Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Curve, Leicester Review

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

Reviewed by Katy Nettleton

As the curtain rose at The Curve Theatre in Leicester, it was immediately apparent that “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” was going to be a special experience. Running from the 5th to the 9th of November, this fresh take on the well-loved classic mixes a sense of nostalgia with imaginative staging, creating an atmosphere that captivates audiences young and old alike. The director and production team have infused the show with vibrant lights, contemporary sounds, and an infectious party vibe, breathing new life into this iconic 1960s tale. It truly is a joyful blend of musical theatre’s best elements, enhanced by remarkable technical creativity.

The storyline, which follows the whimsical escapades of Caractacus Potts and his children, does take a little while to hit its stride. While the opening scenes are richly detailed, they felt a bit stretched, and I noticed some younger audience members struggling to keep their focus. But as the plot deepens and Caractacus’s fantastical journey unfolds, the show bursts into life, making the wait worthwhile.

One of the standout features of the production is the 27 magnificent songs woven into the story. Each song feels like a crucial thread in the enchanting narrative. Adam Garcia, as Caractacus Potts, is utterly charming, blending heart and humour in a way that captures the audience’s heart from the very start. His interactions with Jemima, portrayed by Gracie Cochrane, and Jeremy, played by Roshan Thomson, were particularly touching. The chemistry between the trio adds warmth and joy to every scene.

Ellie Nunn shines as Truly Scrumptious—her voice is powerful and clear, resonating beautifully throughout the theatre. You could feel her magnetic presence on stage, and every note seemed perfectly delivered, adding grace to an already mesmerising cast.

A particularly noteworthy casting choice was The Vivienne as the infamous Child Catcher. Any initial doubts vanished quickly, as The Vivienne turned in a performance that was both captivating and sinister. She effortlessly combined classic villainy with a modern twist, creating a character that was both terrifying and humorous, commanding attention with fantastic timing.

And we can’t forget the car! It is a character all on its own, thanks to inventive staging that made it appear to “fly,” bringing gasps of delight from the audience. The staging team deserves a huge round of applause for capturing the sense of wonder and adventure central to the story.

This production offers everything: laughter, a hint of sadness, thrilling moments, dance numbers, and catchy tunes that linger in your mind long after the final curtain. By the end, the audience was on its feet, proving the talent and dedication of the cast and crew who brought this classic to life in such a vibrant, celebratory, and memorable way.

For anyone who loves musical theatre, this is definitely must-see. It’s a performance that highlights the magic of live theatre, the impact of a well-told story, and the joy that transcends generations. This is a five-out-of-five performance.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is running at The Curve Theatre until the 9th of November, and you can grab tickets at curveonline.co.uk. Don’t miss out on this 5-star experience!

Rating: 5/5

Prices range from £10 to £75

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang