UK Theatre Network

Reviewed Wednesday 24 Feb 2010



This stage musical, based on Ian Fleming’s stories for his son and the 1968 film of the same name, hit the London Palladium in 2002 after years of planning and preparation. It became the longest running show there and enjoyed rave reviews, running for four years. It then toured the UK and is now back for another tour having undergone some changes.
The combination of a huge cast (including a large number of fluffy dogs), superb sets, outstanding special effects and a full orchestra brought together under the creative genius of director Adrian Noble and the production of Michael Rose Ltd all serve to make this a sensational show and wonderful evening of fun and feel-good family entertainment.

The original film was part of my childhood and it was great to take my six year old niece to this and watch her, mouth dropped open, enthralled at the sumptuous costumes, fantastic singing and dancing, and magical scenes with the quite incredible car – the most expensive stage prop ever. It was a joy to see her reaction. Oddly there were not that many children in the audience (perhaps as it was a school night) but this is a testament to the strength of this production. That all-adult parties feel they can go to a show that conjures up the nostalgia of childhood is a great recommendation.
The Sherman Brothers score including songs such as Toot Sweets, Truly Scrumptious, Hushabye Mountain, and the title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang are all deeply memorable. I can testify to that because although I have not seen this film more than once or twice since childhood and I could singvalong to all of them (quietly I hope!).
David Morgan’s exciting and often quirky choreography and Anthony Ward’s imposing and imaginative sets and stunning special effects are a major part of making this a truly terrific show.
The cast were all fantastic and clearly are having great fun. There is the impression that the Potts family really have a genuine fondness for each other and this in turn makes the show all the more heartwarming. Darren Bennet (Caractacus Potts) is funny and affectionate. The children could easily be pretentious but are far from it. John Griffiths (Grandpa Potts) is entertaining as the eccentric explorer and Katy Ray (Truly Scrumptious) is sweet and will make a lovely stepmother! Nigel Garton and Richard Ashton, as spies Goran and Boris, are hilarious and do the Act English number with panache. Edward Peel (Baron Bomburst) and Kim Ismay (Baroness Bomburst) are brilliant. Ismay in particular has great comedic talent and her expressions are priceless. Their number Chu-Chi Face was hilarious. Dean Maynard is rather scary as the Child Catcher but is only on a couple of times and not for long.

This is an extraordinary production, magical and warming. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It doesn’t matter what your age, it will bring joy to your soul. I urge you to get tickets to this and if you have children who you want to introduce to musical theatre you won’t find a better show.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang plays MK Theatre for an extended run until 13 March.  www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee)

Then to

New Wimbledon Theatre Tue 16 Mar - Sat 3 Apr 2010
The Mayflower, Southampton Tue 6 Apr - Sat 24 Apr 2010

Palace Theatre, Manchester Tue 27 Apr - Sat 15 May 2010

Edinburgh Playhouse 18 May – 5 Jun