A reviewer always has to be a little careful when giving a verdict on a production. There have been many highly successful and hugely entertaining shows that have graced the Regent Theatre Stage over the years and the audiences have found 2024 to be a vintage year.
However, to my mind Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has surpassed them all and if any stage event can be said to be flawlessly perfect then this is the one.
The film of the same name has been a family classic ever since it first hit the silver screen in 1968 and those who have been enchanted by the story of this special car over the decades will be delighted that the storyline remains faithful to the film and the moment when the automobile rises to the skies is a special moment that provides magic memories.
Caractacus Potts (Adam Garcia) is a widower who does his best to bring up his two children Jeremy (Huxley Syers) and Jemima (Melody Caruana) alongside Grandpa (Liam Fox of Emmerdale) but attracts the wrath of Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn) for not ensuring that his two offspring attend school regularly. Fortunately, she soon falls in love with the wacky professor
Potts attempts to earn a crust by inventing machines that nobody really needs but is shocked when he is able to sell one of his inventions and to use the proceeds to buy the scrap former GP car that his children are desperate to own. Their father may not amount to much as an inventor but he is an excellent engineer and not only does he restore the car to its former glory but is able to invest it with magical powers.
The special vehicle soon comes to the attention of Baron (Martin Callaghan) and Baroness (Jenny Gayner) of Vulgaria who send their agents Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goran (Michael Joseph) to capture either the car or the inventor.
With Grandpa mistakenly abducted the car whisks the family off to the Baron’s realm where danger awaits. In a land where children strangely disappear will Jeremy and Jemima escape the clutches of the Childcatcher (Thevivienne) and what role does the Toymaker (John Macaulay) have in a nation that has no children?
So why do I regard this as almost the perfect production? Obviously, the show itself is a dream to watch. With memorable tunes, a script that had enough comical moments to have all ages amused and some classic choreography that made the stage a whirl of wondrous movement it would be difficult to fail.
And the fabulous storyline is backed up with magical casting and performances. Garcia is a musical theatre performer at the top of his game showing his skills not just as a singer but as a dancer who has no problems coping with the intricacies of the Ole Bamboo routine and the skill required along with Nunn to carry off the clockwork toys scene. And what a lovely relationship he has both with the children – whose highly professional performances are just the right side of twee -, his father Fox who does well in his pantomime character role and Nunn who is the delicious step-mother that any child would love to have and has a voice that is truly (I hesitate to say scrumptious) mouth-wateringly delightful.
The script is so generous that all participants are given the chance to showcase their talents. Stafford and Joseph are a highly amusing pair that work so well together and Callaghan and Gayner are a beautifully comedic duo that delighted the audience.
Thevivienne had the perfect menacing approach to the villain’s role and Macaulay was a convincing addition to the cast. Throw in some lively work from the ensemble, puppetry and the live orchestra under the direction of Jessica Viner, Director Thom Sutherland’s faithful adaptation to the original script, Morgan Large’s Set and Costume Design and some intricate choreography from Karen Bruce and a fabulous evening is assured.
However, the real star of the show is the car itself. A machine that deserves a musical to be made in its name. Every member of the audience is envious of the cast who have the opportunity to take a ride in it and when it lifted from the stage there were whoops of wonder and not a few lumps in the throat as an iconic moment was witnessed.
An absolutely unmissable show. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. We love you!!
The show has a running time of approximately 2 hours 40 minutes including interval and continues at The Regent Theatre until October 27th. For ticket information contact atgtickets.com/stoke
