Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flying High. Image - Supplied by Aberdeen Performing Arts
If you are looking for a soaring adventure this week then Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will take you there in spectacular style.
This new production of Ian Fleming’s classic story of a flying car should rightly take a huge bow as it is a triumph from start to finish that delighted audiences across all generations at His Majesty’s Theatre last night.
Standing ovations can be hard to come by in Aberdeen so it was truly remarkable to see one given to a car (that’s likely not compliant with our new LEZ) which is without doubt the star of this show.
Perhaps I am a bit potty, but I assumed that the story of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang would be known by almost everyone. However, in the 12 hours since the curtain fell on opening night, I have spoken to a handful of people who were totally oblivious to the tale of this magical vehicle, oddball inventions, a scrumptious family, sweets that toot and villainous Vulgarian Barons. I stand corrected.
Jeremy and Jemima with Truly Scrumptious. Image - Supplied by Aberdeen Performing Arts
Summed up in one sentence it’s a story about the adorable, but slightly broken Potts family who overcome villains and find true love on an adventure in a floating and flying car which has been carefully restored by their father, a slightly excentric inventor.
The production is filled with charm and wit from the outset with the opening scene set in the junkyard where twins Jeremy (Charlie McGuire) and Jemima (Isla Ithier) play in the wrecked car during their “Eastmis” break from school.
These two young cast members standout from the start and should be congratulated for outstanding performances and singing. As should Callum Train who comfortably took the lead on opening night as a very convincing Caractacus Potts, that for me was up there with the legendary performance of Dick Van Dyke in the movie.
The first act is a joy and packed full of adorable classic musical numbers including my favourites “You Two” and “Hushabye Mountain” both marvellously sung by the handsome Caractacus Potts to his children.
Ellie Nunn is a joy as the slightly dizzy Truly Scrumptious and fits into the action seamlessly as an endearing love interest for all of the Potts family.
Completing the Potts family, Liam Fox gives a powerful performance and adds the necessary nostalgia to the role of Grandpa Potts and Eddison the dog is puppeteered to perfection.
The ensemble in full swing. Image - Supplied by Aberdeen Performing Arts
The Vulgarian spy duo, Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goran (Michael Joseph) are an absolute hoot and possess fantastic comic timing and chemistry on stage, and the Baron (Martin Callaghan) of the fictitious European dictatorship of Vulgaria and Baroness (Jenny Gayner) also deliver plenty of giggles and musical teamwork.
The second act begins in the same way as the first act ends with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang soaring and rotating high in the sky set against a spectacular starry backdrop that leaves the audience wondering just how it is done.
Slightly more chaotic, act two takes the Potts family and Truly to Vulgaria where children are banned and any rascals that are found are lured out of their hiding holes by the slightly menacing and almost pantomime character of The Childcatcher played by Scotland’s own Elaine C Smith.
“Doll on a Music Box” is a musical highlight in act two as is the finale when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang takes to the skies for one final flight.
"I smell children" - Elaine C Smith as The Childcatcher. Image - Supplied by Aberdeen Performing Arts
The show is a total triumph. Not just in the way the car comes to life but also because of the superb staging, imaginative choreography, talented and electrifying ensemble, memorable tunes and witty one-liners sprinkled throughout which go to make this a must-see show.
Adam Garcia was unfortunately indisposed for last night’s opening performance but there was no obvious loss to this hit musical from his unfortunate absence.
Aberdeen Theatre goers take note Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a slightly earlier than normal start at 7pm, so be sure to take your seat by curtain up so you do not miss any of the action.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang runs at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday June 15. For more information and tickets visit here.
Review by Shona Byrne