Review: Chitty goes with a Bang!
- Posted on December 5, 2006 4:35 PM
- 0 comments
By Donna Poynton
Having just come off the West End after a run of just over three years, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is about to embark on its first National Tour. The stage production of the 'fantasmagorical' MGM movie graced the stage at the London Palladium theatre and has been enjoyed by children from three to ninety-three! I was lucky enough to be one of those children!
Throughout Chitty's successful run on the West End, many celebrity performers have stepped into the rather worn-out shoes of Caractacus Potts, the creator of the famous car with the even more famous name. Past Potts' include Michael Ball, Jason Donovan and Gary Wilmot. The production I attended starred entertainer and comedian Brian Conley as the crackpot inventor.
Having never seen Conley perform live before, I was extremely impressed. Although Conley's voice is no match for that of Michael Ball, his sheer presence and the chemistry with his co-stars made him a superb Potts.
Conley was backed up by a multi-talented and equally energetic cast. Special mention must go to Louise Gold as the wonderful Baroness; spot-on comic timing and an astounding soprano voice, and to Alvin Stardust as the wicked Childcatcher. This role has also been played by other great household names including Stephen Gately, Paul O'Grady and Richard O'Brien. One of the most memorable moments of the show happens when the evil Childcatcher is left hanging above the audience in a gigantic net having been captured by the cast's lively (and noisy!) children!
However, the star of the show is of course Chitty herself! The second she is revealed to the audience in all her glory, the gasp from the younger spectators in particular, reminds me why this show has been such a hit.
There is so much magic is this production. From the 'flying' car to Potts' exploding hair-cutting machine to the Toymaker's delightful creations and the magnificent song and dance numbers 'Toot Sweets', 'Me Ol' Bamboo' and new additions 'Come to the Funfair' and 'The Bombie Samba'.
The sets are simple but ever effective and the costumes are fun and colourful. Visually, this show is stunning and the audience become so involved with the action; booing the bad guys and cheering on their favourites.
This is one not to be missed!
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