Old banger or sleek machine? Matching the journey of the titular vehicle Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, you get a bit of both in this new touring production of Ian Fleming’s popular children’s book (1964) turned Disney film (1968) then stage adaptation (2002). Leicester’s Curve is the first stop on a 13-venue tour, with the week’s run pretty much sold out.
There’s a lot of love for this musical from the start, particularly the most well-known of its songs, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, as the audience clapped along enthusiastically during the overture, and anytime it was played thereafter.
The Grand Prix of 1910 and Chitty’s heyday as a racing car get things off to a frenetic start. A few years later, she’s now in parts but loved by Jemima (Gracie Cochrane) and Jeremy Potts (Roshan Thomson), children of struggling inventor and widower Caractacus Potts (Adam Garcia). Thwarting the plans of a mysterious would-be purchaser of the car, the children persuade their father to buy it back and a (very convenient) meeting with Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn), daughter of the wealthy Scrumptious confectionery magnate, leads to a deal and the car is saved. Caractacus now has the funds to rebuild the car into a very special machine.
Meanwhile, the tyrannical Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria wants the car, and sends two incompetent spies, Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goran (Michael Joseph), to steal it. Their amusing antics are in danger of stealing the show, however, they manage to bungle their prescribed mission and kidnap Grandpa Potts (Liam Fox) by mistake, necessitating Caractacus, Truly and Chitty to come to the rescue. A further “meanwhile” involves the rescue of Jemima and Jeremy who have been caught by the sinister Child Catcher (The Vivienne).
Designer Morgan Large appears to have managed the impossible, namely a convincing flying car in a touring production; it is an impressive spectacle which drew gasps from the audience as Chitty elevates and revolves above the stage. Large is also responsible for the cast’s beautifully detailed costumes, and together with numerous colourful props and accoutrements, this show has a real feel of ‘no expense spared’.
Garcia charms as Caractacus Potts with a touch of the endearing mad scientist about him. There’s an effortlessness to his performance, from the croonier numbers with his children and Ms Scrumptious, to the energy of “Me Ol' Bamboo”. Nunn’s performance as Truly Scrumptious is just right, with a good mix of charm and head-girl haughtiness.
There are strong panto vibes throughout, particularly with the two spies and the uber-over-the-top Baron and Baroness Bomburst (Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner). It’s slapstick, overblown with lots of silly noises and accents and in the main very entertaining, especially for younger audience members, however, some of the jokes fall the wrong side of risqué.
The Vivienne is a menacing presence as the Child Catcher, prowling the stage, sniffing the air for children with her twisted nose trumpet. Much malevolent mwah-ha-ha-ing adds to the pantomime ambience.
Don’t think too deeply about plot or plausibility, this is fun escapism done very well with a great cast, and ambitious choreography by Karen Bruce. Yes, it’s dated, and perhaps not the Sherman brothers’ strongest collection of songs, but you can’t fail to be charmed by this heart-warming production.