Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Wales Millennium Centre, review

Thanks to Wales Millennium Centre for providing us with review tickets for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is in Cardiff for the first week of the Easter holidays – and what a magical joy it is. Based on Ian Fleming’s novel and the much-loved 1968 musical, this new production of the stage show is filled with all the songs and scenes which have made the film such all-time classic, but with subtle updates to suit a modern audience.

A brilliant cast

TV presenter and Strictly star Ore Oduba is a warm and charming Caractacus Potts, the eccentric inventor who brings an old racing car back to life for his children, Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical powers, whisking them off on an adventure to Vulgaria, where the evil Baron Bomburst wants the vehicle for himself and his wife has banished all children. Just like Dick Van Dyke, who made the role in the film so iconic, Oduba is a versatile performer, veering from quirky scientist to tender father (lullaby Hushabye Mountain is beautifully performed; he has such a soothing tone to his voice) to the energetic scene-stealing dancer of Me Ol’ Bamboo, when he tries to earn a quick buck at the local fairground.

Ellie Nunn is perfectly cast as Truly Scrumptious; elegant, sassy, confident and wonderfully independent, riding a motorcycle and fixing it herself. Doll On A Music Box, with her clockwork movements and precise vocals, is brilliantly staged and so reminiscent of one my favourite moments of the film.

A perfectly sinister Childcatcher

Casting Charlie Brooks as the Childcatcher is an inspired choice. For many of us of a certain generation, she’s best known as Janine from EastEnders, pushing Barry off a cliff to his death. She’s great at being evil. The menacing way she moves and her voice echoing around the stage as she calls ‘chiiillldren’ while trying to lure them into her cage is truly chilling. In true Childcatcher tradition, younger children may find her unsettling, but she’s not on stage for too long.

The children themselves are fantastic. Four pairs play Jeremy (Charlie Banks, Charlie McGuire, Huxley Syers, Roshan Thomson at other performances) and Jemima (Melody Caruana, Gracie Cochrane, Isla Ithier, Lara Simon and I think all are worthy of mention here as I’m sure all will give confident portrayals and sweet vocals. Local performers play the Vulgarian children, banished to the sewer, who help to save the day; what an incredible experience for them.

Lots of laughter

There’s so much humour in this production, in particular from Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gaynor as the Baron and Baronness of Vulgaria. In the film, he spends the entire time trying to kill her and I’m really glad that element has been removed because male violence against women is never funny and has no place in a modern family production of this nature. Their vocal duet Chu-Chi face is delivered with plenty of over-the-top choreography and facial expressions. However, The Bombie Samba, a brightly coloured Latin-inspired dance to celebrate the Baron’s birthday, feels out of keeping with the rest of the production.

Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph as Boris and Goran, the hapless Vulgarian spies on a mission to steal Chitty, also bring plenty of laughs. Their phone calls to the palace and their attempts to pose as English gentlemen had the audience chuckling out loud throughout.

Emmerdale’s Liam Fox as Grandpa Potts is another great character, looking every bit like his film counterpart, with the same great one-liners and memorable musical numbers of Posh and Roses of Success.

Iconic musical numbers

I found it emotional at times, seeing the songs from the film which I still know every word to, performed live. I’ve mentioned a few above but tonight was a reminder of the depths of talent of the Sherman Brothers songwriting, including Toot Sweets, This Lonely Lovely Man, Truly Scrumptious and the Oscar-nominated title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which the audience waste no time in clapping along to.

Clever staging

The set is a little underwhelming in terms of backdrops but the use of props and scenery on stage is really clever, from the steam coming from the inventions, to the puppetry of the car and Grandpa Potts’ shed as they appear in miniature form. The ensemble seamlessly move things around as we are transported from the Potts’ windmill to the sweet factory, to the beach, and on to the castle, streets and toy shop of Vulgaria.

And, of course, there’s Chitty herself. The moment the iconic car appears on stage, looking every bit like the one we know and love has the audience gasping and clapping. The way the vehicle turns and moves is so mesmersing, and when Chitty takes to the skies… just wow.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is, for many, a childhood favourite and this production more than does it justice. But even if you’ve not seen the film, this is a great introduction to the iconic musical, filled with memorable musical numbers that have stood the test of time, strong performances, and a tale of god triumphing over evil.

I took my 15, 13 and 11 year old last night (they’re all familiar with the film and the older two have seen the musical previously) and they all loved it. I watched the whole thing with a heartwarming feel of nostalgia and a huge smile on my face. This timeless classic is perfect entertainment for all ages and an absolute delight to watch.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at Wales Millennium Centre until Saturday 19 April. Tickets cost from £20, however, an availability is limited. The age guidance is 5, with no admittance to under 2s.
Running length, two and a half hours, including an interval. More information here.