Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

REVIEW OF THE MOB - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Based on Ian Fleming's novel and immortalised by the much-loved 1968 film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remains one of musical theatre's most enchanting family adventures. Packed with memorable songs, colourful characters and theatrical spectacle, it celebrates imagination, courage and the enduring strength of family. Under the assured direction of Sarah Mitchell, Retford Musical Theatre Company's youth section, The Mob, delivered a polished production that showcased the remarkable talent of its young performers.

Having had the privilege of attending performances by both Cast Chitty and Cast Bang, I was able to appreciate the contrasting interpretations brought to many of the principal roles. While each cast approached their characters differently, both demonstrated impressive confidence, commitment and theatrical maturity.

The production opened atmospherically in a scrapyard, where the abandoned racing car lay forgotten beneath years of neglect. As ghosts from Chitty's glorious racing past emerged to celebrate its Grand Prix victories, the audience was immediately drawn into a world where imagination and reality effortlessly intertwine. From that moment onwards, the production never lost its sense of pace or adventure.

The ensemble played a vital role throughout, seamlessly moving between Edwardian racegoers, carnival performers, sweet factory workers and the colourful citizens of Vulgaria.Their enthusiasm never wavered and they remained fully engaged in the storytelling, creating a vibrant backdrop for the principals. Particularly impressive was the carnival sequence, where acrobatics, stilt-walking and energetic choreography brought genuine spectacle to the stage. Every member of the ensemble was wholly immersed in the story telling and some of the younger members showed they were future principal performers in waiting.

One of the production's most touching moments came with Hushabye Mountain. The gentle blue and white lighting, combined with the starry backdrop, created an atmospheric setting as Caractacus sang the lullaby with warmth and sincerity. It provided a welcome contrast to the energetic pace of the surrounding scenes.

The Potts children were shared between two casts, with Jeremy played by Kat M and Ava S-R, and Jemima by Isla M and Ava M. Both pairings captured the infectious enthusiasm and warmth of the siblings. Isla and Ava brought delightful energy to their performances, bouncing excitedly around the scrapyard as they imagined driving Chitty, while their overlapping dialogue as they persuaded their father to buy the car felt entirely natural. Isla once again demonstrated the authenticity that earned her a NODA nomination for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In contrast, this was Ava M’s first principal role, and she handled the considerable dialogue confidently while establishing an excellent partnership with her fellow cast member. She is certainly a performer to watch.

Declan W gave Grandpa Potts a wonderfully whimsical charm, delivering his jokes and tall tales with warmth while using convincing physicality to portray the older character. His melodic singing voice impressed throughout, and his dancing during the Inventors scene cleverly suggested the aches and creaks of advancing years without ever becoming overplayed.

The Vulgarian spies, Boris and Goran, were also double cast, with each performer bringing something distinctive to the comedy. Theodore S embraced Boris's flamboyant eccentricity with exaggerated balletic style poses, expressive physical comedy and an intentionally affected vocal delivery, creating a highly entertaining contrast with his long-suffering partner. Abbey M offered a more authoritative interpretation, portraying Boris's growing frustration with Goran's dense incompetence while displaying excellent comic timing and assured physical comedy. Goran, played by Mia T and Charlie S, complemented their respective partners perfectly, with both performers delivering their musical numbers with wit, energy and excellent comic timing.

Every successful musical needs an unforgettable villain, and few are more chilling than The Childcatcher. Both Cerys P and Scarlett P captured the sinister sing-song syrupy sweetness of the role, combining fluid, movement to create a genuinely frightening performance. In contrast, the gentle Toymaker, portrayed by Abigail V and Annabelle P, provided warmth and compassion as they bravely helped Caractacus and Truly rescue the children and overthrow the Baron. 

Comic relief came courtesy of the spoilt and petulant Baron, played by Josh O, alongside his narcissistic child-hating Baroness, portrayed by Adwyn R and Grace N. Josh was superb, bringing childish self-centredness to the Baron while delighting in every comic tantrum. His wonderfully exaggerated accent, coupled with hints of King George from Hamilton, made his scenes consistently entertaining, particularly his comic confrontations with the Baroness.

Adwyn infused the Baroness with the air of an overindulged princess, hyperventilating at the mere mention of children and collapsing dramatically into hysterics. Her expressive facial reactions and perfectly delivered line, "Don't be picky," directed at the orchestra leader, were particularly memorable. Grace N displayed equally impressive comic instincts, delivering throwaway lines with impeccable timing while effortlessly switching from apparent innocence to gleeful villainy, most notably after accidentally shooting a guard. Both Baronesses threw themselves into the role with tremendous energy, and their solo musical numbers and duet with the Baron were among the production's funniest moments.

Truly Scrumptious was portrayed by Bethany B and Elisha L, each bringing her own interpretation to the role. Bethany initially presented Truly with a feisty independence that gradually softened as her relationship with Caractacus developed. Her affectionate interactions with the children were conveyed through subtle glances and a gentle warmth that made the relationship entirely believable. Elisha brought sweetness and sincerity, initially bristling with indignation following the motorcycle incident before allowing Truly's affection to blossom naturally. Both performers combined graceful dancing with beautifully controlled singing. Their performances of Lovely Lonely Man were especially moving, while the precision required during the music box sequence was executed flawlessly by both.

The role of Caractacus Potts once again saw Matthew H and Toby G sharing the honours, following both receiving NODA Youth Performance nominations last year. Toby portrayed the widowed inventor with touching vulnerability, creating a believable single father whose gentle relationship with his children formed the emotional heart of the story. His developing romance with Truly unfolded naturally and convincingly. Matthew offered a more relaxed interpretation, portraying a loving father determined to fulfil his children's dreams. His richer vocal tone contrasted effectively with the younger cast members, while both actors demonstrated excellent singing, confident dancing and particularly impressive precision during Me Ol' Bamboo, with those heel-clicks earning deserved admiration.

Special mention must go to Georgina for her exceptional puppetry as Edison the Dog. She brought the puppet wonderfully to life, interacting naturally with both the cast and audience creating a genuinely engaging character.

Musical Director Pete Lack and his orchestra captured the warmth and exuberance of the Sherman Brothers' score, providing accompaniment throughout while also joining in the fun through Pete's humorous interactions with both Baronesses.

Becca White's choreography was energetic, varied and stylistically authentic, embracing everything from elegant Edwardian movement to the exuberant Latin American inspired Bombie Samba. Vinnie Hemmings' atmospheric lighting and Adam Bright's crisp sound design combined to create an immersive theatrical experience, perfectly supporting the changing moods of the production. 

Carolyn White and her costume team deserve enormous praise for producing an extensive wardrobe of exceptional quality, from authentic Edwardian attire to the wonderfully colourful costumes of Vulgaria. Their attention to detail elevated the production to a standard rarely achieved in youth amateur theatre. Also, a mention to Heather Heard and the team for the props and crafting custom made puppet dogs carried by the younger cast members in the Toot Sweet factory scene.

Congratulations must also go to Stage Manager Richard Concannon and the backstage crew, whose seamless scene changes ensured the performance flowed effortlessly, and to the dedicated team of chaperones whose commitment enables productions of this scale to happen.

I am also pleased to confirm that the beautifully designed and highly detailed programme will be entered into next year's programme competition.

Sadly, this was some of the young performers final show and I wish them all the very best for the future. 

Finally, congratulations to director Sarah Mitchell and her talented creative team. Together you have created a truly phantasmagorical production that not only entertained throughout but also provided a wonderful showcase for the outstanding young talent within Retford Musical Theatre Company's youth section. It was an enchanting evening of musical theatre that all involved should be immensely proud of.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.