Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Most people know the story of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, it is after all a classic. The musical version is no different, from the first act there was a lot of humour and excitement from the children wanting the old scrappy ex racing car to their father with his inventions trying to raise enough money to buy the car. Then came the darker second act following the introduction of the child catcher. The show had people in the audience laughing, crying, applauding and a lot of very loud cheers. The stage version follows the film closely and it had all the recognised musical numbers included.

The show opened with Jeremy played by William Branch and Jemima played by Jasmine Tubman, oozing so much confidence on stage I forgot how young they were. Their loud voices, beautiful vocals and constant smiles were a joy to watch.

Their father Caractacus Potts played by Bobby Donald was excellent in this role, with lovely vocals especially Hushabye Mountain which had the audience in complete silence. Bobby worked the stage so well with his expressions and mannerisms in the background showed how much hard work he has put into theatre over the years.

Along came Truly Scrumptious played by Rosa Hodgson who was the daughter of a wealthy factory owner, she played the part with so much conviction, her singing was such a delight especially her version of Doll on a Music Box.

The main characters were all backed up by a very comical Granda Potts played by Evelyn Branch and Bethany Dunn, Emillia Bell as the comedy baddie duo of Boris and Goran along with Malachy McLean as the childcatcher (who had more than the children scared) and Grace Savage as the Toy maker. You all played your parts so well.

This now leads me on to the Baron played by Tom Mellon and the Baroness played by Jasmine James who gave us lots of humerous highlights in the show with their comedy timing it was a joy to watch but I must say the Baroness was outstanding with her accent, singing vocals and comedy.

I must congratulate the ensemble; you all played your parts so well. It is so pleasing to see so many smiling faces on stage; to have a good show you need a good ensemble and you all smashed it so well done.

The costumes were amazing and looked so good off stage.

 Lighting done by Louisa Morton was an enormous factor in creating the enthralling scenes. Very good sound effects also contributed to the magic by Andrew Morton.

I don’t normally mention the stage crew but wow what a job you all done lead by Dom Worsley the Stage Manager, this must be one of the hardest shows to do with Cars, motorbikes and then all cloth changes you all smashed it.

The choreographers, Amy Morton, Kayleigh Donald and Jodie Morgan had clearly worked hard to execute some of the dance numbers in this show. From Toot Sweets to Me Ol’Bamboo had the audiences tapping their feet, Fast, Energetic and very entertaining.

Lastly to the Director Maria Morton who achieved a wonderful production. The casting was spot on with all roles incredibly well rehearsed. This was one of the best shows I have ever seen.

An outstanding show done by all and you must be so proud of what you have achieved, you all deserved your standing ovation as this shows how much the audience appreciated all of your hard work to put on a fantastic show.

 

Jim Morgan

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