Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Review – Bradford Alhambra
By Christine Goode, September 2024
Back in full working order and out on the road, the fantasmagorical machine has finally flown into Bradford. Sadly, an unscheduled pit stop earlier in July forced theatre-goers to wait until the show could be rescheduled to September, but now there is a throng of excitement as we approach the theatre, everyone eager to see this much-awaited show.
Ian Fleming’s beloved children’s story, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is a firm family favourite. In 1968, it was brought to life on screen, starring Dick Van Dyke as the lovable, fruitless inventor Caractacus Potts. With a legendary soundtrack that most will recognise at least one song from, this uplifting story is pure escapism and will instantly transport you back to your childhood.
The atmosphere is palpable as the orchestra starts to play the overture. We see a huge frame surrounding the stage, featuring various inventions, which start whirring and spinning. A high-energy race scene kicks off the show, building the intensity of a car race, with clever use of handheld headlights depicting the cars racing alongside each other, reminiscent of the glory of the winning race car. However, after further races in the car’s career, disaster strikes and the car crashes. We are now transported to years later, where we find the former race car on the scrap heap, and we meet two young siblings playing in the wreck of the old car while playing truant from school.
“Feisty”
Jemima Potts (Gracie Cochrane) and Jeremy Potts (Louis Wilkins) are wonderful. They have clear diction and tuneful vocals, playing their parts perfectly alongside their father, Caractacus Potts (Adam Garcia). Garcia is great casting as Potts. A highly respected triple threat, known for his dance expertise, he delivered effortlessly, especially in ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’. Grandpa Potts (Liam Fox) was totally eccentric, very comical, and splendid.
Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn) gave us a fresh and new feisty, independent woman, and her chemistry with the children was endearing. Not one comedy duo, but two! The Baron (Martin Callaghan) and the Baroness (Jenny Gaynor) were hilarious, along with the Baron’s spies Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goran (Michael Joseph). Equally funny, all with perfect timing, they were slick and kept the jokes coming, with some cheeky adult humour flying over younger audiences’ heads. For me, they were the highlight of the show.
“Sending a shiver”
The Childcatcher (Charlie Brooks), originally played by a male, has an up-to-date fresh look, complete with a nose trumpet! Brooks gloriously delivered the part with plenty of menace, even sending a shiver down my spine. The ensemble cast are first-class, with high energy, many costume and scenery changes—they are non-stop.
Set and costume design by Morgan Large is innovative, from the rundown Potts’s modest home to lavish carnival costumes. The fairground ride costumes, in particular, were a favourite. There are also a few surprises in there for good measure, which earned a chuckle or two from the audience.
Singalong favourites such as ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’, ‘Hushabye Mountain’, and ‘Posh’ are also joined by new songs. Notably, ‘The Bombie Samba’ had us all clapping along.
The show has magic and sparkle, with lots of laughter throughout. My cheeks were aching by the end, and it goes without saying—the car is the star of the show as she soars through the air, bringing back memories of watching this beloved tale on TV as a child, and later with my own children. It was lovely to see so many families continue to love this story, enjoying themselves as they sang and clapped along with the cast, who were deservedly given a huge cheer and standing ovation at the end.
‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is at Bradford Alhambra until 22nd September
