Chitty Chitty Bang Bang At Alhambra Theatre Bradford Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Kat Harrison

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has flown into Bradford and is transporting audiences into the weird and wonderful world of the Potts Family. This musical offers two and a half hours of indulgent escapism. Leave your cares behind and become embroiled in an adventure that begins the moment the orchestra strikes up. That first note saw the excitement heighten and the audience’s elation come alive with hand clapping, head nodding and smiles of recognition. I’ve never seen such an eager audience ready to be pleased. And they most certainly were.

This all-singing, all-dancing feel good show with precise yet playful choreography, has some fabulous talent. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a heart warming hug of a show.

Knowing that Ian Fleming, famous for writing James Bond also penned Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a useful bit of quiz night knowledge. And whilst at first, the two stories seem oceans apart, it has to be said that like the 007 series, this fantastical children’s story features spies, dastardly villains and of course, a car to be admired and desired.

I say children’s story but the majority of the audience were big kids. I was surprised by the lack of children in the audience and instead the huge number of adults who have obviously enjoyed this tale throughout their lifetime. It is a show suitable for all and one that makes for an uplifting family outing.

The story sees inventor Caractacus Potts restoring a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children, Jemima and Jeremy. But this is no ordinary four wheel of a drive, this motor has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, the family float and fly off on a fantastical adventure to far off lands.

The story has a somewhat steady start and the first act offers a slow burn of information that sets the scene, building up to the manic main plot that only comes to fruition in the second act. The star of the show, the car named after the noise of its engine only makes her debut right at the end of act one. And I imagine it’s glorious. Technical troubles took the shine off her entrance on our visit with the safety curtain dropping just before she appeared. We had a similar experience when we went to see Bedknobs and Broomsticks. We’ve had both a flying bed and a flying car conk out on us. We might just be unlucky but it feels that such issues are always going to be a worry with shows that indulge in such high-tech props. That said, when Chitty did eventually make it to the stage, or should I say above it, the appreciative roar from the audience could be read that they understood this risk and it was worth it to be amazed by this stunning bit of kit. The overall flying car effect was magical and most impressive.

The set in comparison to the car just doesn’t match up. It feels like Chitty has taken centre stage and the cast have to get by with minimal props, mostly in the form of wooden boxes. The addition of pyrotechnics, miniature storytelling props, puppets and elaborate costumes aid the imagination and do add a little wow factor, but it did feel like everything came second to Chitty. Wrongly or rightly so. I love the film and the stage show just seems to lack some of the colour and chaos that the screen portrays so well, particularly noticeable in the sweet factory scene.

Speaking of the much-loved film, nothing quite makes me grin like the cheeky chappy characters Dick Van Dyke has played. I was hoping Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the Musical would have cast an equally charming lead. Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts didn’t quite give Dick a run for his money. Extremely likeable and clearly talented, Adam just made for a more everyday Caractacus than the excitable, eccentric character I expected. He certainly did shine in two of my favourite numbers, ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’ and ‘Doll on a music box’ – his dancing and movement skills telling a tale and evoking smiles across the auditorium. I love the funfair bamboo stick routine in the film and seeing a reworking of it live on stage was one of the highlights for me.

In terms of singing, there wasn’t a stand out performance and the whole show was just ‘nice’ – a word I was told to avoid in English classes at school but one that I feels sums up this production. That said, I loved all the songs (both ones from the film and new additions by The Sherman Brothers) and the performances of them. ‘Toot Sweets’, ‘Hushabye Mountain’, ‘Truly Scrumptious’ and of course the title song, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ had everyone swaying and toe-tapping along. The songs tell the story and the ensemble were all pitch perfect, and the choreography polished.

Sat in the stalls, I was surrounded by laughter, but the comedy just wasn’t for me. A lot of the jokes are designed to go over the kids’ heads but will still appeal to younger audience members through the actors’ physicality. Bumbling spies Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goran (Michael Joseph) emitted vibes of Gru and the Minions from the Despicable Me film franchise and whilst their jokes and delivery weren’t my cup of tea, I can’t deny the duo’s obvious chemistry and comic timing.

Another fantastic pair up is Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner who play The Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria, whose talents include the insertion of endless innuendo. The amount of adult content again surprised me but perhaps not the rest of the audience. Think I missed a memo.

A big shout out to The Potts children, Jemima and Jeremy, who barely have any time in the wings. There was a lot going on for them and they were true stars. Always lovely to see younger cast members giving their all, as was the case of The banished children of Vulgaria.

Two soap stars, Liam Fox (Emmerdale) as Grandpa Potts and Charlie Brooks (Eastenders) as the Childcatcher also took to the stage. I loved the fumbling fun Grandpa Potts brought to the show; the Childcatcher I wanted to love to hate but even my seven year old said, ‘She isn’t scary enough!’ The role was minimal and we wanted to see more. The show did at times feel slightly pantomime-esque and I think this could have been amplified. I’m not one who believes in audience participation during musicals, but I really wanted to boo the Childcatcher and deepen everyone’s dislike of the character!

To round up my review, I have to say this production will ensure Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remains a national treasure. It might not have been quite to my taste comedy wise but the cast is strong and slick. Everything was all very pleasant but I did want a little more fizz. The reactions of the audience and of course, the standing ovation have seen me feel justified in upping my own original 3.5 stars out of 5 to a solid…..

Rating: 4/5 stars

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang plays at The Bradford Alhambra until 22nd September 2024

Ticket Prices: £22.25 – £57.75

Visit
https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/chitty-chitty-bang-bang

Bradford Box Office: 01274432000

See tour details and prices at https://chittyontour.com