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A musical treat full of nostalgia: dispel disbelief and release your inner child!Summary
Rating
Excellent
The new touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is off to a promising start and is set for a successful run. This production exemplifies live theatre at its finest, featuring impressive stagecraft, live music orchestrated by George Dyer, fantastic sets and costumes by Morgan Lane, and breathtaking choreography by Karen Bruce from BBC’s Strictly.
The show captures the essence of the MGM classic with all the familiar songs and some additional ones by The Sherman Brothers not included in the film. Adam Garcia shines as Caractacus Potts, delivering a great vocal performance, warm delivery, and sublime physicality. Ellie Nunn’s vocal fits her role, it is Truly Scrumptious, and she offers a contemporary take that complements Garcia’s character. Liam Fox, as Grandpa Potts, makes the role his own, particularly in his renditions of “Posh!” and “The Roses of Success,” bringing a hint of Lionel Jeffries to his performance. The child actors, Roshan Thompson (Jeremy) and Gracie Cochrane (Jemina), also stand out with their strong stage presence, capturing attention for all the right reasons. Despite some initial nerves and occasional blocking issues, they eventually found their stride and delivered wholehearted performances. In many ways, this story is seen through their innocent eyes and has many childlike qualities.
The story follows the film closely, but also recalls the charm of Herbie, giving Chitty a distinct personality. The car is convincingly brought to life thanks to exceptional stagecraft, culminating in a memorable moment when Chitty takes a bow, making the audience believe she can fly.
The Vulgarians provide standout performances with hints of adult and pantomime humour. Martin Callaghan and Bibi Jay (standing in as the Baroness for Jenny Gaynor) display excellent comedy timing, vocals, and physical humour, brilliantly addressing and demanding the audience’s attention and involvement. Their earlier appearance as another couple is equally impressive. Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph, as the Vulgarian spies Boris and Goran, add layers of humour both physically and verbally, akin to their film counterparts, Alexander Doré and Bernard Spear. Their scenes are always entertaining and were often used for advancing the story.
However, the roles of The Toymaker (John Macaulay) and the Child Catcher (Charlie Brooks) lacked the depth seen in the original film. While both Macaulay and Brooks deliver strong performances, their characters are less substantial. The Child Catcher’s early scene foreshadowing – reminiscent of Mrs. Gulch’s role in The Wizard of Oz – is a notable highlight, though it left me wanting more.
The chorus deserves special mention for their versatile performances. Playing multiple characters, acting as stagehands, and delivering superb harmonies and movements, they brought warmth, energy, and joy to every scene.
Overall, the production is a triumph of escapism and childlike fun. I left the theatre with a smile on my face, a tear in my eye, and joy in my heart— a testament to an excellent evening of live theatre.
Music and Lyrics by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Adapted for Stage by: Jeremy Sams
Based on the MGM Motion Picture adapted by: Ray Roderick
Based on an original story by Ian Flemming
Directed by: Thom Southerland
Choreography by: Karen Bruce
Set & Costume design by: Morgan Large
Orchestrations & Musical Supervision by: George Dyer
New Production Produced by: David Ian for Crossroads Live
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 26th May and continues its UK tour.
Further information and booking can be found here.
