Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Published Monday 16 February 2004 at 11:15 by Lisa Martland

Never work with children and animals, so the saying goes. Add special effects and most performers would be forgiven for running a mile. Yet the vast cast of this children’s classic, translated to the stage from its 1968 screen incarnation, embraces all the above to produce a winning combination.

Director Adrian Noble and Jeremy Sams - who has adapted and occasionally improved upon Ian Fleming’s original tale - face a challenge to bring such a wellloved movie to life. However, fans of the film will not be disappointed, while a new generation is likely to be captivated by the experience.

There are those who may be put off by the show’s pantomime quality - immediate boos greet Richard O’Brien’s Childcatcher, for example - but it often adds humour to those regular ingredients of musical theatre. Though what will ensure that this Chitty becomes a hit - beyond the inbuilt familiarity of its story and much of the Sherman brothers’ score - is how it looks.

Designer Anthony Ward has excelled himself. Twins Jeremy and Jemima climb the stairs to bunks at the top of their windmill home and the Heath Robinsonlike sweet-making machines at the Scrumptious factory are similarly enchanting. But the piece de resistance is the appearance of Chitty itself. Forget helicopters and chandeliers, this is breathtaking theatre magic.

Beyond all these special effects is an enthusiastic ensemble finely choreographed by Gillian Lynne. Michael Ball makes a pleasant Caractacus Potts, demonstrating genuine affection towards the children while sweetvoiced Emma Williams, as Truly, is impressive in her West End debut. Anton Rodgers is delightfully eccentric in the role of Grandpa, abducted in Act II by the great comic duo of Nichola McAuliffe and Brian Blessed’s Baroness and Baron Bomburst.

Sure, there are flaws, including a few contrived musical numbers but on the whole Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a lively and most welcome addition to the West End.

This show was reviewed prior to the website launch. A new review is pending.