Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Based on the Book by Ian Fleming

Music/Lyrics: Richard M. Sherman & Robert B. Sherman

Book: Jeremy Sams

Director: Adrian Noble

Reviewer: John Roberts

The Public Reviews Rating:

Oh you pretty Chitty Bang Bang!

Based on the children’s story by Ian Fleming the man behind 007, this fantasmagorical adventure see’s Caractacus Potts and his Children Jeremy & Jemima take flight in the most wonderful racing car the world has ever seen.

Having been stranded on a family picnic and attacked by the Vulgarian’s on the stormy seas. The Potts family are forced land in Vulgaria. It is here that a plot to capture the children and get Caractacus to build a flying car for the ruler of Vulgaria; Baron Bomburst was hatched, and with a little help from a Child Catcher and two rather useless spies it all seems to be going to plan…or does it?

I have to admit to being rather excited at seeing the show, I have yet to catch the production since its first appearance at the London Palladium in 2002, and although this touring incarnation is a smaller and more streamlined production, it still brings oodles of magic onto the stage for all the family to enjoy!

One thing to say from the off is that the cast work tirelessly to bring the magic of the iconic film to stage, and with a wonderful cartoony and perspective bending set designed by Anthony Ward, not only does it stay close to the original, but also gives the production is own uniqueness. Adrian Noble has crafted a wonderfully slick production and helped with some of the most energetic choreography I have seen in a touring production for a while by David Morgan – you really do feel like you have been on this epic adventure yourself.

Nigel Garton & Richard Ashton provide ample laughs as the bumbling and bemusing Vulagiran Spies Boris & Goran, whilst Dean Maynard is impishly camp and ever so menacing as the iconic figure of many children’s nightmare’s (Child Catcher) – it is perhaps the shows biggest fault that more isn’t given to this wonderful character in terms of time on stage. Edward Peel & Kim Ismay as Baron/Baroness Bomburst are a great on stage couple and exert excellent chemistry throughout.

Katie Ray is truly delightful as Truly Scrumptious providing a great voice and delicate nature to the frenzied action that takes place around her. Max Patrick Weitzman as Jeremy and Mia Jenkins as Jemima are stunning as the young Potts children, they attack every song and every scene with un-relentless pizzaz and have ‘stars of the future’ written all over them. John Griffiths also provides excellent support as Grandpa Potts. Darren Bennett is wonderfully charming and charismatic as the chirpy inventor Caractacus, you really warm to his delightfully smooth and tender performance and his rendition of ‘Hushaby Mountain’ will stay in my memory for a long time to come, as will his routine in ‘Me Ole Bamboo.’

But true to form the real stars of the show are indeed the musical numbers written with such quality and care by the Sherman Brothers and indeed Chitty herself; when she takes to the skies, the audience gasps in amazement, it really is a sight to behold.

This production is Magical and a great treat for all the family to enjoy!