Chitty Chitty Bang Bang jr

After their success with Spongebob it was nice to see the society tackle Chitty Chitty Bang Bang jr and make a rip roaring success with it. Of course being a ‘Jr’ version the musical numbers had been curtailed but this in no way detracted from what was a superb show.

Using a stage with minimal set it allowed the main set to shine – Chitty herself. The car looked every inch the ‘fantasmagorical machine’ as described in the title song.

Taking on the role of Caractacus Potts was Dan Burlison who really made the part his own – he looked comfortable in the role as though he was that character rather than simply playing a part. His voice was very suited to the part and his acting and choreography superb. Playing opposite him as ‘Truly Scrumptious’ was Lucy Wilkinson. Lucy had a sweet voice well suited to the role and ‘truly’ had chemistry and a nurturing demeanour with Jeremy and Jemima Potts, played respectively by Joey Howourth and Eva Belcher. These two youngsters were wonderful, moved, sang and acted well – especially in the trio ‘Truly Scrumptious’ number.
Making the family unit was ‘Grandpa’ – diminutive in stature but his presence belied that – well done Ethan Fowler.

Adding to the comedy were two hapless ‘spies’ from Vulgaria – Boris and Goran played with expert comedy timing by Erin Kilgallon and Ruby Belcher respectively. Their bosses, the Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria (Katie Kyle and Darcy Ranasinghe), were impressive and I could have watched their childlike demeanours all evening as they sang and acted through ‘Chu-Chi Face’ – a wonderful comedy duo. Their choreography and vocals also came to the fore in ‘The Bombie Samba’

Throughout the production, stage movement was a joy, making the most of every available inch on the stage, my favourite number perhaps being the up-beat ‘Me ol’ Bamboo’

Every show needs a ‘villain’ and they don’t come any more evil than the ‘Child Catcher’, played by Sophie Bannerman – that she got booed at the walk downs is testament to her evilly played character. The opposite point on the compass was the ‘Toy Maker’ played with great empathy by Milly Cassin.

There were many other characters comprising chefs, soldiers, turkey farmers, garage and sweet factory owners who all played their parts well and along with the rest of the ensemble enhanced the overall impact of the production amongst a near thirty cast.

Whenever you see ‘Chitty’ it is easy to think of it as the star of the show but, whilst it had great impact, the real stars of this production were its cast who took it from page to stage and gave it life with bright lively numbers.
Congratulations to Scott Brannigan-Howe for putting the final polish to this production in the last few weeks after the work commitments of its director caused him to be abroad. This was a bright, energy filled, well-crafted production by an up and coming youth section – Well done all.

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