Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Stage magic, nostalgia, and high-octane fun collided in a spectacular production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a musical that continues to charm audiences across generations. From the moment the overture began, beautifully led by Musical Director Adam Hutchins, the live orchestra set the tone for an afternoon of musical delight. The score filled with iconic Sherman Brothers tunes like Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, and the unforgettable title number was played with precision and warmth, adding emotional depth and theatrical flair to every scene.

The opening scene burst with energy and colour, immediately drawing the audience into the whimsical world of inventor Caractacus Potts and his imaginative children. Despite the sweltering heat, the cast’s enthusiasm never wavered. Their commitment to the performance was evident in every movement, every line, and every note. The ensemble’s energy was infectious, and their interactions felt natural and well-rehearsed.

The on-stage chemistry between Potts, Truly, Jeremy, and Jemima was a highlight. Stewart Bowden gave a remarkable performance as Caractacus Potts, capturing the eccentricity and warmth of the character with ease. His diction and projection were spot-on, and while the romantic arc between Potts and Truly could have been more fully realised, there were moments of playful banter and tenderness that added heart to the story, he really did command the stage well as the leading character, particularly in Hushabye Mountain, such gentle and tender vocals filled with a sense of warmth and hope.

Ian Chatterton portrayed Grandpa Potts with eccentric charm. Though his appearance didn’t quite match the expected playing age of the character, Ian’s vocal delivery and comedic timing made up for it. His portrayal of the retired war hero with a vivid imagination was endearing and full of personality.

Nicola Fletcher brought strength and grace to the role of Truly Scrumptious. Her portrayal balanced intelligence, compassion, and a quiet determination. Vocally, Nicola delivered with clarity and control, particularly in her solo moments. While the romantic development between Truly and Potts could have been deepened, Nicola’s performance still resonated with warmth and sincerity.

The Potts children, Jeremy, played by Osian Jones, and Jemima, played by Edie Coulthurst were a joy to watch. Their energy, enthusiasm, and natural stage presence kept the audience engaged throughout. Their vocals in Truly Scrumptious were sweet and well-balanced, and their sense of wonder brought the magical car, Chitty, to life.

Lighting design by Charlie Yates complemented the mood and action on stage. Quick blackouts and focused lighting helped maintain pace, though some cast members on the edges of the stage were occasionally underlit. Interestingly, the orchestra pit was more brightly lit than some performers, which may have been a technical oversight. One missed opportunity was during the flying car sequence, while the spectacle was impressive, the children’s facial expressions were lost in shadow. A lower flight path or adjusted lighting could have preserved the magic while enhancing visibility.

Choreography by Natalie Bowden was another standout element. Natalie clearly understood the spatial limitations of the venue and used clever formations, dynamic levels, and dramatic directional changes to make each number visually engaging. Toot Sweets was particularly delightful, filled with playful gestures and inventive movement that mirrored the whimsy of the scene.

And then came the show-stealers: Baron Bomburst, played by John Woodruff, and Baroness Bomburst, played by Emma Coulthurst. Their over-the-top villainy and comedic timing had the audience in stitches. From exaggerated physicality to flamboyant vocal delivery, their performances were a masterclass in theatrical absurdity. They embraced the pantomime style humour with gusto, and their scenes were among the most memorable of the evening.

Boris, played by Jeremy Clark, and Goran, played by Anthony Lambe, were an absolute comedic delight. As the bumbling Vulgarian spies sent to steal the magical car, their chemistry on stage was infectious. The duo embraced their roles with exaggerated physicality, quirky accents, and impeccable timing, making them feel like a classic pantomime double act. Their scenes were packed with slapstick humour and playful mischief, particularly during their attempts to “act English” and blend into the local setting. Jeremy and Anthony clearly understood the absurdity of their characters and leaned into it with gusto, creating laugh-out-loud moments that had the audience in stitches.

Of course, the true star of the show was Chitty herself. The magical flying car was a triumph of theatrical engineering. When Chitty lifted off and soared toward the audience, gasps and cheers filled the theatre. It was a moment of pure wonder, and a testament to the creativity and ambition of the production team. The car’s movement was smooth and convincing, and it added a layer of spectacle that elevated the entire show.

The production as a whole was a joyful celebration of imagination, teamwork, and theatrical storytelling. From the vibrant costumes to the clever set transitions, every detail was thoughtfully executed. The cast, both young and old, gave their all, and the creative team’s vision was clear and compelling.

While there were minor technical hiccups lighting inconsistencies and some underdeveloped character relationships they did little to detract from the overall experience. This was a production full of heart, humour, and magic, and it left the audience humming the tunes and smiling all the way home, thank you for my invitation and warm welcome Bowden Theatre Works.

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