Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Director: Thom Southerland

Music and Lyrics: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Stage Adaption: Jeremy Sams

Based on the book by Ian Fleming and the MGM Motion Picture

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flies into Bradford this week for this long awaited run having been delayed due to technical difficulties earlier this summer. Without doubt it was worth the wait.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, based on the book by Ian Fleming, became a much loved musical film in 1968. The stage musical, first performed in London in 2002, kept close to the original story of the film adaptation with some additional songs by the Sherman Brothers.

The show begins with an overture from the orchestra, a nostalgic touch and an opportunity to appreciate the orchestra and a selection of the toe tapping songs many of the audience know and love.

Directed by Thom Southerland and choreographed by Karen Bruce this perfectly crafted show is energetic, endearing and exciting from beginning to end.

We follow inventor Caractacus Potts (Adam Garcia), a loving father of two beautiful children; Jeremy (Louis Wilkins) and Jemima (Gracie Cochraine) who have very little and ask for very little… other than an old, broken car. Using his inventions to make money to pay for the car, Potts spends time transforming the car for adventures with the children. But of course, it’s never going to run that smoothly, the Baron of Vulgaria knows of the cars magic powers and will stop at nothing to take the car, including kidnapping Grandpa (Liam Fox). With the help of Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn), the Toy Maker (John Macauley) and the children of Vulgaria we are transported to Vulgaria, through a starry night sky on this magical, flying car.

The flying car is magnificent, it is truly magical to see a car flying through a starry sky, an absolute treat. The casting of this production is inspired, it is impossible to pick out a stand out performer. Adam Garcia plays Caractacus Potts perfectly, with his smooth velvety singing voice and sincerity he really encapsulates the role of loving father and eccentric inventor. Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner as The Baron and Baroness are the perfect comedy duo, they have great comedy timing and chemistry. Gayner’s movement is just sublime. Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph as Boris and Goran provide many a laugh out loud moment throughout, a particular favourite scene is during the song Act English. A final mention to Bibi Jay who your reviewer just couldn’t keep their eyes off throughout the show. She did an incredible job as puppeteer of Eddison the dog, and her facial expressions and energy were just fabulous throughout.

There isn’t actually a set as such for this production, it’s an empty stage, props and boxes are regularly moved on to the stage to create new scenes. Ordinarily this might feel a little uninspiring, but the energy of the cast make up for any lack of decoration.

This reviewer genuinely cannot recommend this production enough. It is cast perfectly and has boundless energy. It’s hilarious, feel good, toe tapping, and magical.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang we love you!

Runs until 22 September 2024