Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

How does a theatre company perform Chitty Chitty on such a small stage with very limited wing space and still do the Musical justice along with a cast of nearly 40? This well known musical requires no explanation but is centered around the Potts family and the re-inventing of an old racing car into the magical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ‘GEN 11’. Within this special true community theatre company once an idea is suggested they have such a wealth of talented family members that a testing project or prop is not deemed a problem, only a challenge and wow what a challenge this production has been. Companies on very tight budgets don’t have the finances for expensive hires or specialist items but nothing is left out of Darnall’s production, two cars, a flying shed, stage props and screens, a revolving stand in the toy makers shop, numerous back cloths and all these items made, produced, built and painted all in house. I must reference the vision of the production team Janet, Jack, Sara along with the many set builders not simply with the staging but also the way this large cast handled all the space restrictions of this musical with ease. The brilliance of the flying car was brought to life by David Marshall, a quite unique piece of building. Looking through the program, you see the same family names taking on so many roles, not simply on or off stage but doing multiple tasks whilst also performing smaller cameo roles . Darnall MTC certainly bring this Ian Fleming story to life.

A very competent Charlie Betts as Caractacus Potts takes the lead along with his two children Jeremy by Molly Broud and Jemima by Tilly Betts. Charlie performed this very large role with ease, beautiful delivery of the many numbers he was in , clear diction and exhibiting such warmth first to his children and then latterly to Truly. The children Molly and Tilly, you should both be so proud of the performances you gave, the levels of delivery, your singing and prose along with such wonderful mannerisms a real joy to watch. Truly Scrumptious, a shared role, on Thursday we saw Maiya Green who made the role her own, a graceful role played with ease and calm, a teasing look and a youthful innocence. So many lovely scenes with all the Potts family. You delivered ‘Truly Scrumptious’ with such depth and meaning along with the excellent toy shop puppet dance.  I’m sorry we didn’t see Annabel Taylor whom I’m sure will also make the role unique in her own way. Another stand out performance by the ever forgetful and couldn’t stand still Grandpa Potts by Dylan Bowman. At your young age you certainly made us all smile by your over the top, old man antics, well done. The toymaker by Millie Warhurst and the Child Catcher by Mia Hull two totally different roles but performed very well, I think you both really enjoyed developing those roles, well done. Whilst many of the Darnall cast are young actors this production gave many opportunities for a few adults to perform smaller cameo roles which they did with confidence, clarity and provided that all age family feel good factor. There were two who clearly enjoyed their roles, milking ever opportunity and delivering such comic timing particularly during ‘Chu-Chi Face’ and along with many of the adults during ‘Bombie Samba’ . The Baron and Baroness Bomburst performed by Jack Taylor and Charlotte Hunt certainly gave those parts real life, well done. The Barons two Vulgariun spies, Boris by Emily McDonald and Goran by Megan Green, what a totally immersive performance you both gave, wonderful accenting, excellent stage presence and the obvious chemistry between you both was brilliant. The way you had been directed, popping up in many guises, attempting to be British was clearly performed to a high standard.

The company continue to encourage so many young performers and you all did yourselves and the Company proud as you performed small cameo pieces along with many great ensemble numbers, not least during ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’ ,’ Bombie Samba’and much more. The costumes were excellent, sound and lighting worked well. I must also thank all the unseen members, chaperones, backstage team changing the set so many times with such large props which was done very efficiently.  

Thank you once again for such a warm welcome, many of you thank me for coming but the real thanks go to everyone one of you involved in continuing to build and strengthen Darnall MTC into the company it is.

Philip Smith

Noda North East District 6 Regional Rep

 

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