Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr

Wow – I literally grinned throughout this whole production.  The enthusiasm emanating from the stage was contagious and it was hard not to be impressed by these talented young people giving their absolute all to the production.  This was the first time as Director for Courtney Smith and I hope she has enjoyed it because I would love to see more of her imaginings translated into shows.  Assisted by Alan Walker, with Joshua Raymond as MD, supported by Gail Cobb and choreography by Catherine Enos it really was a very joyful production.

The movement around the stage and in the routines was slick and there was good pace throughout the show.  The production numbers were very enjoyable particularly ‘Toot Sweets’ and ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’.  Worthy of note was that the ensemble really engaged with their part in the story and recognised that their contribution was important.  Some clever ‘box moving’ in Lord Scrumptious’s Sweet Factory showed that these young people take their craft seriously and clearly follow direction.

The Principal Cast were all super and performed to a very high standard.  Jemima and Jeremy (played by Daniella Wilson and Emma Hurdabel respectively) were believable and endearing as the creative Potts children with a great performance as Grandpa Potts by Lucas Wilson.  Bobby Miller as Caractacus Potts was confident, articulate and gave a very mature performance.  Keira Davies was a delightful Truly Scrumptious making a very dramatic entrance on a scooter whilst maintaining her poise throughout.

Over in Vulgaria we were introduced to some hysterical and ‘larger than life’ characters.  Boris (Sophie Birkin) and Goran (Faith Birnie) were wonderful as the Vulgarian Spies with great delivery of the comic lines.  Isabelle Beazley was a very sinister Childcatcher with an eerie physicality.  Preston Bird was a very funny Baron and Ruby Harker was hilarious as the Baroness - this was super pairing who worked well together combining just the right measure of wickedness and comedy.

It really is important to emphasise that everyone on stage was great and even the smallest ‘lost child’ gave it their all.  Culminating in the final scenes in the castle with a brilliant rendition of ‘Doll on a Music Box’ and a high energy finale I think we can safely say that with all this talent coming through DOS is on a very firm footing.

The set was to a high standard as were the excellent props which were built specifically for this production.  Props and set pieces were deftly moved around stage by the stage crew -with a special mention to Chitty’s helpers who came on and off with the cleverly built car.   Costumes were great and worked well for this young cast.  Sound and light added to the overall production.  It was indeed a ‘truly scrumptious’ evening and sincere congratulations should go to the fabulous young people of the DOS Student Academy along with the Production Team and those backstage and front of house who work hard to give them such great opportunities.

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