Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
A children’s classic story back at Kings Theatre Southsea! I was delighted to be asked to review Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on 14th April 2026, as it is one of my favourite and enduring musicals, which was first shown by MGM in 1968. I am very pleased to say that I certainly was not disappointed – the actors were all superb and the iconic car of the title was uplifting in every sense of the word!
This was an amateur production presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. It was directed by Jack Edwards; choreographed by Jacqueline Willis; music directed by Andrew Woodward, with lighting and sound by Mark Dymock and Rob Sarahs respectively. The original music and lyrics were by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman; adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams.
The excellent Band, which consisted of Conductor Andrew Woodford, Adam Blosse, Louise Helyer, Siobhan Cosgrove, Lucy Dellamura, Jen Flatman, Dan Carter, Mick Goulden, Dave Edwards, John Walker, Chris Black, Ronnie Flatman and George Tate were faultless and a perfect accompaniment for the performance.
There were many cast members in this production and many supporting roles, including the wardrobe team and stage crew; all of whom should be congratulated on such a well-honed and professional production.
The well-known story revolves around an impoverished eccentric widowed inventor, Caractacus Potts (Paul Clements), his two children Jeremy (Daniel Deboo) and Jemima (Logan Briant) and Grandpa Potts (Peter Colley). The children happily play in a broken-down ex-racing car outside a garage and try to persuade their father to buy it. The beautiful Truly Scrumptious (Stephanie Aves) arrives at the garage to get her motorbike fixed, where there is an instant spark between her and Caractacus. To raise money Caractacus takes his invention of a candy stick, “toot sweet” to Lord Scrumptious (Shaun Williamson), a sweet manufacturer, to raise money. The car is purchased and restored; named Chitty Chitty Bang Bang because of the noises the engine emits.
During a picnic at the beach Caractacus, his children and Truly are stranded as the tide comes in, but Chitty activates flotation devices and they escape. Baron Bomburst (John Bettesworth) from Vulgaria, sends his two inept spies Boris (Curtis McLennan) and Goran (Ben Irish) to steal Chitty. The spies kidnap Grandpa Potts and Chitty gives chase, sprouting wings and flying. The special effects of creating the illusion of Chitty flying up and over the stage was brilliant, with flashing lights and noise creating a magical atmosphere! In Vulgaria the Baron and his wife Baroness Bomburst (Andee Jordan) prepare for the Baron’s birthday party. A Toymaker (Shaun Williamson) protects the children from the Child Catcher (Matt Gibbins), whose job it is to get rid of the children and imprison them on the orders of the child-hating Baroness. The birthday party is in full swing with excellent choreographed dancing by the dancers and ensemble. Truly pretends to be a mechanical doll to distract the Baron and Baroness and in the chaos that ensures the Potts family and Truly escape back home to England and safety. The romance between Caractacus and Truly continues …
So many memorable songs were performed, including “Toot Sweets”, Hushabye Mountain”, “Truly Scrumptious”, “Me Ol’ Bam-Boo”, “Posh”, The Roses of Success”, “Chu-Chi Face” and of course “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. The audience joined in singing along with the cast enthusiastically. The vocal talent of all was superb, especially Caractacus (Paul Clements), Truly (Stephanie Aves), Grandpa (Peter Colley), Toymaker (Shaun Williamson), Baron (John Bettesworth) and Baroness (Andee Jordan). The Potts children are especially to be congratulated on their amazing performance, demonstrating an outstanding professionalism for their young age.
The production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is continuing between 15th April to 19th April 2026 inclusive at 19.00 with 13.30 matinee performances on 18th and 19th April 2026. Ticket prices start from £15.00 with concessions available. Approximate running time 2 hours 30 mins.
Do grab the opportunity to see this stunning production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang while you can – you will be delighted, mesmerised and truly impressed with the quality of acting, singing, dancing, stage set and special effects! Oh how I wish I could see it again!
Rating: 5 stars.
Box Office: 023 9282 8282; Box.office@kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Portsmouth, Southsea, PO5 2QJ
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang