Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Book by Ian Fleming
Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Directed by Thom Sutherland
Choreographed by Karen Bruce
Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large
Curve, Leicester (Touring)
Tuesday 5th November – Saturday 9th November
Flying into Curve for one week only is the firm family-favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Based on the classic 1968 film, we might not have the ineffable Dick Van Dyke, but we do have Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts, the absent-minded inventor.
If you happen not to know the story, widower Potts is persuaded by his two children Jemima and Jeremy (tonight played by Gracie Cochrane and Roshan Thomson) to purchase and restore a broken-down old racing car.
Adventures ensue as the car proves to have magical powers which are deployed to help rescue Grandpa Potts (Liam Fox) who has been kidnapped by the Baron (Martin Callaghan) and Baroness (Jenny Gayner) of Vulgaria. Here, children are not tolerated and the Childcatcher (The Vivienne) is constantly on the prowl to sniff them out.
As the Overture begins and the title song is heard, the audience immediately claps along. They are clearly here to enjoy themselves and this show does not disappoint. The Opening appears to have sound issues as the voices of the performers are somewhat drowned out making it is difficult to hear the words, but this soon resolves itself and we can settle back and luxuriate in the story that unfolds.
Garcia as the widower, father, inventor, and eventual suitor to Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn) plays this multi-faceted role with an ease and a grace that belies the amount of work that surely went into the preparation. He radiates a warmth and charm that soon has me forgetting all about Dick Van Dyke. (Heresy, I know.) When he sings Hushabye Mountain with that bewitching voice, Garcia makes you feel like a child again and you can indeed ‘wave goodbye to the cares of the day.’
The interpretation of Truly Scrumptious by Ellie Nunn is also deserving of praise. This is a booted, trouser-wearing Truly who is more empowered and emancipated than we might traditionally expect of her character. She can fix her own motorcycle without the help of a man and is prepared to challenge Potts when she first meets him. Garcia and Nunn make a terrific duo and are ably supported by the two child actors tonight.
Yet, the twosome who almost steal the whole show are Adam Stafford as Boris and Michael Joseph as Goran. Every little movement or feat of vocal acrobatics is deftly orchestrated to maximum effect. There is a Vaudevillian quality to their performance which dovetails immaculately to the Edwardian setting of the piece. Again, I find myself giggling like a child to jokes about ‘Shih Tzus’ and ‘vulgar Americans’ delivered with confidence and verve. In fact, skilled direction by Thom Sutherland makes the whole cast shine.
No review could fail to mention the car itself and what a remarkable sight. She drives, she floats, and she flies before our very eyes. Set Design by Morgan Large makes full use of the mammoth Curve stage. We view events through a lighted proscenium arch that hints of events to come. This lends an other-worldly quality which is enhanced by clever lighting (Ben Cracknell) and sound (Gareth Tucker). When Chitty flies through the starry night, you cannot fail to be stirred.
Costume, also by Morgan Large, feeds the ‘fantasmigorical’ theme. The attention to detail is impressive. For instance, the Childcatcher, is a monochromatic triumph just the right side of frightening. I particularly enjoy the costumes at the funfair where we are treated to walking helter-skelters, carousels and Ferris wheels. Extra bonus points for the puppet dogs, too.
To coin a phrase from the Sherman Brothers’ score, the whole show is ‘sweet as a thoroughbred.’ So, if you are feeling nostalgic and care to be whisked away, then Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the perfect vehicle.
Rating: 5*
Running Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
Age Guidance: 5+, no under 2s will be permitted.
Show warning: This production contains repetitive flashing lights and visual effects, pyrotechnics, theatrical smoke and haze, replica firearms and loud sounds
