THE much-anticipated production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has flown into Birmingham.
Based on the 1968 family film favourite, with a score by the Sherman Brothers, the stage adaptation by Jeremy Sams doesn’t disappoint.
Ore Oduba turns in a superb performance as central character inventor Caractacus Potts and devoted father to Jemima Potts (Gracie Cochrane) ably supported by Jeremy Potts (Roshan Thomson) who restores an old car that has magical abilities.
This car is being hunted down by the evil Baron (Martin Callaghan) and Baroness (Jenny Gayner) as part of their excessive ‘toy’ collection and drama ensues as Grandpa Potts (Liam Fox) is taken hostage.
Dishing out most of the laughs on the night were comedy duo Boris and Gorgan, effortlessly portrayed by Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph who bring a panto feel to proceedings.
The Potts family along with the truly scrumptious ‘Truly Scrumptious’ (Ellie Nunn) embark on a successful rescue mission to VulgIria with the help of the kind-hearted Toymaker (John Macaulay) who helps save the day.
Eastenders’ Charlie Brooks stepped into the role of the Childcatcher late in the day following the untimely death of Le Vivienne, for whom a thoughtful tribute was paid at the end of the show. But she makes a real impact with a performance befitting of one of the most iconically sinister baddies in family movie history.
But for me – and I would imagine most of the audience, the true star of the show came in mechanical form. Our fine-fendered friend wowed as she swooped and dipped across the stage, even taking her own bow before curtain down.
Not an easy task bringing this show to theatre, but I’m delighted to say that cast and crew have achieved it. An action-packed but feelgood production with a familiar score that will have you singing along.
This is one ride you’ll want to be a passenger on.
So jump aboard. Chitty Chitty Bang plays until Saturday at The Birmingham Hippodrome. Book HERE
