Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Well.. what can I say that the Audience hasn’t already told you? Probably nothing.  This was one of those evenings that actually made your jaw ache as you all had us  grinning and belly laughing from start to finish. This show was created and directed  to entertain and wow us as an audience, and that you certainly did.  Thank you BOS for you very warm welcome from Mark and Mike. I always feel like  I’m coming to visit family when I come to Bridgwater. 

I think we’ve all grown up with the film version which is so iconic, and always  repeated over and over on any holiday period. No wonder it has stood the test of  time it is thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end. The stage version has  been very cleverly adapted and I feel they’ve captured all the magic and  excitement we all felt from the film. Of course this only happens if it’s done well  and it goes without saying this version certainly was.  

Ok just to get it out of the way there were a couple of very small technical issues  but considering how technical this show was, it honestly was hardly noticeable  and certainly didn’t hinder the enjoyment of the piece. In fact the pace was terrific.  I know very well the difficulties at the McMillan Theatre and I enjoyed the  braveness of the director with the slick scene changes they very cleverly never  upstaged any action that was taking place and felt very well choreographed.  I almost felt we were on a rollercoaster ride with this show. One minute we’re  being mesmerised by the gorgeous lullaby and transported to Hushaby Mountain  and then the next we’re astounded with the energy and were completely left  breathless watching the massive company number of Me Ol Bamboo. What a  show stopper. This happened a few times during the show The Roses Of Success  led by the fantastic energy of Grandpa and the inventors springs to mind followed  by the beautiful vocals of Truly in Lonely Lonely Man. Very cleverly written.  I knew we were onto a winner from the beginning with the pros arch being dressed  with the panelled doors which were cleverly used later, this widens the stage and  frames all the pictures you create, and right from the off the sound hit us between  the ears. I love that. It makes everyone sit up and take notice and the quality and  balance remained throughout I honestly don’t think I missed a word. Brilliant. 

The colours of the costumes were dazzling and really dressed the set. Wow - that  must have been a difficult job coordinating all those costumes together even if they  were hired I know it’s all hands to the deck when they eventually arrive. Well done  to Sarah and her team. I know they work tirelessly behind the scenes forever with a  tape measure or coming at you with a pair of scissors. And not only that Sarah  was in it. I’m sweating just thinking about it! 

The set and construction worked a treat. Despite its time constraints of preparing  the hydraulics which I’m sure just got quicker and quicker. The use of levels again  just kept the pace at a perfect pitch. And the sliding doors underneath were  handled really well allowing the car to be hidden and making easy access for props  and scenery. Good job done team. Great job on props too. I’m sure there was a  huge list for this which Tony handles in his laid back way and always comes up  with the goods. What a team you all make. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the  projections in a show like this but you won me over! They really did enhance the  staging and added visual interest to the scenes taking place. I particularly liked it  whilst the car was driving that worked a treat. I thought the lighting was pretty spot  on too. All cues seemed to be hit, sat at the front ( which I love) you don’t always  get the full force of lighting but I felt I never missed a thing so felt a good job was  done.  

Orchestra  

Well, under the baton on Lynne Merrifield I kind of knew this orchestra were going  to be great. I assume you were up in the dance room up above, but I must say it  felt like you were in the room with us. You are so reliant on the technicalities of the  sound getting this just right, and they certainly did. You were pumped through  perfectly. Once you hit us between the eyes with the overture I knew I could relax  and enjoy. Congratulations to all the players it really was a terrific sound nicely  balanced between the singers. Harmonies came through and the company singing  was of a very good quality. Solos spot on! 

Choreography 

I certainly wasn’t surprised to see two names down under this heading. Both very  talented ladies and able to bring their own unique style, as well as bringing to life  these iconic numbers and a huge ensemble. I take my hat off to you both. It is  certainly no criticism to say you kept it simple when you had to, but played to the  strength of a huge company. To make everyone look good is no mean feat, but you  did it. I was certainly impressed with Me Ol Bamboo. So clever and energetic to  just keep layering and layering and bringing different line ups to the fore. This  meant the pace didn’t flag for a second and to see ensemble cast bringing their  own personalities to the table also. Everyone seemed so focused and obviously  enjoyed the steps you gave them and I’m sure were relishing the challenge.  The Roses of Success was another highlight for me. You worked those guys to  within an inch of their lives. But they came up trumps.  

I must give a special mention to Doll On A Music Box also. Beautifully  choreographed and executed. What a team you two make. Hopefully we’ll see  more in the future. 

