The high-flying cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, presented by AYMT at the Tivoli. Image - courtesy of AYMT
Sitting in the historic Tivoli theatre in Aberdeen, we were hit by the warm sense of nostalgia as Aberdeen Youth Music Theatre presented Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. An iconic story following Caractacus Potts, an inventor and father to Jeremy and Jemima who discover a wreak of a winning race car and transform it into the flying car famously known as, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A car that becomes so loved it turns into a memorable character, creating a whirlwind adventure for the Potts family.
The talented cast of AYMT gave a rousing night of fantastic fun. Image - courtesy of AYMT
The show begins with the orchestra playing the classic and captivating Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tune, immediately transporting the audience to 1910 England. The Potts family are played by talented local actors including Alexander Denison who gives an incredible performance as Mr Potts with an engaging stage presence and exceptional mannerisms. His powerful voice is highlighted during his solo of Hushabye Mountain. Truly Scrumptious, played by Grace Cowie is equally delightful to watch and there is a believable natural chemistry between these leading actors.
Grace has an angelic voice that was present throughout her performance and was emphasized during the Doll On The Music Box where both her choreography and acting was wonderful.
The children of the Potts family were brought to life by India Esson as Jemima Potts and Lauren Taylor as Jeremy Potts, who both brought fun and infectious energy to the show.
As act one came to a close, with a rousing rendition of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang accompanied by flashing lights flashing, roaring thunder theatrics. The dramatic lighting conveyed the intensity in this scene and highlighted the perfection of each actor’s performance and demonstrated the power of the production.
Smooth moves on the dance front in Chitty Chitty Bang at the Tivoli. Image - courtesy of AYMT
Act two was bursting with energy and with delivered roars of infectious laughter from the audience. Baron Bomhurst played by Matthew Hughes and Baroness Bomhurst, played by Lucy Parfitt excelled in their roles with hilarious chemistry evident during their, The Bombie Samba which was ridiculously funny, making their entire audience erupt into laughter.
Additionally, special mention goes to the two Vulgarian spies – Boris, played by Zak Leyni and Gordon, played by Conrad MacLean whose comedic timing had everyone in a constant state of a laughter as they continuously messed up their spy mission. One moment, where they shone would have to be their performance of Think Vulgar – a dramatized recreation of the typical English person was nothing short of hilarious.
All in all we left the Tivoli Theatre feeling as though we had just stepped out of Chitty ourselves.
A truly scrumptious performance where the audience was not only watching but feeling the story.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs at The Tivoli Theatre until Saturday. March 28. You can find more information and tickets here.
Review by Keira O'Brien and Lisa Bruce