Invited Review by Robyn Watson
The family favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang takes to the stage of Sunderland Empire theatre this week. Based on the smash hit 1968 film the story centres around the ingenious inventor, albeit disastrous at times, Caratacus Potts and his wonderful children Jemima and Jeremy. They set out on a mission to repair an old racing car only to find out it has magical powers.
It was lovely to see such a busy audience with so many children. I know this is such a special show to so many people and this brand new production caters for every audience. The staging was honestly breathtaking with some of the best scenery I have ever seen. The perimeter of the stage filled with illuminating lights which changed colour throughout to match the scene. The inventions in the Pott’s home were magical and looked like they’d been taken straight from a fairytale. But of course, the most impressive of all was the incredibly Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The Prologue begins our show with us being at the Grand Prix. They cleverly used headlights to represent the cars and it really felt like a race. I just wish some of the chorus singing would have been a little louder as I felt the show started quietly. The large ensemble did such a terrific job through the entirety of the show as they had to transform into so many different characters. There were so many different styles of dance they had to master as well from the Waltz, the Old Bamboo and the Samba. They moved with energy and passion in all numbers and the choreography throughout was sensational provided by Strictly’s Karen Bruce, I am not surprised!
We then get to meet the Pott’s children who were played by Gracie Cochrane and Roshan Thomson last night. There are four sets of children on this tour so this could be subject to change. The role of these two is rather big and certainly a challenge that they were able to live upto. Perfectly adorable with wonderfully clear singing voices. I loved their version of Truly Scrumptious. It was performed beautifully. Gracie playing Jemima was wonderfully sassy and showed such a caring nature towards Jeremy.
Caratacus Potts was played by Strictly winner Ore Oduba who gave equal amounts of eccentricity and sensitivity to this role. He played the role in his own way which was lovely to see and his dancing was wonderful. He acted the part perfectly and I particularly loved his scene at the fairground. He had great chemistry with the rest of the cast on stage particularly with Grandpa Fox, played by Liam Fox. The highlight of Fox’s performance for me was Posh! in which he worked well with the children. I would have loved to have seen him look a little older to be a more convincing Grandpa however.
After needing to find 30 shillings, Potts comes up with the marvellous idea of selling his whistling sweets at the Scrumptious sweet factory only to be greeted by the fiercely independent Truly Scrumptious, such an amazing character and role to play. Ellie Nunn captured her character perfectly and gave a stand out performance for me. Likeable, strong but able to show a sweet and vulnerable side to her performance. She graced the stage with such effortless perfection and her singing throughout the numbers was just world class. The scene in the sweet factory and the song Toots Sweets was a sight to behold. Such a joy to watch on stage.
Two more stand out performances came from the Vulgarian spies Boris, Adam Stafford and Goran, Michael Joseph. Clearly experts at their comedy timing this powerhouse of a duo never missed a beat on stage with their hilarious accents and tongue in cheek references they had the audience roaring with laughter. Their rendition of Think Vulgar was a masterclass in how to perform a comedy song.
The funfair scene was filled with colour, energy and fun and I adored the cast’s use of props on stage to give a real funfair feel. The costuming was beautiful, especially the head pieces worn by the female dancers. Me Ol’ Bamboo was everything I expected and more with the use of the canes – what perfect choreography!
By far the most amazing part of the night for me however, was watching Chitty take flight. The backdrop filled with shining stars and the headlights of Chitty beaming into the audience. It was such a magical and breathtaking experience and left me puzzled in just how they managed to carry this out. I found myself trying to find the mechanism but alas, I couldn’t. It really must be magic!
The second half transports us to the grim, childless Vulgaria where Baron and Baroness rule the country and the stage. Every single element has been put into their performance from their accents to their movement. The Baron played by Martin Callaghan was so funny and commanded the stage but Baroness, Jenny Gayner, kept up with him in equal measure. Their rendition of Chu-Chi Face was utterly bonkers and hilarious and the Bombie Samba was filled with passion, and wonderful dancing.
The mention of the word children left Baroness feeling queasy and had her summoning the Child Catcher who was played by Charlie Brooks a.k.a Janine from Eastenders. I sometimes find famous castings don’t always deliver the best performances but she truly had every nuance down. She was creepy, terrifying and truly evil in her mannerisms and acting. The little girl sat behind me was genuinely scared of her and I am not surprised. She had such a stunning singing voice too and maintained her accent throughout her song Kiddy-Widdy- Winkies.
The Toymaker played by John Macauley hides Truly, Potts and his children in his workshop to avoid the terrifying Child Catcher before they head off to the castle. On the way they encounter all of the children who have avoided the grasps of the Child Catcher. They perform the song Teamwork and this week at Sunderland the child chorus are all from a local dance school which is wonderful to see. They danced, acted and sang tremendously and finally the final plan was in place.
The Baron is awaiting his birthday present when two rather lifelike dolls make an appearance. Truly sings Doll on a Music Box and Potts joins her. I just adored the static, doll-like choreography for this part. At last, the family makes an escape and Chitty once again comes to save the day! The show ends with a wonderful rendition of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and they received a wonderful, deserving standing ovation.
Such a feelgood, high energy and fun evening watching this beloved show at Sunderland Empire. This 1910 based classic never seems to lose its charm and appeal even after all of these years. Get your tickets for an evening of magic.