Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Regent Theatre – a truly scrumptious production

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Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children, the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has long held a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with it. For my dad, it was the first movie he ever watched in colour… decades later, I would watch it on repeat as a little girl, bewildered by the bonkers inventions and the sentient motor vehicle while equally terrified by the nightmare-inducing child catcher. 

While I must have seen it countless times in the noughties, I must admit I’d found it difficult to recall the details of the plot, which only made my visit to The Regent Theatre to watch the musical all the more exciting. Sitting in my seat eager to be reacquainted with the fine, four-fendered friend, the introductory overture hit me like a wave of nostalgia.

Becky Lee Brun

For those unfamiliar with the much-loved story, we first meet children Jeremy and Jemima – following a flashback of Chitty winning the Grand Prix – in a ‘junkyard’ where owner Coggins has agreed to sell the former racecar for 30 shillings. The distraught children beg their father Caractacus Potts to help them save the car, cobbling together the money to purchase and restore the beloved motor. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, they end up on an adventure to far off lands. But, of course, the story is not without its villains getting in the way – baddies much more comedic than I recall from the original.

Directed by Thom Southerland, this production has it all, from Vulgarian spies and heroic toymakers, to flying sheds, child-loathing royals, busy fairgrounds and a sweet factory that delivers a Willy Wonka-style wonder. But bringing it all to lift in the most vibrant and imaginative way, is the wonderful star-studded cast.

Adam Garcia (Wicked, Coyote Ugly) was a perfect fit for Caractacus Potts, the eccentric and slightly scatterbrained inventor, bringing charm and warmth to the immediately loveable character. His playful interactions with his on-stage children, Jemima (Melody Caruana) and Jeremy (Huxley Syers) were incredibly heartwarming, particularly when singing You Two and Hushabye Mountain, where Garcia’s vocals were particularly spellbinding. There was a playfulness to his character in energetic dance routines like Me Ol’ Bamboo – though I was hoping to see more of his tap-dancing talents in this particular number – but there was also a more vulnerable side to Potts’ character, especially when it came to Truly Scrumptious, whose name it’s almost impossible to say without singing the lullaby-like number from the score.

Ellie Nunn’s Truly brought more sass and spirit to the role than I remember from the film. Her portrayal felt modern, sharp, and confident, providing a strong, independent role model for Jemima and Jeremy – both of whom are confident young actors in their own right, bringing an innocence to the story, while holding their own with their impressive vocals.

Drag Race star The Vivienne, was fantastic as the Childcatcher, transforming the sinister character into something iconic, while Emmerdale’s Liam Fox, delivered a wonderfully loveable Grandpa Potts. But the true comedic highlights were the Vulgarians, Boris and Goran, played by Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph. The spies’ bumbling attempts to steal the magical car were a hit with the audience, with much innuendo going over the heads of younger audience members. Meanwhile, the Baron and Baroness (Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner) made a perfect pair, generating laughter with their Chu Chi Face routine and eccentric antics.

Becky Lee Brun

The songs, written by the Sherman Brothers, prove time and again that they’re totally timeless – and this production did them full justice. Classics like Toot Sweets and, of course, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang were utterly brilliant, with the choreography to match.

The show’s special effects were nothing short of spectacular. The standout, of course, was Chitty herself. The magnificent car not only looked the part, but it really did feel as though it had a mind and personality of its own – and seeing this famous car lift off the ground was absolutely breathtaking.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is without doubt one of the best productions I’ve seen in 2024. From its laugh-out-loud comedic moments to the incredible special effects and standout performers, this musical is pure magic. It’s rare for a show that can appeal to such a wide age range, whether you’re going for nostalgia or seeing it for the first time, but Chitty Chitty Bang Bang really nails it. The musical is on at The Regent Theatre until Sunday, October 27 with tickets available from £22 here.

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