Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Lyceum Theatre Sheffield

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

Reviewed by Lindsay Burton

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a delightful musical that captures the hearts of audiences of all ages. Based on the beloved 1968 film and the novel by Ian Fleming, this stage adaptation brings a whimsical and enchanting story to life with vibrant performances, catchy tunes, and stunning visual effects.

The story follows the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Adam Garcia), his two imaginative children Jemima (Gracie Cochrane) and Jeremy (Roshan Thomson), and the charming Truly Scrumptious (Ellie Nunn) as they embark on an adventure in their magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The characters are endearing and well-portrayed, with each actor bringing a unique charm to their role. We thoroughly enjoyed the children’s characters and was overall blown away by all the children in the cast – superb effort and very talented children growing up and keeping the future of theatre alive!

The villainous Baron Bomburst (Martin Callaghan) and his child hating other half, the Baroness (Jenny Gayner) and their henchmen add a touch of humour and excitement, making the narrative engaging and dynamic.

The musical numbers are a highlight, featuring timeless songs like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Hushabye Mountain,” and “Toot Sweets.” The choreography is lively and well-executed, with large ensemble numbers that fill the stage with energy and joy – even the fair scene which wasn’t taken up by physical set pieces but still felt as busy and lively as one can imagine when at the fair. The music, composed by the Sherman Brothers, is both nostalgic and uplifting, perfectly complementing the whimsical nature of the story.

The set design is nothing short of magical, with intricate details that transport the audience to various fantastical locations. The star of the show, the flying car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is a marvel of stagecraft, creating moments of awe and wonder – my 15 year old was mesmerised with the “how” the car was staying up in the air. The special effects, including the car’s flight, are seamlessly integrated and add to the overall enchantment of the production. Boris (Adam Stafford) and Goran (Micheal Joseph) do make a very funny and very well suited pair and with some tongue in cheek moments, making the roles their very own and feeding off each other’s energy. We very much enjoyed the portrayal of Grandpa Potts (Liam Fox) flying over the ocean followed closely by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and it’s four occupants.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is a heart warming and entertaining musical that offers a perfect blend of adventure, humour, and nostalgia. It’s a show that leaves the audience humming its tunes long after the curtain falls. Whether you’re a fan of the original film or new to the story, this musical adaptation is sure to delight and inspire. The show is currently showing at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield and will be running until Saturday the 1st March 2025. Tickets start from £15 and can be purchased from www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is a must-see for families and musical theatre enthusiasts alike. Its captivating story, memorable music, and impressive production make it a truly magical experience.

We thoroughly enjoyed this production, we rate it as 5/5!

Rating: 5/5