The new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical flies to Milton Keynes next week, and it promises to be a truly scrumptious production, writes Georgina Butler.
Chitty Chitty is back with a bang bang! The playful lyrics of the title song declare “we love you” and theatregoers of all ages will undoubtedly be flying high to hear about the return of this fun-filled family favourite.
When absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts restores an old racing car with the help of his children, Jemima and Jeremy, he has no idea it is capable of floating, flying and freewheeling. The family soon discovers that their fine vehicle possesses such magical powers and, joined by the delectable Truly Scrumptious, they end up on a fantastical adventure to far-off lands.
This revival is directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade) and choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing). Set and costume design is by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) and orchestration and musical supervision is by George Dyer (The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Billy Elliot).
Based on the much-loved 1968 film, which starred Dick Van Dyke and took inspiration from a classic children’s book by James Bond author Ian Fleming, the production is bursting with unforgettable songs. Audiences will be transported by timeless tunes such as ‘Toot Sweets’, ‘Hushabye Mountain’ and ‘Truly Scrumptious’, in addition to the catchy titular song.
Adam Garcia (42nd Street, ITV’s The Masked Dancer, Saturday Night Fever) leads the cast as Caractacus Potts.
He stars alongside Liam Fox (probably best known for playing the role of Dan Spencer on ITV’s Emmerdale) as Grandpa Potts and Charlie Brooks (best known as Janine on EastEnders and most recently onstage in The Ocean at the End of the Lane) as the Child Catcher.
Joining them are Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious, Martin Callaghan as Baron, Jenny Gayner as Baroness, Adam Stafford as Boris, Michael Joseph as Goran and John Macaulay as the Toymaker.
Young actors Gracie Cochrane, Isla Ither, Isabella Manning and Jasmine Nyenya are sharing the role of Jemima Potts. And the role of Jeremy Potts is shared by Ayrton English, Charlie McGuire, Roshan Thomson and Louis Wilkins.
The cast also includes Charlie Bishop, Ruaraidh Blackwood, Hadrian Delacey, Belle Kizzy Green, Tia Gyngell, Kirsty Ingram, Bibi Jay, Isabella Mason, Joe Press, Theo UK Rose, Molly Rees Howe, Callum Train and Luke Woollaston.
Running time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, including an interval.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 2 to Sunday 7 July.
Georgina Butler is an editor, a dance writer and a ballet teacher. Visit https://georginabutler.co.uk and follow her on Twitter @GeorginaLButler and Instagram @glbda
