Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Written by Ian Fleming

Music and Lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman

Performed by Centre Stage

At Exmouth Pavilions, The Esplanade, Exmouth on Saturday 1st November

Directed and choreographed by Sue Bonnett

Musical Director – Joseph Binmore

A charming high-flying performance from Centre Stage of this production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  which delivered a heartwarming and delightfully imaginative experience. It captured the magic of the classic story while showcasing the talents of its young cast. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was swept into a whimsical world of adventure, humour, and heartfelt family moments.

The cast brought impressive energy and commitment to their roles. Caractacus Potts was played with warmth and enthusiasm, balancing humour with genuine emotion and his rendition of Hushabye Mountain was sung with such gentleness. Truly Scrumptious offered a poised, charismatic performance and handled her musical numbers with confidence using her gorgeous soprano voice to its best ability, soaring over the high notes. Her presentation of a doll in a music box was, itself, truly scrumptious, with creative choreographed moves and again beautifully sung. Jeremy and Jemima were especially endearing, presenting a believable sibling bond that anchored the story and both these young actors gave exceptional performances. Confident in both their acting and singing abilities they could have been in a professional production.  Grandpa Potts was played by a young actor who was able to captivate this elderly war hero and eccentric inventor who lives in an imaginary world of his own.  Supporting characters were performed with aplomb. The comically villainous Child Catcher, with his unmistakably prominent nose and costume, was expertly played by this actor with great characterisation. The Toy Maker with his vulgarian accent was memorable and nicely played. 

The over-the-top Baron and Baroness Bomburst were hilariously funny and worked so well together. I loved them in Chu Chi Face and the baroness especially as she fell to the floor in anguish at the mention of children. Both added colour and plenty of laughs. The roles of Boris and Goran, played with clever comic timing by both these actors, endeared themselves to the audience who almost cheered every time they entered. Even the smallest roles, such as Mr Coggins and Lord Scrumptious contributed meaningfully, showing strong teamwork across the ensemble. 

The inventors in Grow the Roses performed with gusto, well, elderly gusto! I liked the pretend resuscitation of one of them as another said ‘no-one told us there was a dance-break’! The musical numbers were lively, well-rehearsed, and full of spirit. Signature songs like “You Two,” “Toot Sweets,” and of course “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” were clear audience favourites and we all clapped along in the finale with the cast. The choreography was age-appropriate yet ambitious, giving the cast opportunities to shine in group sequences. I especially enjoyed Vulgarian Town Square and the Bombie Samba. Gorgeous costumes were worn in both these numbers. The Vulgarian dancers in purple and white with red headdresses and then gorgeous red bolero’ and red head-pieces for the girls with the male dancers in black shirts and trousers in this Samba number.  In fact, the costumes of each cast member were perfect and correct for the period of the piece being 1910. The baroness was delightfully naughty in her red bodice, knickers and dressing gown and the gingham patterned dresses of differing pastel colours in the Scrumptious sweet factory looked crisp. 

For a junior production, the technical achievements were impressive. Chitty itself was a highlight using clever lighting and creative staging the magic of the flying car was successfully brought to life. And she flew, to the sounds of ‘oohs and aahs’ from the wowed audience. 

Excellent lighting complimented every scene, designed by Robin Eagle and produced by Dominic Jeffery and True LX Stage Lighting and Sound. Seventh Wave sound engineers kept perfect levels between the orchestra and the performers. Not an easy task as the orchestra were situated in an adjacent location and not front of stage as per normal. 

This production was a testament to the hard work of the cast, directors, and crew.  It celebrated imagination, teamwork, and the joy of storytelling. The audience left smiling which proves the show truly had “fantasmagorical” charm and was an enchanting experience. 

My congratulations to all involved and thank you for such a warm welcome. 

 

Lyn Burgoyne    Noda representative for District 5 South West (Mid and East Devon).

 

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