director (Thomas Shelbourn), the superb band and Choreographers (Zoe Bradshaw, Cali Chamberlain and Colette Smith).

What a great show.

 

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