As far as musicals go CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG is right up there as one of the most epic – it has a flying car for goodness sake. So, when the latest tour pulled into the Wales Millennium Centre, we packed our Toot Sweets, and tootled off to see how this musical masterpiece stands up today.
Everything about this show is finely tuned, and in car terms would easily fly through its MOT. There are great songs, an absolutely first-rate cast, memories aplenty for everyone in the audience, and did we mention the flying car?
So, with a movie which has entertained families since it came out in 1968, and a soundtrack which had us all singing along before the curtain even raised, we’ll begin with reaction from last nights audience. We also spoke to Debbie and the girls from Debbie Chapman Dancers who were selected to play the Urchins in the Cardiff leg of the tour. We also grabbed a few minutes with ORE ODUBA, who excels in the role made famous by Dick Van Dyke.
This is one of IAN FLEMING’S timeless stories and is about as far removed from James Bond as you’ll find. Caractacus Potts (ORE ODUBA) is the absent-minded, single parent inventor who tries to sell his latest creation, a whistling sweet, to try and save a broken down old racing car from the scrap heap. With the help of his children Jemima (LARA SIMON) and Jeremy (CHARLIE BANKS) the car is saved and Chitty is born.
Once they learn the car is magical the adventures really begin with Truly Scrumptious (ELLIE NUNN) and Grandpa Potts (LIAM FOX) along for the ride.
As they travel to far off lands they stumble upon the evil Childcatcher, played superbly by CHARLIE BROOKS, who had most of the young children in the audience hiding in Mum and Dads coat.
Apart from the main leads there are some real stand out performances. MARTIN CALLAGHAN and JENNY GAYNER as the Baron and Baroness are hilarious and get plenty of time to shine, especially Martin who has some nice interaction with the audience.
In the birthday routine Jenny is dressed in outfit which is altogether skimpy, much to the delight of the Baron. There were a few murmurings around the auditorium, especially from my little one who declared that you could ‘see her pants’ – much to the amusement of the couple in front of us.
The pair who really stood out were Boris (ADAM STAFFORD) and Goran (MICHAEL JOSEPH), the Vulgarian spies who are everything that the aforementioned James Bond is. One of the highlights of the show was their number ‘Act English‘, which brought an exceptionally loud cheer.
I’ve seen Chitty many times in the past, including Michael Ball at the London Palladium. The worry is always that we get something a little different for the tour and perhaps not as spectacular. Well, you can drive all those thoughts out of your head, what we have in the Donald Gordon Theatre, on one of the best stages you’ll find anywhere, is equally, if not more spectacular than any production I’ve seen before.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a big show and demands the best, and with some brilliant set design from MORGAN LARGE, that’s what we have here. Every child in the audience, including us slightly older ones, were mesmerised by the incredible sets, lovely magical touches brought to life by this talented cast, and when Chitty finally took off it really was a moment of wonder.
We all have our favourite Chitty moments, for me it has to be ‘The Old Bamboo‘. Many years ago I was fortunate to spend a coupe of hours with Richard Sherman, one of the brothers who wrote that and so many memorable songs. Hearing how that one came about and how they wrote it gives it extra significance for me.
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG is not only an all time classic but continues to be a firm favourite with audiences of all ages. That does mean tickets are very limited for the rest of the week, in fact some performances are pretty much sold out. To check out the details and to get your tickets, go HERE.
Performances are at 7pm each evening with a 2pm matinee on Thursday and Saturday, there’s also an age guidance of 5+ with no admittance to under 2s).
Finally, if you pick up a show programme there’s a really lovely tribute to James Lee Williams (The Vivienne) who was playing The Childcatcher in the show.
It says….
Everyone at Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is deeply saddened by the passing of James Lee Williams, professionally known as The Vivienne. Their incredible and brilliant talent shone through in their portrayal of The Childcatcher. They were an integral part of our company and will be missed immensely.
A lovely way to remember a kind heart and special person.
