Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Writer: Ian Fleming

Adapter: Jeremy Sams

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

Director: Thom Southerland

As part of a massive UK tour, the deeply beloved Chitty Chitty Bang Bangreturns to Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre for two weeks and it brings with it a range of different stars and casting combinations. Whilst this is exciting for Sheffield audience, it is very sad to remember the passing of The Vivienne, who was due to appear as the Child Catcher – the cast dedicate Sheffield’s performances to her, a wonderful performer who we lost far too soon.

Thom Southerland’s production is a fairly simple one, with moments of innovation scattered throughout. The star of the show is very much Chitty herself – she flies, floats and looks like she’s come straight from the film. The car is spectacular, but given the size of it the rest of the production is stripped back. Morgan Large’s set is fairly static, with boxes that move round to make up different locations. This really gives space for the Sherman Brothers’ delightful score to shine. Karen Bruce’s choreography is joyous and energetic, and there is some lovely puppetry throughout the show adding another layer of theatrical magic to the production.

Adam Garcia is a wonderful Caractacus Potts in his final performances of the tour, before handing over to Ore Oduba. Whilst he may not be the strongest singer to have ever played Potts, he more than makes up for it with his characterisation. He is likeable and eccentric, whilst remaining entirely believable throughout. He has a lovely paternal chemistry with Gracie Cochrane and Roshan Thomson who play Jemima and Jeremy Potts at this performance respectively.

Ellie Nunn is a delight opposite Garcia as Truly Scrumptious. An ingénue she is not – Nunn’s Truly wears the trousers here, both literally and metaphorically. She also has a lovely chemistry with Cochrane and Thomson, as well as with Garcia. She sings beautifully, with a stunning rendition of Lovely Lonely Man (whilst seated in a suspended car!).

Emmerdale star Liam Fox takes on the Grandpa Potts. Whilst he may be a little young for the role, he brings the character to life brilliantly. He is funny, warm and perfectly bonkers, leading musical numbers with ease and confidence. Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner are a hilarious double act as the Baron and Baroness Bomburst, whilst Callum Train is deliciously terrifying as the Child Catcher. Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph get plenty of laughs as the Vulgarian spies Boris and Goran.

Despite the more stripped back production values,Chitty Chitty Bang Bangis still a joyful time at the theatre. With a talented cast, a beautiful Sherman Brothers score and a spectacular car, this is a great show for all ages.