Stepping out of the screen and onto the stage… the legendary Chitty Chitty Bang Bang took flight to a full house at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre, with the auditorium filled with adults and children.
I was transported back to childhood moments of nostalgia watching the great classic movie, now taken on stage. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang contains the best two-hour children’s classic you could hope for, with a marvellous magical flying automobile. There is lots of adventure, laughter, a nutty old grandpa, and a mean Baron and Baroness. And of course, some funny dances and a couple of moments when you have just got to cover your face and peek between your fingers….
It was wonderful, too, to be reminded of Commander Pott’s words (courtesy of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and James Bond author Ian Fleming), ‘Never say ‘NO’ to adventures. Always say ‘YES’, otherwise you will lead a dull life.’
The show was superbly crafted from beginning to end. It kicked off with the live orchestra behind a sing-along montage of melodies to get the audience into the groove. Hats off to all the talented actors, especially the delightful children of Caractacus Potts (played by Adam Garcia), Jemima Potts (played by Isla Ithier), and Jeremy Potts (played by Ayrton English). Each actor portrays a true resemblance to the characters from the original movie.
The Baron and Baroness sing the sexy ‘You’re my little Chu-chi face’ and ‘I’m your Teddy bear’ with humour and delight, but in a way perhaps not pitched only for the ears (or eyes) of children! The Childcatcher – Charlie Brooks – was booed and hissed at, just like a baddie in a panto, and played her role with just the right level of villainy.
The moment everyone was waiting for was Chitty taking flight. Wow! Incredible! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang elegantly floats as she is lifted into the sparkling skies, soaring and rotating into a fantasy world.
This was a night to be remembered, with a standing ovation from a full house.
Grab your tickets, as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is performing at the Churchill Theatre until Sunday 30th June 2024. Tickets here.
Zeenat Noorani, 27 June 2024
Bromley Buzz 