Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Winter Gardens Blackpool Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Cath Joyce
A flying car, a dastardly baron, and a musical that leaves you grinning like a Cheshire cat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has landed at Blackpool Winter Gardens, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. Based on the beloved 1968 film and Ian Fleming’s classic story, this production delivers all the nostalgia, magic, and charm you’d hope for, with dazzling performances and stunning effects that bring the fantasy story to life. From the first note to the final bow, it’s pure theatre magic.
At the heart of the story is eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, portrayed wonderfully by Adam Garcia. Potts is a dreamer with a knack for quirky inventions that don’t always go as planned. When his children, Jeremy and Jemima, fall for an old race car in desperate need of repair, Potts buys it for them before working his magic and transforming it into Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a gleaming automobile with a mind of its own. What begins as a family outing quickly turns into a high-stakes adventure filled with peril, humour, and heroics, as they face off against the evil Baron Bomburst, the sinister Child Catcher, and a host of other colourful characters.
Ellie Nunn shines as Truly Scrumptious delivering a delightful mix of charm, humour, and vocal brilliance. Her performance of ‘Doll on a Music Box’ left the audience spellbound, her voice crisp, clear, and full of emotion. Liam Fox brings a lovable energy to Grandpa Potts, skilfully capturing the humour and quirks of the character with nods to Lionel Jeffries’ original film portrayal.
Adding a generous dose of comedy are Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph as the bumbling Vulgarian spies, Boris and Goran. Their over-the-top antics, exaggerated accents, and impeccable timing had the audience roaring with laughter every time they appeared on stage. Special mention must also go to the young actors playing Jeremy and Jemima Potts, who were utterly charming and delivered impressive vocals and acting throughout.
It’s hard to pick a favourite scene as they were all excellent but we especially enjoyed the lively fairground scene, where the cast delivered a high-energy performance of ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’. The choreography was spectacular, with intricate, fast-paced moves that had the audience clapping along in delight.
It’s nice to see a show with such a great set, which transitions seamlessly from Caractacus’s workshop to the seaside and on to the ominous land of Vulgaria. The visual highlight, of course, is the flying car and when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang takes to the air, it’s nothing short of jaw-dropping. The flying sequences are so skilfully done, it looked like the car was really flying.
Packed with humour, fantasy, and unforgettable music, this production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a must-see for audiences of all ages this Christmas. Featuring all the classic songs, from ‘Toot Sweets’ to ‘Hushabye Mountain’ and of course the infectious ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ theme, it’s an absolutely brilliant show. Whether you’re a long time fan or discovering Chitty for the first time you’ll have an unforgettable night of entertainment that will leave you singing and smiling all the way home.
Rating: 5/5
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at Blackpool Opera House until Saturday 29th December 2024.
Tickets cost from £23.20
For more information or to book tickets visit: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 770 0593
Website: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Winter Gardens Blackpool, Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 1HU