Everyone’s fine four fendered friend flies into Regent Theatre this week. Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, they end up on a fantastical adventure to far off lands.
Filled with instantly recognisable songs such as ‘Toot Sweets’, ‘Posh!’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and ‘Me ‘Ol Bam-Boo’ the score is stunning and played expertly by the brilliant live band. They are toe-tapping infectious numbers that are delivered with aplomb by the cast both from a vocal and dance perspective.
The set is minimalistic but nevertheless effective, moved around by the ensemble. The car is the star of the show from that perspective and the audience were wowed when it sprang into life, rotating in the air.
Adam Garcia plays Caratacus Potts, with huge stage and screen experience he absolutely owns the stage adding to that, the impressive song and dance routines. Ellie Nunn plays alongside as Truly Scrumptious, the no-nonsense character, who despite this has a warm persona. Ellie carries off this role beautifully with a fantastic singing voice and chemistry with both the cast and the audience. Liam Fox plays Grandpa Potts, capturing wonderfully the eccentricities of his character with both humour and a playfulness. He did well on his two musical numbers ‘Posh!’ and ‘Roses Of Success’.
The children, Jeremy and Jemima Potts, were played for this performance by the much talented Huxley Syers and Melody Caruana with a stage presence far beyond their years and a strong vocal performance on songs such as ‘Truly Scrumptious’.
As for the Vulgarians, The Vivienne is a fleeting but memorable figure as the Childcatcher, played with the perfect balance of panto villain but with the sinister undertone. Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph give a hilarious performance as Boris and Goran, the spies. Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner add to the hilarity as the Baron and Baroness and gave a memorable rendition of ‘Chu-Chi Face’.
Theres so much to say about the remainder of the cast and ensemble. The song and dance numbers wonderfully supported with spot on choreography and vibrant costume, it was fantastic to watch.
It is a slow burner initially, with the opening of the first half setting the scene, but then quickly bursting into life thereafter.
For those who have seen it before on stage or on screen, it still hits the same warm nostalgia, mixed with the vibrancy of it performed before your eyes with stunning vocals and a live band. For those yet to experience it and coming for the first time, I’m certain it will be a firm favourite.
The show is on until Sunday 27th, with several matinee performances. Tickets are available from the box office or online at: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/chitty-chitty-bang-bang/regent-theatre/
Photo credit: Paul Coltas
