AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
TW: Strobe lighting, Haze, Smoke, Low Fog, Gun Shots, Pyros and replica weapons.
An upbeat production of a classic musical.
Based on the MGM motion picture film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flies into Sheffield's Lyceum Theatre for the next two weeks. This brand-new production of the classic 1968 movie musical, creates a lovely family night at the theatre.
This family musical follows, inventor Caractacus Potts who turns a what was once an old racing-car into a remarkably magic one. But the car is wanted by the Baron of Vulgaria, and soon enough Caractacus, the children Jemima and Jeremy, plus Truly Scrumptious all find themselves in the land of Vulgaria to find and save the magical car.
Adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams (with licensed script by Ray Roderick) music and lyric by The Sherman Brothers (Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman), Choreography by Karen Bruce and direction by Thom Southerland. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a family musical to be enjoyed, though for me Act 1 felt like it needed a little more pace, which was delivered in Act 2.
Directed by Thom Southerland, Southerland creates what is fun but also effective direction, such as at the start of the show when we see the cars racing in the "Grand Prix" giving a great visual and background of the car that is soon to been "Chitty". Southerland also directs with some good physical comedy which gets laughs from audience members. Most of the comedy direction came from spies Boris and Goran (played by Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph) who both have great comedic timing and bounce off each other resulting in creating a comical duo of characters. Southerland's direction has energy, though some of the moments between the three (Jemima, Jeremy and Caractacus) played by Gracie Cochrane, Roshan Thomson and Adam Garcia for me needed a little more to show the love between the three. Southerland's decision on having a little miniature Chitty being pulled across the stage and a shed on a stick float across the stage to show various moments of the show such as the family landing in Vulgaria or rescuing Grandpa Potts, added to the overall lively direction bringing laughs from the audience and worked really well from its comparison big flying and also floating spectacle, which yes, is cleverly and fantastically directed and shows real joy. Southerland's direction has a lot from fun-ness, to comedy to also impressive big spectacles. Southerland also creates a sense of location from making great use of Morgan Large's set design and the wooden moveable boxes in majority of the scenes, which created locations such as the sweet factory and showing the underground in the toy shop.
With a book by Jeremy Sams, Sams adapts this well-known classic very well, writing comedically but also charming characters such as Boris and Goran and also the Baron and Baroness (Played by Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner) ,though really we probably shouldn't really like these characters, but it's hard not to due to the comedy written for them. Sams writes characters such as Caractacus as wanting to do the best for Jemima and Jeremy and it really shows within the dialogue. Sams' book is simple with dialogue not being overly complex, for me personally I would of liked a little more, though it does show off the themes of the show such as adventure and family really well throughout. Sams creates loveable moments for characters Jemima and Jeremy writing them full of energy and bringing out that they are always ready for adventure, and sweet moments between Caractacus and Truly Scrumptious (played by Ellie Nunn). Sams plays around with this classic and adapts it to make it funny, but also light-hearted with also writing a slight hint of darkness during the scenes of the Child Catcher (Played by Callum Train). There's moments to be enjoyed within the script such as The Fair and during when we meet Lord Scrumptious, and various moments between both of the duos Boris and Goran and Baron and Baroness. Overall Sams' book is well written and will certainly be loved by fans of the original film.
Music and lyrics by The Sherman Brothers who are no strangers in creating joyful catchy and also well-known songs, and they both do the same here. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang's score is cheerful and from the audiences reaction on the overture and during the finale is clap along-able and also toe tapping. The Sherman Brothers write a sweet and a quite calm number in "Hushabye Mountain" during act one but then in the same act write a comedic number for "Act English" and then to a high energy fast paced number "Me Ol' Bamboo". There is a range of styles of songs in this show which work well, with definitely catchy lyrics written for them. The Sherman Brothers skilful writing is admired bringing joy to audiences throughout each number.
Adam Garcia plays Caractacus Potts, Garcia gives a pleasing performance. Vocally Garcia gives a sweet rendition of 'Hushabye Mountain', while also giving a great performance during the 'Me Ol Bamboo' greatly displaying the tricky and energetic choreography by Karen Bruce well. Garcia shows the love for Jemima and Jeremy and is trying to do the best for the whole family to a good level throughout, and has a nice connection with Ellie Nunn (Truly Scrumptious). All in all Garcia's performance is an enjoyable watch.
Children performers, Gracie Cochrane and Roshan Thomson showed professionalism and great talent throughout from both showing great characters.
Ellie Nunn displays a delightful performance of Truly Scrumptious, with vocally being lovely and showing a nice connection to Cochrane, Thomson and Garcia. The four all share some lovely moments together and show a nice bond between them all, which create lovely scenes.
Spies Adam Stafford and Michael Joseph, Baron and Baroness Martin Callaghan and Jenny Gayner have the audience laughing throughout their time on stage. Whether this was physical and spoken comedy both pairs worked well together, while Callum Train takes on the role of the Child Catcher with brilliant physicality and characterisation.
Choreography by Karen Bruce is energetic and is well delivered by the cast Bruce's choreography is entertaining and is a great watch. Set design by Morgan Large is somewhat simple using moveable wooden boxes which was used in many of the scenes to create a sense of location resulted in being really effective, and Large's costumes were brilliant.
This new production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is clever in its design and has a talented cast too. You will see a flying car, hear some well written songs and have a great time watching this show, but for me personally it needed a bit more pacing in Act 1, but it didn't stop me enjoying the show. The cast at the end of the paid a lovely tribute and dedicated the performance and all performances in Sheffield to The Vivienne, which created a lovely response from the audience.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has something for everyone!
★★★★
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang plays at the Sheffield Lyceum theatre until the 1st of March.
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