Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr

Kids from Crigg’s production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. was a vibrant and thoroughly entertaining show, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of the young cast and the creative team behind them. From the energetic opening number, The Race, the audience was hooked. The cast performed with confidence and infectious energy, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Dottie Turner (Jeremy Potts) and Maddy Wayman (Jemima Potts) were both instantly likeable as the Potts siblings, exuding charm and bringing an endearing quality to their scenes. Their heartfelt reaction to the thought of their beloved race-winning car being destroyed was genuinely moving. Beth Buckley (Caractacus Potts): gave an outstanding performance. Playing a character of the opposite gender is no small feat, but Buckley made it seamless, creating a believable and captivating portrayal of the quirky inventor. Her lovely singing voice added depth and emotion, particularly in her duets. Jodie Hart (Truly Scrumptious) was poised and graceful, Hart embodied the character perfectly. Her duet, Doll on a Music Box, with Buckley was a highlight of the show, showcasing her elegance and vocal talent. Jessica Holmes (Grandpa Potts) delivered great comedic timing, enhanced by her expressive facial expressions, making Grandpa Potts a memorable character. Niamh Biltcliffe (Baroness Bomburst): gave a strong portrayal of the child-hating ruler of Vulgaria, Biltcliffe added layers to the Baroness with subtle physical movements and an air of arrogance. Archie Clark’s (Baron Bomburst) playful interpretation of the Baron contrasted well with the Baroness’s meanness, adding a fun dynamic to their scenes. Martha Buckley (Boris) and Megan Wiles (Goran) as the bumbling spies brought consistent laughs with their physical comedy and exaggerated movements. Their teamwork was commendable and contributed significantly to the humour of the show. Annabelle Smith as The Childcatcher effectively captured the sinister nature of the character, looking every bit the part. A stronger development of voice and body could have enhanced the role further making it even more menacing. Isabella Muncanda gave a gentle and warm portrayal as The Toymaker with a lovely accent, Muncanda played a crucial role in the story’s resolution and it would have been lovely to see her doing more.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The titular car was a true star of the show. Ingeniously designed and built by Graeme Hemmingway, the car’s working headlights, inflating wheels, and sprouting wings were visually stunning. The cast’s careful handling and movement of the car added to its magical presence. Led by Cath Brown, the costumes were true to the original production and added vibrancy to the characters.Emma Jeffreys deserves high praise for her direction and musical leadership. She brought out the best in every performer, ensuring a cohesive and polished production.  Katie Binns and Rosie Smith provided clean, effective choreography that enhanced the musical numbers. Toots Sweet was a particular delight to watch.

The cast’s 100% commitment and visible enjoyment of their roles made this an uplifting and memorable show. It was evident how much progress the company has made in just a year. Congratulations to everyone involved for delivering such a high-quality production. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. truly was a joy to watch!

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