Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr

Based on the 1968 film of the same name, the stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang follows eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and his children, Jeremy and Jemima, as they restore an old race car that turns out to have magical abilities. The family, along with Truly Scumptious, embark on a fantastical adventure after the evil Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria desires the car for himself and kidnaps Grandpa Potts. Along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious, Caractacus and the children head to Vulgaria to rescue Grandpa Potts (kidnapped by the bumbling duo, Boris and Goran) and rid the kingdom of its tyrannical, child-hating rulers.

The story begins at the garage owned by Mr Coggins well played by William Lowes who spoke up well,  where Caractacus an inventor would like to buy an old car if he could find 30 shillings, to avoid it going to the scrap yard. Josh Cawston (On the night I attended) was every much the father figure to his children Jeremy and Jemima, played endearingly by Luca Gualano and Lyla Jackson* (*on the night I attended), and they had good voices too. They meet up with Truly Scrumptious played by Matilda Stead whose presence and singing were an absolute delight. Rhys Morris playing Grandpa also added belief to the group.

Caractacus wants to sell his newly invented sweets and this gives rise to a good company number ‘Toot Sweets’. Throughout I was impressed how the large ensemble of seniors and juniors were utilised whenever possible and very well dressed, which must have represented a great deal of work – well done costume team.  Meanwhile The Baron Bomburst played by Noah Balen made a tremendous character and his number with Baroness Bomburst played by Millie Falconer, ‘Chu-Chi Face’, was a highlight.

I  liked Caractacus’ next invention the haircut machine, a very impressive prop, albeit at the experimental stage (!) but thankfully it was sold to pluck chickens! Later outside the circus, Caractacus and the company sang ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’ with a smart looking dance. When the car arrived on stage it was an impressive moment and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ was another good company number. In a ‘picnic’ scene ‘Truly Scrumptious’ was well sung by Matilda, Lyla and Luca.   Along the way we meet Boris (Maddie Hayes) and Goran (Caitlin Evans) who were there to do the Baron’s bidding and they were both amusing, albeit in a suitably bumbling fashion! Meanwhile to the surprise of all, the car takes to the water and the company were again used effectively to create the watery scene.

In Act 2  we meet the Toy Maker, well played by Danny Kent (On the night I attended) and also The  Child Catcher villainously played by Owen Skyvington. Another excellent prop was the child catcher’s cage into which Jemima and Jeremy are soon installed and taken to the Baron’s castle. I thought the best dance of the show was The Bombie Samba which was well choreographed and as a present to the Baron, Matilda did really well, acting as the ‘Doll On A Music Box’.

There were a great number of scene changes and impressive sets and props, not to forget a puppet dog, which were all well handled and I was impressed with the work which must have gone into them, for not always a long scene. The lighting and sound balance were good and once again I take off my hat to the production team led by Holly Fields, for utilising a large cast in an imaginative way throughout. Congratulations to all involved.

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