Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tour review: An evening of magic and make believe of fifty years ago with the technology of today.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tour review, Katey Thompson, November 2016.
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The musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is based on the story that Ian Fleming (of James Bond fame) wrote for his son. A tale of a magical flying car and its adventures with two children and their father.
This extravagant production does not disappoint from beginning to end with the upbeat music of the Sherman brothers. The fabulous choreography by Stephen Mear is enchanting from the opening scene to the finale. The staging is simple but changes effectively from a garage, to a windmill, to seaside, to the kingdom of Vulgaria, travelling from grand-prix to stormy seas, and cloudless skies, by means of the simple but highly effective use of a video backdrop. This all added to the magical experience of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
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Jason Manford as Caractacus Potts is a brilliant success, and his powerful voice and dancing skills do not disappoint. Charlotte Wakefield‘s portrayal of Truly Scrumptious is as spellbnding as her name. Grandpa Potts (Andy Hockley) is as one remembers him in the original film, while Phill Jupitus and Claire Sweeney are a great foil for each other as the Baron and Baroness Bomburst. The child catcher is as terrifying as ever and well played by Jos Vantyler. The clowning of Sam Harrison (Boris) and Scott Paige (Goran) brought laughter to the theatre every time they came on stage.
This is a fabulous fantasy and ‘a not to be missed’ production; the staging, lighting and casting have combined to give a truly extravagant and memorable experience. This is more than you could wish for, an excellent evening’s entertainment.
The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tour is running at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until 19th November 2016.