Director  

Well this is strange me writing a review on someone’s work who I’ve worked so  closely with and learnt so much from on many productions. I know how much you  challenge yourself even if at the time it doesn’t maybe feel like a challenge, but I  know come hell or high water you will keep going until your idea works. I can list  many of these on the various shows we’ve worked on together. I also know you  would challenge me on this review if I would have thought something could have  been done differently. Well hardly at all is the answer to that.  

You cast it perfectly. Everyone was just so right. Great choice of set and levels  which kept a good steady flow. I only noticed two “dead spots” the set was rather  slow in coming on for the underground scene with the children. Maybe rather than  wait for the set to be set I thought the kids could have come on first playing  around with each other to cover the set being brought on behind then they could  have been calmed down by the the toy maker when he entered with Potts.  The only other time where sadly the scene change music ended was when the  thrones were being brought on. I thought the Baroness could have entered first  and maybe made up some business with the hired help bringing on the thrones for  her. Two tiny things out of thousands of things that worked perfectly.  

This really was a first class production which had your name stamped all over it.  Congratulations.  

Caractacus Potts  

You have gone from strength to strength. Every time I see you now I think this is  his best, and yet again I said the same. Your focus all through this show was  perfect and yet it felt very natural. I think it is your acting that is really coming  through your performances now. You’ve always had a lovely tone to your voice but  now you’ve married the two very well together which means you are acting  throughout the songs and this carries through into the scenes of dialogue very  smoothly. You looked just perfect throughout looking well suited and booted (I’d  have taken those trousers up another inch) you found the comedy in your lines and  delivered them well. One of the highlights was The Doll on a music Box where you  and Truly absolutely shone. Hush a bye was just beautiful and remains one of my  favourite songs. A great energy which was just what was needed for this  magnificent part. Brilliant.  

Truly  

I can’t tell you how I’ve waited for you to take on a leading lady role. I was so  disappointed when “Dagenham” didn’t come off for you due to Covid. Well this  role was ‘Truly’ perfect for you. Your singing voice came over so beautifully and  was so pure. Your movement on Music Box was sensational I actually thought for  a second is she actually singing this live? Superb. You looked beautiful throughout  and very well costumed. Great work on that bike. That must have been a challenge  in itself. You worked very naturally with the children and I must say I thought it was  a well considered performance. I hope we see you up front again soon. Well done. 

Grandpa Potts  

Pure Class! I was gonna leave it at that because that’s what you are. But we just  can’t stop watching you on stage just incase we miss a twitch, a scratch or an  eyebrow lift. You are like that perfect dance on strictly that just flows from  beginning to end. Every bit of dialogue means something ,and you make sure we  as an audience get it. Perfectly costumed. Just the right look and comedy timing  to die for. Having you in a production makes every one rise to the occasion and up  their game. A joy!  

Jeremy and Jemima Potts  

You both have such charisma on stage. You both really were a delight to watch. I  thought you both did really well in the opening, you were sat in that car which was  a very long time and completely acted your way through it. Both singing voices cut  through too. You both bought an amazing energy throughout and worked  extremely well with Truly Caractacus and Grandpa. Great team work.  

Boris/Coran  

What a double act. You worked perfectly together. I felt you’d probably gone above  and beyond the script adding a lot of your own personalities to both roles and this  was exactly what was needed. Both your comedy timing was exceptional you had  a us howling. Act English was a true show stopper and very much deserved the  encore. Well done guys. Very entertaining.  

Baroness Bomburst /Baron Bomburst  

What great casting. I felt you both worked so well together and drained every  ounce of humour. The height difference caused much hilarity too. You both had  such strong voices and projected these to the full. A special mention must be  made of The Baroness’s costumes. Each entrance was a feast for the eyes. I loved  Chu-chi face and The Bobbie Samba had us wanting to dance in the isles. Great  teamwork from you both and congratulations on a great debut with BOS.  

The Childcatcher  

This is the part we all wait for and can’t wait to hiss and boo. You were no  exception. You looked absolutely spot on with that extended nose and all in black.  Your interaction with the audience was judged perfectly. Chilling enough, but with  a twinkle in the eye. Well done.  

Sorry I can’t mention everyone but this show was extremely well cast and without  exception everyone played their roles admirably and a great sense of teamwork  came across the footlights. I think this is one show you will all remember for a very  long time I know us as an audience will have been thrilled we got to experience it.  

Congratulations BOS you’ve done it again. I’m looking forward to the next one  already.  

Great to see everyone 

Best wishes 

Mike Purnell

 

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